The Pretty One

I think directing a feature length film is a hard thing to get right. And near misses don't get the credit they deserve. Janee LaMarque's first feature is a very charming case in point. If you love film, you take some sincere efforts like The Pretty One for the beautiful offering that it is. LaMarque scripted a heart wrenching and provocative story and wrangled some impressive actors but . . . I take it back-there is no but. This film is what the joy of filmmaking is about. Making something relatable and very human in scale that somehow makes you feel, "thank god I didn't miss this movie, cuz then I wouldn't have this really great new set of friends" - or something close to that. Go with someone special, but make sure they love movies.

...do I need to say more? I feel like that should be enough. Fine. More. Her best movie? No, but I gave it a 9 to offset the mouth breathers (NO NUDITY--SUX)...but, while I feel it's not her best by a long shot, I doubt many others could have pulled off the premise and its attendant consequences. Bonus, John Carroll Lynch (look him up), veteran character actor, is asked for so much more in this film than I've seen asked of him before...and he delivers. There's an intense scene near the end...it's honestly worth the price of admission. Didn't know he had it in him. Watch it. You won't be disappointed.

Not your average "rom-com". I respect that the director made an attempt to steer her image in a different direction. It was awkward at times, but thats not necessarily a bad thing considering Zoe Kazan acts it out well. If I could I would rate it 6.5, but I cannot and I thought that it deserved more credit than a 6. I am personally in love with Kazan so maybe I am being lenient on the movie, but come on how can you not love Ruby Sparks Overall the movie could be a bit weird at times and the concept is hard to wrap your mind around considering she is impersonating her dead sister, but if you don't fall in love with Kazan and Johnson than you should probably go back to watching your Nicolas Sparks films.

Zoe Kazan and Jake Johnson are stunning in this film!

A quirky gem in the vein of Safety Not Guaranteed, Ruby Sparks, Drinking Buddies, Enough Said and The Spectacular Now. Although the storyline may be a bit out there, it is very believable and enjoyable.

There are some poignant moments that are beautifully portrayed and you can relate to many of the characters in some way.

The Perfect One is worth the watch.

p.s. I loved the wardrobe they used in this film, think Girls meets Pretty Little Liars. I was upset there weren't more special features on the DVD!

Zoe Kazan is the most underrated actress for a long time now. Just because she looks like the girl next door and very down to earth, most critics overlook her. She is in the same league and predicament as Jessica Chastain.