Friday, August 08, 2014

What If - Movie Review




Who's in it?

, and 




What's it about?

Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), freshly cheated on and broken up with, goes to a party and meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan)- promptly falling in love with her but vows to remain just best friends due to her long-term relationship.





Any Good? 

The thing that was most impressive about this movie wasn't just that it was shot in both Toronto and Dublin, but that it made the Liffey board walk look fairly clean, that's worthy of an Oscar itself! Ah but really, it did a good job of showing what it's like in the city for the short time it was here.

Wallace is an introvert-esque guy that also happens to be a total douchenozzle at first but he grows on you with such subtlety that you don't notice, until he gets in awkward situations and you find yourself biting your lip, reclining into your seat a la Inbetweeners. Chantry is an oddity, I mean she totally plays with Wallace's head a couple of times which did bother me (Dammit subtle grower on Wallace!) but she was likable even then, akin to Ramona Flowers.


The original Irish/UK poster

While I did get a That Awkward Moment vibe off this film, there were some pretty emotional moments. They really did shine and showed off Mr. Radcliffe's acting chops. Especially in one scene when he looks at Chantry - you'll know the one when you see it. 

It also taught me how to make Fool's Gold - an entire loaf of bread baked in butter and filled with peanut butter, jam and topped with bacon that myself and my good friend Ally have agreed to tackle together - so big props, What If for taking 10 years off my life!


While it may sound like a neckbeard film about 'The Friendzone' or 'Good Guys Finish Last' there's a whole lot of heart in this Irish-Canadian film collab - as was the subtle dry humour displayed. Even with the fairly childish approach to the situation, it's actually worth the watch.


Rating: 





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