Lust for Love

While we wait for Joss Whedon's own scifi/romance movie "In Your Eyes," those of us who have become enamored of the many talented actors he has worked with and whose careers he has cultivated over the years have something to watch. "Lust For Love" is a Kickstarter-funded, Web-based (so far) project that reunites several of the cast members of Whedon's short-lived but brilliant TV series "Dollhouse" -- Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman, Enver Gjokaj, Miracle Laurie, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Felicia Day. They obviously became close during their "Dollhouse" experience, and that closeness just as obviously carries over into this delightful rom-com.

I'll be honest and state that I'm probably too old to appreciate this movie. It seems aimed at an audience 20-somethings, and as such I would say that it succeeds admirably. Kranz is tremendous as the nebbishy Astor, hoping beyond hope to get back together with the narcissistic girl of his dreams Mila (played by non-Whedon-alum Beau Garrett). Towards this end he secures the services of Mila's ex-best friend Cali (played superbly by Dichen Lachman, who also co-produced this film). Much embarrassment and dating horror ensue, almost all of it portrayed with heart, and a fairly light heart at that. This is not one of those cynical movies about dating and romance.

It was great to see many of the "Dollhouse" actors together again, and those who loved them will probably be the first audience for this film. But I thought that the film (written and directed by first-timer Anton King) has merits of its own, and I hope it reaches a wider audience. I suspect that it could stand on its own among the classics of young-people romance films, up there with "Say Anything."

I'm proud to have been a Kickstarter backer for this movie, it turned out to be everything I'd hoped it would be. As a dedicated fan of Joss Whedon's for over a decade, it was both exciting and fulfilling to see so many of my favorite actors reunited for this gem of a romantic comedy. The fact that the writers and actors put so much time and effort into creating this film given the budget restraints truly shows their passion for storytelling and makes watching it all the more rewarding. The writing was witty, creative, and honest as it looked at the complicated world of dating and love. The chemistry between the cast helped bring the characters to life from the beginning of the film, making me laugh and sympathize with them along the way. Lust for Love is a definite must see...

Lets start with the bad things. The story is recycled to the point of not even being funny. Not going to get into details not to be spoiler-y, but I can think of at least a dozen movies since the 80s (including one from John Hughes), which tell pretty much the same story. Oh, did I say bad thingS? I meant mediocre thing. Singular.

The casting is first class. I mean, not only we are filled with Joss Weadon alumni, as a bonus we get Caitlin Stasey. The production is simple but effective. Directing is one of the finest. Acting, also first class.

Lust for Love is a recycled love story, which would ordinarily make is a B movie even for an indie. However, the overall qualify of the movie; and yes, even the take on the story, recycled or not, make it something you definitely should watch.

Watched this chic flick because I had watched Franz Kranz in 'Murder of a Cat', which I loved. But here Franz falls flat in this over long story of Astor chasing the wrong girls.

From the start the viewer can easily see that Hazel (I think that was her name) is the one he loves but director Anton King squeezes as much as he can out of the confused Astor. The funny bits are average at best and just helps to keep the easy story moving. I didn't find any of the characters believable and became impatient for the obvious end of who Astor will be with.

The only plus I can give Lust for Love is the 'eye candy' in a few scenes!

Astor (Fran Kranz) has a crush on Mila (Beau Garrett) since the age of four. After one drunken night, she starts going out with him. His clingy obsessive romantic ways irk her. After breaking up, he seeks the help of her former friend Cali (Dichen Lachman).

This indie has some intriguing actors, several of them gorgeous women. There are probably a few too many beautiful women. Fran Kranz is a good nerdy lead. Dichen Lachman doesn't really project sexual chemistry with him. The addition of Caitlin Stasey muddles the romantic chemistry unnecessarily. Beau Garrett has a great climatic scene and makes a compelling point. In the end, this indie has a surprisingly good cast and the muddled rom-com does have a point of view. The dialog is a little clunky romanticism at times. It's a close call which gets a pass due to its appealing actors.