Peter and Vandy

Just saw Peter and Vandy at Sundance, and I'm hoping it gets picked up for distribution. This was one of the most realistic movie relationships I've ever seen, and the actors are spot on. As the director said in Q&A this morning, the stars could convey so much with a single look that he was able to cut various small chunks of dialog from the original script. I won't ruin this film by telling you whether the ending is a happy or sad one, but it's definitely a real one.

Don't be put off by the knowledge that the film bounces back and forth in time. At first you think that this is just a cute stylistic choice, but before long you come to believe that the story requires it. Just when you think you know what's going on and what's going to happen, there's another time shift and you discover that all your assumptions were wrong. It adds a number of very welcome surprises, the kind that you don't expect in a romantic comedy.

Highly recommended.

I saw this film at the Waterfront Film Festival and was very impressed. The script is very sharp; it was both the funniest and most moving film I saw at the festival, and was filled with acutely observed moments and truths about relationships. The direction and acting were also superb. In particular Jess Weixler turned in an amazing complex and nuanced performance as Vandy.

I would highly recommend this film. It is an auspicious first film for writer/director Jay DiPietro.

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Despite what other reviewers have said, Peter and Vandy is a well made indie romcom that explores young men and women's underdeveloped EQ in our late 20s/ early 30s and how it can lead to a less than desirable relationship. The movie is cut into non-linear vignettes, some where the two share incredible chemistry and others that reveal troublesome incompatibilities. As the story unfolds, it explores insecurity, immaturity and lack of skill in communicating - there are times where Peter even comes across as an abuser. Ultimately it ends hopeful, suggesting, perhaps foolishly so, that if we commit to one another, we can grow and strengthen the bond we have with the partners we choose to love.

These are vignettes of the relationship between Peter (Jason Ritter) and Vandy (Jess Weixler) in Manhattan. It jumps around in their story from their meeting at the park, their fighting married friends Paul (Jesse L. Martin) and Marissa (Tracie Thoms), their petty fights, their break-up and their post break-up.

I love Ritter and Weixler. They are able to create some good chemistry at times. Martin and Thoms are a fun battling couple but it's too bad that they don't get many scenes. This is a short 80 minutes and it feels like a little thin. There needs to be something more. Ritter and Weixler could have done more but it's still good.

Yes this is a bit like 500 days of Summer but without the gimmicks. What I didn't like about 500 days of Summer was that the characters were too compatible at times and suddenly became incompatible for no reason.

In Peter and Vandy, however, the problems between the two are always there in the background. The characters may not understand what's happening but the audience can certainly see the seeds of discord.

The dialogue is touching and real, when they are getting along, when they are fighting, when they are learning about each other and when they truly know each other. The fight over the pb and j was brilliant.

Ritter and Weixler give subtle and believable performances. Rather than overwrought Oscar dialogue, simple looks and glances expressed their hope, hurt, happiness and disappointment. A very refreshing change.

Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good romantic story that tugs on the heartstrings and brings tears to your eyes, without insulting your intelligence.