Courtesy: MPI Home Video/IFC Films
IFC’s new rom-com A Case of You is the first fun story of its type in 2014. The story is one that has been told countless times. But in the case of A Case of You, co-writers Justin and Christian Long have teamed up with Keir O’Donnell to craft a story that is more than just the standard boy meets girl-loses her-gets her back in the end story. Sure that standard story line is there. But the execution of the story is what makes it worth the watch. The writing is just one part of this roughly ninety-minute plus story. Actor/writer Justin Long (Going The Distance, Live Free Or Die Hard, He’s Just Not The Into You) is fully believable as a desperate character looking for love. His personal development over the course of the movie will keep viewers completely engaged. And while it is usually not the most noticeable portion of any movie, the soundtrack used for the story gives it even more charm. These three factors together make A Case of You a rom-com that any of today’s thirty-something audiences will enjoy.
A Case of You is a fun rom-com for today’s thirty-something audiences. That is primarily thanks to the writing of Justin Long (who also stars in the movie), his brother Christian Long, and Keir O’Donnell. Sitcom and movie writers have touched on the oft times ludicrous lengths to which men and women will go in order to attract the opposite sex. But basing an entire movie on this concept is in its own right original. That’s because few of said writers have ever actually taken the risk of doing so. The primary update on the classic rom-com formula isn’t all in the writing that audiences will appreciate. O’Donnell and the brothers Long also collectively impress audiences in that they have taken the rom-com and turned it on its ear by mixing in elements of a stoner flick, too. One wouldn’t think that a rom-com and a stoner flick would work. But thanks to the teamwork of O’Donnell and the Long brothers, the stoner elements don’t manage to overpower the central story. The end result is a story that is quirky but has enough charm to make it endearing at the same time.
The writing and the manner in which it was balanced is the biggest part of what makes A Case of You as enjoyable as it is. In direct relation, Justin Long shows his ability to interpret his character quite well through his acting. Many won’t want to publicly admit to it, but there are audiences that will say they too have used Facebook to try and land their love interest. It’s a sign of the times. But that’s a commentary for another time. Sam’s personal growth as he gets to know Birdie even more is relatable to any viewer male or female. Sam’s sudden fear of commitment when Birdie finally expresses her feelings for him is a classic rom-com and even romantic dramedy element. It’s been used time and again throughout the history of both genres. But that moment, in relation to his attempts to woo Birdie, makes it an even more impactful moment. It proves to be the pinnacle of his personal growth. And it makes the movie’s final minutes all the more heartwarming. On a side note, the Long brothers and their writing partner deserve even more kudos for not having gone the formulaic route and used the all too clichéd final airport scene that every other rom-com and romantic dramedy uses. Rather, they actually pay tribute to Dustin Hoffman’s 1967 classic The Graduate. Whether that was intentional is anyone’s guess. There is no commentary allowing for such insight. But it is there regardless. And it’s one more bonus that classic movie buffs will appreciate. The positives don’t end here, either.
The writing and acting on the part of lead Justin Long go a long way toward making A Case of You a quirky yet fun flick for today’s thirty-something viewers. There is still one aspect of the story that is deserving of note here that makes everything complete. That aspect is the movie’s soundtrack. The music that makes up the movie’s soundtrack is just as quirky as the movie itself. Included in the movie’s soundtrack are the likes of Spin Doctors, Joan Baez, Johnny Mathis, Fitz and the Tantrums, and so many other artists. The musical spectrum that makes up the movie’s soundtrack runs the gamut. As wide as that swath is, each song was a perfect fit for its companion scene. And each song works just as well on its own on a soundtrack. It’s the final touch on a movie that is a great fit for any younger couple this Valentine’s Day or another. It will be available Tuesday, February 4th on DVD and Blu-ray. More information on this and other releases from IFC Films is available online at http://www.facebook.com/IFCFilmsOfficial and http://www.IFCFilms.com. To keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews, go online to http://www.facebook.com/philspicks and “Like” it. Fans can always keep up with the latest sports and entertainment news and reviews in the Phil’s Picks blog at https://philspicks.wordpress.com.
philspicks 