101 Ways (The Things a Girl Will Do to Keep Her Volvo)

101 Ways is the most original comedy I've seen in quite some time and an impressive debut for writer/director Jennifer Katz. I loved it! It's always refreshing to see a romantic comedy from woman's perspective and Wendy Hoopes' Watson is one of the most honest and original heroines in recent memory. Katz has a unique ability to playfully skewer her targets without descending into cynicism. The film's humorous but believable situations build to realistic climax that leaves you feeling great without being sugary sweet. Katz makes good use of a great ensemble cast and Connecticut locations. Highly recommended.

"101 Ways..." is the perfect movie for those who can handle the shock that there's more to romantic comedies than Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Love's long and winding road has more speed bumps than E-Z Passes.

What makes "101 Ways..." special is that it's a story of a small town girl with big city dreams-or is it a big city girl with small town dreams-trust me-the lead's a girl (Watson) and there is a dream sequence (the hottest supermarket checkout you'll likely see). Where was I? What makes this movie special are all the unique characters Watson comes across as she tries to find Zen in love, job, and car ownership.

From the over protective mother to a fatherly police officer. From a gigolo pilot and a lovelorn cop. From a crappy job to even crappier jobs. Watson encounters a cast of characters-some so special they could even warrant their own film-and quirky situations that she struggles through in funny and surprising ways.

One last note. Kudos to the filmmaker for a making an independent film that doesn't take place in NYC or LA and doesn't involve guns. This film is a refreshing change of pace.

Being from the area where this film was shot, it was even more entertaining for me to watch this great comedy and hear people shouting out "Look, it's Wentworth's" and the like. However, it's at the Supermarket checkout counter that this film really shines, with highly memorable scenes that had me laughing out loud. Glenn Fitzgerald plays a fine checkout clerk, and Catherine Mueller is spot on as a somewhat sulky bagger who avoids eye contact. Wendy Hoopes as the main angst-ridden gal who has left the big city in search of a better life will appeal to all younger adults who have been in a similar situation, but it's in the incidental character 'cameos' that you feel this film is special. Occasional throw-away lines show up that are absolutely hysterical and can almost pass you by so pay attention.

I look forward to seeing something else soon from the same director/writer.

I viewed 101 Ways at a screening in Manhattan and enjoyed every second of it! It's a cleverly written, light hearted story with characters whose plights almost every young adult can relate to. The witty dialogue and subtle humor make you laugh out loud. The script and the acting is refreshingly funny and the film is thoroughly enjoyable! I loved it!

This is definitely one of those movies I call "entertaining"; nothing heavy or prophetic, just NICE actors with a NICE story to share with the viewer. Sit back and relax with this one. Don't make a big sacrifice to see it, and don't expect a strong comedy out of it either-just fun.