PLUS ONE – A Review by Cynthia Flores
Modern romcoms are alive and well, and Plus One is a fun little film to add to the list. The set-up is a fresh take on attending summer weddings. Because both Alice (Maya Erskine) and Ben (Jack Quaid) are at the age where all their friends are getting married, they are invited to a bunch of them. They have known each other since college and they’re both single. Alice who is fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend Nate (Tim Chiou) who cheated on her. Ben, who is the product of a broken home and chasing after the idea of the “Perfect One and Only” that he wants to spend forever with. Unlike his father Chuck (Ed Begley Jr.) who has asked him to be the best man at his third wedding. Alice and Ben keep bumping into one another at the “Single” tables that they both hate sitting at. So, one night drunken Alice comes up with a plan. She offers to be his wingman and pick-up dates at the weddings if he will be her plus one. They can also save money by sharing a room.
And so the romantic comedy formula has been mixed. What follows is the two friends forced to navigate the nuptials season that reminds them of their loneliness. It’s only bearable to endure the lovey-dovey events as a pair. Making snarky remarks about the various weddings and growing closer with each event.
It’s a romcom, so you know that friends will eventually realize that there is a spark between the two. But will it work out? Well, you will just have to see it to find out.
Plus One is getting a very limited release in theaters but will be available on VOD the same week. I hope it finds its audience because easy going, funny, smart romcoms are hard to find. Also, the chemistry between actors Maya Erskine and Jack Quaid is natural and believable. You end up rooting for them to connect. I give this fun film an A rating.
Directed by Jeff Chan, Andrew Rhymer
Written by Jeff Chan, Andrew Rhymer
Rated NR
Selig Rating A
Running Time 1hr 39min
Romantic Comedy / Drama
Limited Release AMC Valley View 16 & VOD and on Digital HD
Starring: Maya Erskine, Jack Quaid, Ed Begley Jr.
The Selig Rating Scale:
A – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
B – Good movie
C – OK movie
D – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
F – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
