Amigos ou Amantes

This is a story of 6 people's love life, and how in the space of 90 minutes can turn upside down.

The film itself was enjoyable. However, I did see some problems. firstly, most of the indoor scenes are inadequately illuminated. It leaves me thinking whether they are not having enough lamps around. Secondly, in the initial 20 minutes of the film, the scenes seem fragmented and jump around between characters. Thirdly, although this film is marketed as a comedy, it simply is not funny enough. The end result is that the film becomes plain and a straight-forwardly told story.

This film is OK to watch, but don't expect it to be a groundbreaking film.

Lovelife has to be one of the worst movies I've seen in recent years. Jon Harmon Feldman's pathetic attempt at a Woody Allen-esque romantic comedy was painfully embarrassing. Granted, some of the cast is talented, just not in this film. Matthew Letscher's character Danny was especially annoying, with every "witty" remark, I really wanted to slap this film, if only I could. I sat through it, but you don't have to.

How this one got lost in the cinematic cracks is beyond me. I'm totally loving Carla Gugino these days ever since Snake Eyes but when I saw Saffron Burrows and Sherilyn Fenn in the credits also, I just had to sit and watch. To think I was going to see Logan's Run. I could not get enough of this film. Great writing, subtle direction, and an assurance I haven't seen since Soderberg's Sex, Lies & Videotape. The actresses are great but the actors aren't shabby either. Matthew Letscher has impeccable comic timing. Bruce Davison is so warm and giving in his perf. And Jon Tenney, he's not just Teri Hatcher's beau in my eyes any more. Watch for his scene where he melts a coed into his arms only to be driven to tears by Saffron Burrows a few minutes later. I can't wait for Mr. Feldman's next feature.

The plus side of having cable television with a movie channel or two is that you get the opportunity to see movies you might have otherwise missed somewhere along the way. I'm talking about those charming little films that have a low budget but make up in heart what they're missing in window dressing. Lovelife ain't one of those movies. This is an overlong whine-a-thon where people give each other the shaft and can't figure out why they aren't in satisfying relationships. Pretentious and pathetic all at once, this film tries to find honor in the fact that it isn't a mainstream film, and sacrifices everything that makes a film (mainstream and otherwise) entertaining in the process. Avoid this one. It isn't even a good date movie.

I tried this movie simply for something to watch and really enjoyed it. I have found that I am watching movies more and more for the job the actors do rather than have heavy requirements in the other areas of a film. This one has great acting and actually doesn't need much in the way of forgiveness in any category. The story seemed very real life to me. No the scenarios don't occur everyday with so many who know or encounter each other but these things do happen. I have seen reviews where the writer is trying to pin the writer/director of Love Life into an intent to make "Friends". I didn't see that and disagree with the critic. These people don't have the years of history and friendship as a group. They are adults who are placed together by an academic institution. I will watch it again and will tell people (who probably will see me the day after they watch it) I recommend it. Give it a shot if the actors or genre appeal to you.