Hi everyone!
Welcome back for another Certified Fresh review from One Movie Spouse. Earlier this week, she forced me to watch “Juliet, Naked” (Episode #567), and you can learn how by catching up on that episode. Honestly, it wasn’t as bad as I feared it would be, but I’ll never let her know that. Except right now. Crap. Anyway, for a few other recent reviews from Amy, check out “Someone Great” (Episode #552), “The Hate U Give” (Episode #559), and “Echo in the Canyon” (Episode #566).
Before the review, we’ll have a promo for the Super Media Bros. They were part of the recent Big Heads Media Takeover, reviewing “Cloverfield” (Episode #519), which you should definitely check out. Don’t miss their recent episode with Jason Johnson as they discuss Cool Cat for over two hours. Yes, seriously, and it’s fabulous. You can find them on Twitter @SuperMediaBros_, Facebook @SuperMediaBros, and Instagram @supermediabrospodcast. If you love cult cinema, and the more obscure corners of the media universe, let Midnight Agent Raw and Okami guide you!
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Here we go!
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<< SUPER MEDIA BROS PODCAST >>
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Hello, it’s me Amy, aka One Movie Spouse! :MWAH:
Summer break is officially over for me, but it’s my plan to keep doing weekly movie reviews. I have watched MANY great films this summer and I owe a HUGE part of that to being a contributor to this podcast. An excuse to watch movies?? ::gasp:: I have two hands raised high, count me in!!! Listen to my review, then catch me on Twitter @OneMovieSpouse to keep the discussion going.
Today’s movie is “Plus One”, a romantic dramedy written and directed by Andrew Rhymer and Jeff Chan. The film follows Alice (Maya Erskine) and Ben (Jack Quaid), two best friends who decide to go as each other’s plus one for an intense wedding season. However, while helping each other out at each event, they begin to discover feelings for each other.
No spoilers.
I love, love, LOVE wedding films!!! Hands down my all-time favorite wedding flicks include “Father of the Bride” (1991), “My Best Friend’s Wedding” (1997), “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” (2002), “27 Dresses” (2008), and “Love Per Square Foot” (2018). What all of these films have in common are some over-the-top comedy scenes, making them absolutely cheesy and often cliché. What makes “Plus One” different is that it finds humor in more subtle ways. Situations and interactions with family members and friends feel way more authentic and relatable, a refreshing addition to the wedding film subgenre of romantic comedies.
While this film takes a more honest look at love and long-term relationships, I wasn’t swept off my feet as I thought I might be after viewing the trailer. The chemistry between Ben (Jack Quaid) and Alice (Maya Erskine) is strong, and they do make a fabulous duo as life-long friends. I laughed seeing their reactions to the not-so-subtle nudges by family and friends to take their relationship to the next level, especially when everyone around them is getting married. Their personalities complement each other very well as friends, but it is sweet to see them “give it a go” as a couple. This film beautifully depicts the complexity of relationships, and the risks when best friends become lovers. Both Erskine and Quaid play very convincing roles, making your heart ache for two friends in turmoil.
The menagerie of wedding traditions make up some of the most humorous parts of this film, including cheesy toasts, first dances, awkward table conversations, and more! The film will make folks reminisce about weddings they’ve attended, especially anyone who has experienced a similar wedding season, from their twenties to their forties. Ben’s dad Chuck (Ed Begley Jr.) gets remarried in this film, and his relationship with a much younger woman provides additional comic relief while also examining age differences in love. The major message of this film is to follow your heart, love passionately, and live without regrets, and that’s something we all need to hear from time to time.
“Plus One” is an enjoyable and realistic story of life-long friends who always have each other’s back, and what happens when they might try to find more. It makes viewers examine their priorities in life, and also to live without regrets. Fans of feel-good films, wedding stories, and adult coming-of-age films are likely to enjoy this film.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90% (CERTIFIED FRESH)
Metacritic: 66
One Movie Punch: 7.0/10
“Plus One” (2019) is rated R and is currently playing on Hulu.
