The Hindu Business Line : <I>A Lot Like Love</I>

POSSIBLY the best thing this film has going for itself, is the monsoon. Grey skies, rain swept streets, damp earth - who wouldn't want to catch some romance when the world seems ripe for it?

After a plethora of films sold on the strength of action, big stars and special effects, A Lot Like Love comes as a whiff of fresh air. Given its dragging storyline and seven years of pondering whether a lot like love is indeed love, the film is just about enjoyable. But it manages to be good enough for the season.

Starring Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet, the film "is a romantic comedy about destiny, connection and the frequently fuzzy line between chance friendships and happily ever after."

A Lot Like Love traces the relationship of Oliver and Emily who meet on a flight from Los Angeles to New York seven years ago - each of them declaring that they couldn't be more wrong for each other.

"Life keeps bringing them back together over the next seven years, but the timing never seems to be right. As they struggle with their different partners, careers and break-ups, they turn from casual acquaintances into trusted friends who can say anything to one another.

"As they each search for love and a relationship that's not fated for disaster, it takes seven years for Oliver and Emily to figure out that may be what they really have is something... .a lot like love." That's what the studio says.

The story strikes a chord somewhere. At least those amongst us who push dreams and don't seek ideal situations would identify with moments such as searching a stranger's face to gauge compatibility, taking a chance or making shared moments memorable with a few crazy capers. Eventually such moments strung together find you a friend and possibly with luck, a partner.

A Lot Like Love stumbles by assigning a seven-year time span for its two central characters to acknowledge their love. Which is likely normal in regular life but tedious and causing staccato shifts in time when forced into a two-hour film on two ordinary lives. Yet the film stands up on a few counts.

First, it has shades of being rather un-Hollywood with spates of silence or just dialogue providing the feel of a relationship taking hold. The frames are also engaging at times. Second, the two lead actors have done a decent job, Peet doesn't strain to be likable as Emily and Kutcher fits the role of Oliver, nervous and disjointed as required.

A Lot Like Love releases here on July 1.

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Monsoon effect

A Lot Like Love - a whiff of fresh air

I&B Ministry plans policy on music videos

Pigeon feed