Love on the Side

Eve Stuckley (Marla Sokoloff) is a waitress and the owner of a diner in Squamish. She pines for Jeff Sweeney (Barry Watson) but he doesn't notice. Alma (Jennifer Tilly) is a fellow waitress who is dating funeral director Red (Dave Thomas). Just when Eve is about to do something about Jeff, outsider Linda Avery (Monika Schnarre) walks into the diner catching Jeff's attention. Linda is staying at the Sweeney Inn. She shocks Eve by making out with her. The bisexual Linda sets off competing love interests. Jeff and Eve's brother Chuck battle for her attention.

Sokoloff is adorable. The only thing is that she's can't sell being fat. Linda could have been a very limited character but she turns out to be quite interesting. On the hand, Jeff is much less interesting. I can live with a wacky Jennifer Tilly. Pairing her up with a wacky Dave Thomas is a little too much. It's a low budget Canadian rom-com but it does take a few compelling turns. It's not top-level production but it's worth a look.

4 September 2010. A suggestion of A DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006) along with a echoes of SIMPLY RESISTIBLE (1999) and slight reflections of YOU GOT MAIL (1998). this romance movie that is flavored with a faint taste of comedy and humor, a brush stroke of more serious drama than most comedy dramas, and some elements of substantive thought, LOVE ON THE SIDE has a flourish of captivating thoughtful charm headlined by unknown actors, except Jennifer Tilly, who only co-stars in this movie. While the plot outline is a bit confusing in regards to who is running after who and the subplot of a classy, business woman with a hidden agenda in some tome is pretty generic, the delivery and presentation of the story is more than average and is carried off decently and with heartfelt competency.

I just saw this at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It was refreshing to see a movie filmed in Canada that was actually set in Canada -- in Squamish no less. However, the movie was nothing to write home about. I've seen five movies so far in the festival and this was the least original. It was entertaining and had a few twists on the usual small-town romantic comedy, but in the end was somewhat formulaic.

The movie centres around Eve, a waitress in a small-town diner who has pined for the local football star for years while he barely notices her. She worries about her weight and wonders if anyone will ever really love her. Enter Linda, a leggy blonde from the big city who puts things in motion.

Eve is a waitress in a small town. She lives at home with her brother and doesn't have the money to shake things up. Despite being a talented artist and a quietly beautiful and thoughtful girl, a gentleman named Jeff does not give her the time of day. That is, until the day Linda shows up. She is a tall, gorgeous female businesswoman who makes all of the local gentlemen pant. Including Jeff. But, Linda is not interested in the male gender, she has her eye on Eve. Suddenly, in a strange twist of fate, Jeff finds himself looking at Evie in a different way. Is it possible for Eve to acquire what she has most wanted in life? This is a movie that has no tendencies to be sensational but which still may offend those looking for a nice little love story. The lesbian angle is hidden somewhere in the fine print of the box's cover and one may pick it up, thinking it is just a typical love triangle. But, its not. That said, it is truly has a sweet tale to tell, without shoving anyone's preferences in the viewer's face. The actors are all give nice performances, the script is thoughtful and original, and the costumes/settings are quite appealing. Jennifer Tilly and Dave Thomas are on hand to make things lively and funny, even as the story takes a serious turn. If you would be uncomfortable watching a movie with a few homosexual situations, you should avoid this film, yes. But, at its center, this is truly a love story between a man and a woman. For those who are always clamoring for more love dramas, this is an optional choice for an evening, with much to offer its audience.

Love on the Side (a.k.a Deluxe Combo Platter - according to my DVD) is actually a pleasant surprise. Sure it doesn't match up with romantic comedies like Harold & Maude, and There's Something About Mary, but seriously, what romantic comedy does now-a-days? It's unfortunate that this movie isn't well known because it could've became really popular, or it could've been one of those indies which lies on the movie store shelf for ages. I say if you find it, watch it. It's not for all tastes because some scenes drag on too long but you could say its part of its charm. I recommend this film to romantic comedy lovers or if you've seen it and looking for another film similar to this, I recommend Mambo Italiano. Take a slice, relax and enjoy.