Love on the Side

4 September 2010. A suggestion of A DEVIL WEARS PRADA (2006) along with a echoes of SIMPLY RESISTIBLE (1999) and slight reflections of YOU GOT MAIL (1998). this romance movie that is flavored with a faint taste of comedy and humor, a brush stroke of more serious drama than most comedy dramas, and some elements of substantive thought, LOVE ON THE SIDE has a flourish of captivating thoughtful charm headlined by unknown actors, except Jennifer Tilly, who only co-stars in this movie. While the plot outline is a bit confusing in regards to who is running after who and the subplot of a classy, business woman with a hidden agenda in some tome is pretty generic, the delivery and presentation of the story is more than average and is carried off decently and with heartfelt competency.

Okay, the acting is slightly subpar -- but it is romantic, funny, sweet and sexy -- what's not to like?

Set in a small town, there is a new girl in town who is shaking some things up.

This is the kind of movie you could watch again and again -- better with a girlfriend that for date nights though -- unless your girlfriend is your date, then you'll love it!!

Take a chance on this light-hearted feel-good movie, you won't regret it. Know that it is not an "artsy" critically acclaimed movie. Just good fun!

Eve Stuckley (Marla Sokoloff) is a waitress and the owner of a diner in Squamish. She pines for Jeff Sweeney (Barry Watson) but he doesn't notice. Alma (Jennifer Tilly) is a fellow waitress who is dating funeral director Red (Dave Thomas). Just when Eve is about to do something about Jeff, outsider Linda Avery (Monika Schnarre) walks into the diner catching Jeff's attention. Linda is staying at the Sweeney Inn. She shocks Eve by making out with her. The bisexual Linda sets off competing love interests. Jeff and Eve's brother Chuck battle for her attention.

Sokoloff is adorable. The only thing is that she's can't sell being fat. Linda could have been a very limited character but she turns out to be quite interesting. On the hand, Jeff is much less interesting. I can live with a wacky Jennifer Tilly. Pairing her up with a wacky Dave Thomas is a little too much. It's a low budget Canadian rom-com but it does take a few compelling turns. It's not top-level production but it's worth a look.

Love on the Side (a.k.a Deluxe Combo Platter - according to my DVD) is actually a pleasant surprise. Sure it doesn't match up with romantic comedies like Harold & Maude, and There's Something About Mary, but seriously, what romantic comedy does now-a-days? It's unfortunate that this movie isn't well known because it could've became really popular, or it could've been one of those indies which lies on the movie store shelf for ages. I say if you find it, watch it. It's not for all tastes because some scenes drag on too long but you could say its part of its charm. I recommend this film to romantic comedy lovers or if you've seen it and looking for another film similar to this, I recommend Mambo Italiano. Take a slice, relax and enjoy.

It's a slow start and you're expecting a formula rom com but the plot takes a twist that adds a whole new dimension. Jennifer Tilly steals the show and Monika Schnarre is 6' 1" of gorgeousness. Just a nice movie that ties up the knots in the end. Some snappy dialogue helps and you'll recognize it when Monika (the actress) responds to someone trying to ask her if she is gay.