As a lover of film, there is a warm nostalgia when channeling filmmaking of the past, whether that be via watching, studying or creating. When filmmakers decide to challenge certain genres or be inspired by the past, wondrous things can happen… if they’re done right of course.

A Rainy Day in New York is that ‘artsy’ type of film that unfortunately tries way too hard. Can filmmaking really get to the point where it’s trying too hard? Most definitely. When you play too hard into cliches, expectations behind a certain genre or simply trying to capture a time of filmmaking forgotten, avid watchers of film will start to roll their eyes and wonder why certain things can’t just be pulled back a smidge to create a somewhat eligible film. This is especially the case for A Rainy Day in New York.

Don’t get me wrong, A Rainy Day in New York isn’t a terrible film, it’s just cringeworthy. Directing veteran Woody Allen would no doubt be heavily educated on the entire history of film, what’s changed, what’s remained and what’s been challenged. In terms of his approach to A Rainy Day in New York, he was clearly inspired by films in eras long gone. Drawing from eras long gone is never a bad thing, but when you mix-match the old with the new, very predictable writing and actors that were clearly hired because of their names, it can become somewhat amateur and confusing.

We aren’t denying that the actors featured in A Rainy Day in New York are very good at their craft. Elle Fanning and Timonthée Chalamat are two of my favourite actors of this generation and I have great respect for their work… but seriously guys? I could understand the appeal though, signing your name onto a project under Woody Allen and with a more than memorable cast of actors. Albeit, you may be very good at your craft, but you can’t get past a bad script.

A Rainy Day in New York is penned as a romantic comedy. Romance was certainly the most dominant theme throughout the film, being the sole focus of the narrative arc, but I’m not too sure where the comedy came in. Perhaps that’s just me being a little bit too serious with my lack of enthusiasm for the characters as the film went on or more the film really was just lacking in funny jokes.

With little to make it stand out among other romantic comedies, Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York fails to excite despite working with an abundance of film history inspiration.

The post A Rainy Day in New York (Gravier Productions) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Based on the book of the same name, Five Feet Apart is the forbidden love story you may or may not have heard of before.

The closest film to compare Five Feet Apart to would be The Fault in Our Stars that too follows a pair of critically ill teenagers that fall in love when they really shouldn’t because of their circumstances. In the case of Five Feet Apart, seventeen-year-old Stella has cystic fibrosis. When she meets Will, another cystic fibrosis patient fighting an infection, sparks fly but the two must maintain a safe distance of at least six feet. But of course, like all teenagers, they’ve got to break the rules. Where this leads to, you’ll just have to watch the film to find out.

Romance is the central theme of Five Feet Apart and I loved how the film challenged the motion of romance and what it means to be romantic with another person. The huge minus is terms of Stella and Will’s relationship was their inability of physical touch or intimacy. This could also have been used in the early stages of their relationship as friends too. It puts into perspective humanity’s need for touch, the simple handshake, a hug or a kiss. Take that away and you couldn’t feel more distant, despite being right next to someone.

I wish Haley Lu Richardson was in more films. She’s the kind of natural born actress that looks as though she doesn’t have to do much (because she’s a natural) but is working her butt off behind the scenes. Plus, her Instagram is the epitome of realism where most actors and actresses that try to bridge the gap between themselves and their fans/the everyday person fail miserably.

Although most viewers may have watched Five Feet Apart for Riverdale’s Cole Sprouse (though he’ll always be Cody from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody to me), Haley Lu Richardson was someone I was keen to see in the role. Plus, Jane the Virgin’s Justin Baldoni had his directorial debut and oozed his charm and pose into the film.

A somewhat feel good film about young love despite its overall negative circumstances, Five Feet Apart may leave you with a tear in your eye and the longing to hug the person sitting next to you. Whether you know that person or not, the decision is up to you.

The post Five Feet Apart (Lionsgate – 2019) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.