So This Is Romance?

Mike (Dinsdale) is a loquacious, self-righteous character, who is unfortunately, the central character in this film about a man's search for idealized romance. Kevin W. Smith, the film's writer and director, who no doubt identifies strongly with Mike, and his intention was to comedically depict the trials and tribulations of a single man's search for "true love."

However, he has presented the audience with a character so irritating it's completely understandable why he hasn't found a proper partner.

The film is somewhat salvaged by the presence of the charming John Hannah (although his role is a caricature) and the beautiful and talented Victoria Smurfit.

'So This is Romance' has a fine angle on men and women in pursuit of love. The pitfalls and pratfalls are humorously portrayed as 'Mike' decides whether to date his ex again, or go for the new love. Both have the plus sides, but Mike being Mike makes the wrong decision, argues with his ex (As usual) and discovers his new flame is now back with her ex... thus losing both. Contrasting this roller coaster of emotions is Tony (John Hannah) whose relationship with his girlfriend is on and off more than a traffic light. And to reflect them all in a slightly more positive light is Mikes Dad, a drunk who craves the return of his wife, Mike's Mum. Mike gets them back together and all do they fight. So Mike gives up, then, alone on a cliff top who should turn up but the one...when you least expect it.

This movie undoubtedly immediately recalls feelings of vulnerability that is recognizable for most men, regardless of where they live. Although the story of this movie is not very original (indeed, fear of rejection in love is not a rarity in any movie at all), the way he expresses his feelings of desire and vulnerability are both very witty and touching in a no nonsense way. Even an actor such as Hugh Grant doesn't show his emotions of insecurity and sorrow so intensely as Mike does.

In general, in a vast majorities of the movies ever made, men show their emotions far less intense in very probing love scenes, contrary to most women do in movies. In spite of this, many men all over the world undoubtedly often feel the pain of love as intense as Mike does often without openly showing it neither verbal nor non verbal. Therefore, this movie has remained with me all along: this movie is a nutshell for every man who want direct recognition of repressed feelings about the pain of love. Finally, I think the way Mike deals with the ups and downs of finding a durable intimate relationship are both a consolation, consolidation and very instructive for any man. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend this movie if one only prefers complicated love stories with cryptic psychological plots!

I really enjoyed this film. A good and fairly unpredictable plot as well as great acting from all involved. A film in the great British drama tradition. It comes with a humorous twist and set in everyday grey London.

A perfect film for a Sunday morning viewing...

A US distributor told me that the problem with this film is that >it was too english. She was right, too. It occasionally made me >laugh but Reece Dinsdale's failure to find a girlfriend and >constant winging annoyed the hell out of me. Funny that the same >cannot be said for Johnny Favareau in 'Swingers' which is a much >better film about the same topic.

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