It's Not You, It's Me

I am not typically a romantic comedy person, preferring more the depth of character that I usually find in indie dramas. It was a pleasant surprise when my local Meetup chose this film for our weekly event. I felt like I was sitting with friends, the comedy not overacted. The funny part was the personification of the different thought processes that run through our heads. Boy, could I relate to that! It definitely deviated from the standard, Hollywood Romantic Comedy. There was almost no music, which was a plus because it didn't detract from the acting. The music that was there was enjoyable. The cinematography was simple and pure. A funny, feel good movie.

From the very beginning of the movie the main characters and their, somewhat crazy and very realistic personalities, grab your attention and bring you right into the middle of their relationship. Director, Nathan Ives, does an amazing and hilarious job capturing all those little thoughts that go running through men and women's heads. From the good to the bad, it's all there. It is such a relatable movie to anyone that's been through the rough patches of the dating world. Throughout the movie, you'll be laughing and thinking to yourself, "wow, that is so true!" and "I have been there before!". This romantic comedy is an instant classic, that will be loved and enjoyed by many for years to come.

My wife loves romantic comedies, so I get to see more of them than I might care to, but this one is worth watching. The characters are well developed, the dialogue is crisp and clever, and there's a palpable chemistry between the two leads. All of the actors are first rate, delivering the goods on several "laugh out loud" moments throughout the film. In particular, Ross McCall is excellent in the lead role, carrying the film from start to finish with the self-assured acting chops of just about any leading man you can think of.

I really look forward to seeing how Nathan Ives, the writer/director of It's Not You, It's Me, follows up on this project. He has a real ear for dialogue, reminding me of Woody Allen, if a bit more testosterone-driven and only slightly less neurotic.

It's Not You, It's Me is a brilliant film and, might I add, hilarious! Nathan Ives' talent shines through this amazing independent film. The inner thoughts of the male and female are spot on, from the inner child to the self-doubting person. The conflict we experience in our everyday lives and relationships is shown through this inner conflict, as well as interpersonal, external conflict. It will have you laughing and finding yourself relating it to your own life's experiences. Also, the film is a great reminder of the possibilities we as individuals have to grow and change, and that it's never too late to do this. We can overcome the conflict within ourselves in order to improve relationships on the outside.

This smallish movie uses a device that we saw in 1991's Herman's Head. The internal workings of each of the two leads are represented by five characters representing lust and anxiety and the inner child and so on. It is an effective device - and very funny at times - and it is used well in this entertaining comedy which is actually an intelligent romcom.I think most viewers will be able to relate to the inner turmoil, Ross McCall and Joelle Carter are great as the protagonists and all the supporting cast is very good. Maggie Wheeler (you will remember her as the annoying Janice from Friends) plays a sensible counsellor, and in fact everyone is realistic and believable.

Nathan Ives has written a thoughtful and funny script which is not particularly predictable and has a commendable ring of truth to the events (aside from the wacky goings-on inside the heads of McCall and Carter's characters of course) This is a thoroughly enjoyable movie with high budget production values and acting in what I assume is a low to medium budget movie.