Peter and Vandy

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.

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.

This was bloody fantastic. Beautiful. Not overdone, just perfect, with its simplicities, complexities, nuances, tremors and silences. Why 6? I really don't understand it. I cannot imagine anyone voting for lesser than 7 for this one at least. Strong leads, poignant, perfect emotions, and a fulfilling ending. Overwhelms, in a happy, warm way that nudges you, but doesn't push you over. Control and release, repeat.

This is a rant that is from the obvious movie rush that I am suffering from. I probably won't stop.

Nevermind. I will make my point here, once again-please do watch it. It hurts in a sweet, sweet way. Yes.

This is a really nice little indie romance from writer/director Jay DiPietro, with two of the most attractive young talents in films - both Weixler and Ritter are irresistibly likable and the film is well written and is photographed (by Frank DeMarco) with wit and polish in a quality production. Ritter's excellent work in "Good Dick," is carried on here and why Weixler is not a bigger Hollywood personality is beyond me (and I've been reviewing movies professionally since 1981). She is smart, has depth, and has a fascinating look. He is an actor with a gift for naturalism. They are very much in sync in this cleverly woven Manhattan tale.

Not easy to understand in just one watch. But still it does justice for watching it once. Too random sequences of present and past, though the point was proven. It's nothing, but a simple romance drama. Most close to the real world relationship. You would still feel the cinematic effect, yet if you encounter a scene that happened in your life and around you, that won't be a surprise. Because a relationship has to go through such phases.

I felt like the dialogues should have been much better, because I can't point out it was whether editing issue or the dialogues. At the end, I realised it was the character Peter, designed in that way. Yep, he seems an average, particularly his skills against women, are poor. So I felt bad for Vandy to get trapped with such person. But love can strike anywhere to/with anyone, right! This is a decent film if you like to take a chance, because it is not your regular romance-drama.

6.5/10