O Jogo do Amor - Ódio

One doesn't tune in to movies like this for the plot, or some earthshaking message. This isn't Hemmingway, or Tolstoy, and the reviews that trash flicks like this are easily ignored.

This Rom-Com follows the same cookie-cutter plot formula one sees on Hallmark, but the writing and execution are far more adult, and the character interactions haven't been sanitized into oblivion. This isn't a movie for children or grandma, due to the inclusion of R-rated language and the sexual content, although that is not gratuitous or graphic in any sense.

The chemistry between the leads is present, so by comparison, that clearly shines. You'll find much deeper chemistry elsewhere, but the mere presence of a somewhat realistic connection between the leads makes this flick shine when compared to the dull, wooden exchanges one finds portrayed in the movies this film will be compared to.

The supporting cast matches up, even though a couple are mere cut-outs, but overall, the hour and a half was entertaining, even though we know how the story is going to end as soon as it begins, but that's not the point of films such as this.

Two workers hate each other but are also attracted to one another.

This is more Rom than it is Com and I liked the leads.

The feud didn't go on for as long as I was expecting - I really thought they would squeeze every last drop of animosity out of the pair before moving on but they didn't.

The pair get to a point where they see things are getting out of hand and talk it through like adults.

This made the film feel more realistic and the characters more believable.

This was refreshing but did vent some of the fun from the movie.

The plot is still pretty silly and as always the hunk has some crippling experience he needs the love of the right woman to fix for him - but that is the nature of the beast.

The two had chemistry and were fun characters. There is a lot to like here.

The editing was a bit snappy and the camera operators had itchy feet.

The worst thing about this was the supporting characters. It looks like they are going to be setup and fleshed out but you only get a nibble of character before they are pushed off screen, only to be dragged back on to do something stupid for comedic purposes.

It really felt like they were crashing a party they weren't invited to and that annoyed me.

Good solid fun - but not a classic.

This looks like your typical Hallmark X-mas romance movie.. straight to VHS. But while it's not a Hollywood movie, it is certainly better than anticipated.

I expected to find Austin as the stiff male lead that would drag down the charming presence of Lucy Hale.. but both leads make this film together! They work really well off of each other. Their lines and stabs are really enjoyable, and the "drama" is not heavy enough to be a bother.

Lucy, of course, stands out as the cherry on top of a cake. Her wardrobe is impeccable, and her personality on screen as delightful as Ana de Armas is generally. The movie would not work as well without her.

Good coloring, sets and locations. Fast pace, music choices and editing. Nice production.

I'm surprised to admit I found this quite fun! More importantly, it is structured beyond competently to let you know where everyone stands during the first 13 minutes. I was impressed and already in it by then. The Romance is a bit... slow and on the side, but ultimately is the foundation of the story. You know what you are in for, and that's exactly what you get. Wouldn't change a thing! Had a nice time, since I was in the mood for it.

Was it really that hard to add 20/30 minutes to the movie and actually get their dynamic right?

First off, why do they keep making movies this short when there's actual material to add to the storyline?

Second, they really did not get the relationship right. Part of why the book is so loved is because of how their relationship progress. They switched small moments between them that are key part of the relationship development for useless comedic bits.

I won't say anything bad about the performances, the dislike is not geared towards them.

I think that when you do a movie based on such a well known book, you should try to identify the core scenes and feelings that those scenes transmit, and sadly they didn't do it in this case. Probably most of the hate the movie will get is from the book readers, maybe the rest of the people won't mind it.

Anyhow, to round this up, this movie was not my favourite obviously.

If the average Hallmark movie would move even a little along the scale towards this standard, their films might become a little more watchable. It helps the male audience that Lucy Hale is mesmericly beautiful. If I knew this scriptwriter and team were making another rom I'd watch it in a heartbeat. It is not so much that it wasn't entirely predictable - it was - but that is not the point. We didn't have to suffer through godawful pizzicato, awkward interrupted kisses, religious input or a dummy cast of whatever the latest race and sexual orientation quota is. Did I mention Lucy Hale looks good in this?