Sweethearts

I urge anyone who cannot sit through a Meg Ryan film without wanting to scream "the world is not like this!" at the top of their lungs to watch this film. Sweethearts is an absolutely fantastic film, with a pair of top draw performances from Mitch Rouse and, especially, Janeane Garofolo who shows a grasp of pathos I for one had previously never even glimpsed. The choice of setting the film almost entirely in one locale (a trendy bo ho coffee house) is inspired, fostering an claustrophobic intensity that gives the emotional content that extra bite. The dialogue is, with one or two exceptions, in turns bitingly savage, wonderfully droll and genuinely touching. There are also some wonderful directorial flourishes, in particular during the rooftop scene. By far the best element of the film, however, is the way it consistently plays with the conventions of the genre it superficially falls into. Horvat masterfully leads the viewer into a falls sense of security ("oh, right, now he'll fall in love with her and she'll have a life changing epiphany and they'll all live happily ever after. And there'll probably be a dog involved somewhere") only to pull the rug out from under at the perfect moment. In all few films, especially romantic films, have left such a deep and lasting impression on me. I heartily recommend anyone with at least half a brain and half a heart to try to find this film (please, someone, release it one DVD), you won't be disapointed. 10/10

I saw a trailer for this movie last night and feel compelled to comment on it. In short, the trailer makes this film look like a sweet, quirky, romantic comedy. It isn't. Janeane Garafalo plays a suicidal loner who tricks a guy into keeping her company the night before she is going to off herself. Not exactly Notting Hill. While there were some laughs, this movie is very serious and depressing. If you like Garafalo, give it a shot. If you're looking for a light hearted romp, look elsewhere.

Some reviewer called it unrealistic. They think that because its so different. Jasmine isn't endearing, but she isn't meant to be. However, you begin to care for her just as Arliss does, against your will and with a feeling of doom. She's frustrating, but in a very real way (maybe i just think so because i know someone very much like her, not quite so far gone). Its shot almost entirely in one restaurant, at 4 different tables, with just the two actors and some very funny supporting by Cho and Goldthwait Its rather Shakespearean in the way that does not rely on set or atmosphere, the two leads are great. Just be open minded.

The idea is very interesting, and Janeane is downright brilliant. And I don't even mind how depressing it is. But halfway through I was ready to shut it off. If not for Janeane, I would have. I found the dialogue very unrealistic. And the fact that Arliss falls so hard for a woman who insulted, tricked and threatened him is very bizarre. I think Jasmine's comments at the end, on the phone, were right on. He had a White Knight thing going on. And what was the point of Bobcat's character always nipping off to the john for some self-gratification? I wonder if Janeane and Mitch were still a couple when this movie was made? That aspect made it interesting, but overall I wouldn't recommend this movie. I am waiting for Janeane to use her immense talent in a movie that will be better than just her performance.

I love the crazy romance story between Jasmine and Arliss but the ending depresses me. Janeane plays her role brilliantly, adding both humor while showing the dark side to manic-depression. Definitely a movie that makes you think and challenges your outlook on things in this world.