Remember Yesterday

I might be biased for many reasons... 1. Who doesn't love a complicated love story? 2. I fell in love in middle school. 3. Wilmington NC, where I now reside, is all over this film.

The film uses primarily Wilmington talent, and there's an abundance here. Over the years, I've seen most of these actors on stage and in other films. Watching them tell this story was a pleasure.

For actors to shine, you need a compelling script and a compassionate director. These actors all blew me away. Seemingly simple scenes were nuanced; grounded in the characters' relationships, allowing the story to take you on a layered journey.

Mundane and unique, harsh and gentle, serious and silly, it's all there. I won't spoil it for you; enjoy the ride!

IN A NUTSHELL: Ever think you'd get a second chance? Ever think you'd get two? Jenny Hill was a BIG star...in her hometown, but she gave it all up. Could she get a second chance at love and theatre...20 years later? When diner owner Jenny Hill's childhood sweetheart returns home to direct a new film project, her once-stable life is turned upside down. She finds herself face to face with the possibility of a second chance at the life she had once longed for; performing on stage and being in love. But is that what's been missing in her life? Confusion, misdirection, and an old secret come to life...Will that put an end to Jenny's fairy tale?

REMEMBER YESTERDAY was written and directed by actor turned first-time filmmaker J. R. Rodriguez, and produced by Jonathan Landau (The Devil's Stomping Ground). The romantic comedy stars Jana Allen and Adrian Monte in breakout performances. The rom-com has already won the "Multi-Dimension" award from the Independent Film Festival.

THINGS I LIKED: The movie takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina where a lot of the local talent was used. I hadn't seen any of the actors in anything before but some of them had some natural talent.

I always get a kick out of movies that show how movies are made. I think it would be super fun to be a location scout for movies. Free travel, right?

Some of the characters are entertaining.

We get to see some of the charms of small-town living and it makes you wonder what it would be like to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: There are some stiff acting and dialogue moments.

One of the running gags that are supposed to be funny is how drunk everyone gets all of the time. Not funny.

There's a scene in a bar where a pianist plays the same notes over and over again. She proudly announces she's drunk, so maybe that's why, eh?

The conversation among the young dancers about controlling men was just awkward.

Unfortunately, I didn't feel much genuine chemistry between the two leads.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: A guy constantly bums money off of his sister.

A LOT of people get drunk. Lots of talk of booze, bar scenes, and conversations about alcohol.

Talk of infidelity Some profanity.

Two of the characters are gay, which sparks quite a few conversations among the characters.

We see a shirtless man.

A woman flips the bird.

The casting is well done for the wide array of characters that mesh well together. The location is beautiful and it's nice that it wasn't a perfect love story where everything goes smoothly all the time. Plenty of laughs throughout, overall an entertaining watch that does a great job of portraying life in a small town where your business is never just your own.

Let me preface my remarks by stating clearly that I am a big fan of the mega blockbuster superhero and apocalyptic genre. That being said, it is so refreshing to sit in a theatre and enjoy watching a love story set against the backdrop of a beautiful southern town. Wilmington, NC has long been a sought after filming location for its historic downtown, waterfront and beautiful architecture. All of which is showcased in remember Yesterday giving it a true sense of place. The story centers on a recently divorced cafe owner Jenny (Jana Allen) who has settled in to a routine and given up on her dreams of being a performer. One day her old love John (Adrian Monte) who, has gained much success appears in the diner while scouting locations for a film he plans to direct. The rekindling of their romance is helped along by a talented group of actors portraying family and friends. Standouts include Rick Forrester, Denise Bass and Katie Deese. The film has the feel of watching real slice of life. A modern "Our Town". The dialogue feels simple and truthful and the cast gives fully fleshed and nuanced performances. In the end we learn that we can let those we love go to grow, but that often after seeing the world there is no place like home. Remember yesterday is a sweet and funny love story that deserves to be seen.

I am always looking for cute, clean movies. This could have been cute but terribly boring and the acting was below average, across the board, and I am being kind. I would not recommend this movie, too many options out there, even on the Hallmark channel! I assumed with each minute the movie would pick up or something special would happen but never did. The many drinking acts did not display any type of outreach, which was disappointing. When stories represent people with addictions, I wish the story would also show methods or options of recovery ( outreach)...many opportunities in this movie and it was missed.