I Love You Too

A question that will plague you for the rest of your (pardon the obvious here) life is: What is life all about? We seek out the answers in books, in academic theses, in movies, and yes, in life itself. As we walked out from the theatres after watching the preview of this movie, we were somewhat convinced that the past 109 minutes have presented us with a rather poignant portrayal of life.

Surprise, surprise - the movie wasn't manufactured from the Hollywood's ingenious machines and computers. This time round, it's the kind mates from Down Under who have managed to make a film that is emotionally engaging, as well as enjoyably entertaining.

Our protagonist is 30 plus year old Jim, who is unable to commit to Alice, his girlfriend of three years. Like every other girl, Alice wishes that her boyfriend would say the three magical words – you know which ones, don't you? One situation leads to another, and Alice considers leaving to take up a job in England. Elsewhere, Jim meets the vertically challenged Charlie who gives him a new insight into what love really means. In this somewhere there's also Jim's best friend Blake, his pregnant sister Marie and her rough edged husband Owen.

We acknowledge the fact that the synopsis doesn't really sound exciting, but think about it – how exciting is life itself for most of us? What triumphs for this movie is its nice blend of comedy and affecting drama. We hate to say this, but if this screenplay was taken up by a money raking Hollywood studio, or for that matter, a local TV production house, things would have turned out to be a dreary drab of a mess.

Maybe you can call it first time lucky, because here we have first time writer Peter Helliar penning the screenplay. It is also the directorial film debut of Daina Reid. They may not be familiar names with us in this part of the world, but trust us, there is really a lot of heart in this one.

While watching this well written movie, you'd be reflecting on the various aspects of life – love, friendship, kinship and the little episodes which play themselves out amidst these larger grand themes. Helliar have managed to capture the little moments in life which define the greater moments – from the quibbles in a restaurant, the wild parties in a club, to the efforts taken by a friend to cheer his pal up, and a simple desire to connect with someone through writing letters. These setups are written with a fresh touch of humour, which remind of life itseld. Reid has also done a decent job of directing her cast in the various situations, never at once making them caricatures which we are so used in Hollywood movies and TV productions.

The cast delivers fine performances here. Brendan Cowell plays Jim, a familiar man in his 30s who is emotionally diminutive. – not just because he works at a miniature railway. The Australian actor exudes an underachiever charm that is both charismatic and empathizing. Helliar takes on the role of Jim's best friend Blake, who may seem rough and tough on the surface, but has one of the best lines in the movie when he tells Jim what he really feels about their friendship. Yvonne Strahovski plays Alice, the girlfriend who has to make a really important decision about her own life. The sweet looking actress puts her appealing looks to good use here. Fellow Australian actors Birdie Carter and Travis McMahon also display their acting chops in the roles of the wife and husband who are experiencing some bumpy times while expecting their first child.

Watch out also for Peter Dinklage's unforgettable performance as Charlie, the American who changes Jim's life. The actor has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism, which naturally makes him different from the rest. But that doesn't stop us from commending his moving performance – it's one of the best we have seen this year.

You end up feeling and caring for all the characters in the movie, and that's because you are living life.

I was pleasantly surprised by this Aussie comedy when I saw it on a plane flying home to Sydney. There is a continuous tingle of surprises coming up in every scene & all the actors deliver that special warmth that comes from good movie direction and consistent acting. There is a wonderful sense of reality in the plot that shows a man who is finally able to understand how to grow up and face the fact that if he leaves his family home & his dinky-die mates he will be OK.

Sure, he may need to work hard to keep the new found girlfriend's touchy-feely relationship & hit upon true love with his special girl but in the end he finds it is worth the hard yards. The part played by small person Peter Dinklage (from "Death at a Funeral"-UK & USA versions) is particularly delightful & adds a certain touch of sparkle to the whole movie. Try & see it if you can.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I actually did. I liked it for reasons that others may see as stupid, but I liked it. Beware though. There are things that just make me sigh when I think back on them...

After hearing about this movie getting SO hyped up on shows like Australia's The 7pm Project I expected it to be quite half-ass, because Peter Hellier is only moderately funny when live and hype is all this film could rest on later.

I'll admit, it's a bit self-serving (Hellier is the moron best friend) but his character, although a little flat for an Oscar nomination (why does everything have to be about the Oscars?!)is likable in a "What is going ON with this guy?!" sort of way.

It's fairly obvious that Hellier chose all his mates to be in this film (he actually states this at a couple of times) because the 'main' guy is so dull I honestly can't remember his name or the characters' name. Terrible choice of lead, that guy flat out will not have an acting career. The LEAST they could have done was shave him down.

A truly tried-and-true basic script, which is sad, but the 'little person' really brought a very dry comedic value to it that the deadhead Australian persona's portrayed bounced well off.

Actually, I'm changing my mind. yes, I'm stoked that this film isn't another heart wrenching family-falling-apart-drama or Aussie-battler- with-mediocre-win-in-final-credits movie like Australia is famous for, it was a pretty vague attempt at a movie that is probably best left for Hollywood to churn out.

Many Australian cultural males like I would probably enjoy this film I recommend every male take his girlfriend to this

Although movie is classified as a Romantic Comedy there certainly wasn't any Hugh Grant style head over heals Romance between Alice and Jim shown, in contrast we see the suburban after honeymoon phase a static couple living together. Jim his biggest challenge in life is showing loving affection to Alice, Alice now 3 years older longs for more from a partner and decides to move on, we follow Jim and Alice in their separate ways and the emotions they feel along the way.

The movie is more about the mateship between the male leads Jim & Charlie and long term mateship between Jim & Blake. What we are shown the 'first date' between Jim & Alice and their static routine 3 years later, what romance bonded them is never directly shown in the movie, however a spiritual trusting connection is evident.

This film shows how important good mates are in a mans relationship life, A mans motive for lack of commitment or expression of emotion is not always represent his true feelings. Past events, traumatic experiences or lack of experience can limit a males ability to move a relationship forward (culturally males generally don't share this or ask for help) and Blake, even the Guy who appears to holding you back, can actually be your most loyal and generous friend.

Australia doesn't produce many rom/coms and while I Love You Too is just another romantic comedy on a wider spectrum, it is a refreshing little delight on a local level. The story is cute. The performances are great (Peter Dinklage is fantastic) and the gags hit the spot. I really really enjoyed this movie and think its the best of its kind since The Big Steal (which also featured Steve Bisley). Peter Hellier has written a smart little movie with a lot of heart. The little revelations throughout are really nice and the movie is well worth watching. The miniature railway setting is a nice touch too.... (Eltham Mini Railway... LOVE IT).