And Mrs

"And Mrs," the 2024 romantic dramedy, falls into the category of films that leave you with mixed feelings. While it has moments of charm, it often suffers from a lack of energy and depth, making the overall experience somewhat flat and occasionally boring.

The story, which tries to blend romance and drama, often feels too predictable and meandering. Pacing is a significant issue here; there are moments where scenes drag on, losing the viewer's attention. Some parts feel stretched without adding much to character development or plot progression.

That said, the film is not without its merits, and much of its appeal comes from Billie Lourd's performance. She brings a spark to her role that elevates an otherwise mediocre script. Lourd manages to carry the emotional weight of the film with grace and charisma, making her character the most engaging aspect of the story. Her nuanced portrayal is one of the few reasons to keep watching, and it's safe to say the majority of my 6/10 rating is owed to her talent.

In conclusion, while "And Mrs" has its flaw, it's still somewhat redeemable thanks to Billie Lourd's standout performance. For those looking for a light, if sometimes slow, romantic watch, it might be worth a try. But don't expect too much.

A fresh romantic comedy directed by Daniel Reisinger and penned by Melissa Bubnic takes a contemporary approach, reflecting the latest cultural shifts. The mention of Soros in the credits sheds light on the underlying influences at play. Marketed as a charming and humorous exploration of grief and everlasting love, this film challenges the notion that death is a taboo subject. Reisinger's AND MRS skillfully employs humor to navigate a challenging premise. After the sudden death of her fiancé, Gemma finds herself torn between her hesitations about marriage and her overwhelming sorrow. When she learns of an obscure law permitting posthumous weddings, she and her estranged future sister-in-law embark on a quest for an extraordinary solution. However, complications arise...

Aisling Bea delivers a standout performance as Gemma, and the film offers several thought-provoking quotes that linger long after viewing.

It's been a while since I've seen a film at the movies that had that classic blend of humor and drama, striking a perfect balance between heartfelt moments and lighthearted comedy. The characters felt so genuine, their emotions raw and relatable, which made it easy to get completely invested in their journeys. There were times when the tension or sorrow of a scene had me on the edge of my seat, really feeling for what they were going through, and then, just when it felt like the emotions were about to peak, a burst of humor would land and lighten the mood. Some of those comedic moments were so well-timed, I found myself cackling a bit too loud, unable to hold back my laughter. It reminded me of how films can take us through a rollercoaster of emotions, leaving you both touched and entertained by the time the credits roll.

"And Mrs." is dedicated to the grievers and the grieving. So from someone who grieves, "Thank you, everyone, who worked on this movie!" One of the characters says in the film that love is eternal. This is so true. People's spirits are with us long after those people have passed on. May we always treasure the love people have given us. I also especially appreciated the writing, the integrity of the characters, and the humour. Didn't hurt to have an American TV love song at the center of the movie (that is, the Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You"). Wonderful to see one of Tom Hanks' sons and Carrie Fisher's daughter in action. (If a fan of Fisher, I recommend reading Billie Lourd's quotes, particularly the one where she says she had 3 parents). And remember on Trivia Night: no googling the answers!

There is such an abundance of terrible films lately. Either no story to speak of, or an ok idea but executed extremely poorly. Most of them feel like money laundering schemes instead of films.

But every now and then, there is still one that gives me hope, and shows that some people still know how movies should be made.

I enjoyed And Mrs from start to finish, I shed some tears, got angry, and laughed very hard. The story, as simple as it was, kept me engaged, the humour was alive and mostly adorable, and Aisling Bea felt very genuine, carrying the movie with ease.

Was it a perfect movie? Not by a long shot. There's a long list of movies that I love with a passion and think they are better than this one. Not every movie needs to be The Shawshank Redemption or Steel Magnolias. This one, I probably would not watch every weekend, but I sure had fun watching it once, and probably would give it another go some time later.