Wallace, (Daniel Radcliffe) is a medical school dropout who has been unlucky in love so far in his young life. Chantry (Zoe Kazan) is an animator who is perfectly happy in her relationship with her boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall,) until work forces him to move to Europe.
Wallace and Chantry have decided to be “just friends” but with Ben out of the picture, things get complicated.
We say, it’s When Harry met Sally for a new generation, but not as good.
TAYLOR: However, it’s still a pretty good film. It’s not nearly as grown up, cerebral or neurotic as When Harry met Sally, but it also doesn’t star a Jewish New Yorker in his 40s. Call it more innocent if you like.
The F-word (F refers to “friend,”) wants to address the proposed difficulties men have being friends with women, because they want to have sex with them and I presume can’t control themselves.
While I feel this is preposterous, divorce rates remain high, and at least 50 per cent of that blame must rest with men, so maybe it’s not.
Let’s also remember that these characters are young and inexperienced in matters of love.
HOWE: I thought it plodded along, going through the motions of yet another romantic comedy, with us already knowing the outcome at the end. You don’t have to see the movie or be a genius to figure that out.
The whole point of this movie is meant to prove that men and women can have a platonic relationship, yet all Wallace wants to do is get into Chantry’s pantry.
TAYLOR: Therein resides the only fault of the film, The F-word doesn’t really address platonic relationships, it’s just another film where a third wheel breaks up a couple.
Really, it’s a film about monogamy issues, not friendship.
However, the obligatory lesson of the film is kept contained to a very brief scene and the rest of it is quite enjoyable. Wallace and Chantry’s banter is fun and funny. “I spent a lot of time in the hospital when I was a kid.” “Oh, was that because of all your horrible disfigurements?”
The film ticks along and caused me no boredom, eye rolls or annoyances.
HOWE: I will agree with you on that, it did make me chuckle a couple of times.
There is chemistry between the two main stars, but it’s Wallace’s friend Allan (Adam Driver) who steals the show for me with some of his remarks.
This is the second Canadian film we have reviewed this week and this is by far the better of the two.
— Taylor gives the F-word 3 sex nachos out of 5.
— Howe gives it 3 deep fried pickles out of 5.
The film is currently showing at the Galaxy Cinemas in Vernon.
– Brian Taylor and Peter Howe review current films for The Morning Star in Vernon, B.C. Fridays and Sunday.
