Good morning world and Happy Valentines Day to you. Feels like it has been a spell since I last posted a review, with a mixture of vacation, work, and other factors entering into the scheme of things. But, as most anyone who follows me, reads these reviews, or knows me personally….I always find a way to catch up with the movies on my list. So, with that said, and thanks again to the excellent world of On Demand, I bring my review, in advance of theatrical release on March 20th, the indie comedy “Accidental Love”.
WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Directed by “American Hustle“, “The Fighter“, and “Silver Linings Playbook” genius David O. Russell (though officially under the pseudonym “Stephen Greene”) and based on the book “Sammy Hill” by Kristin Gore, this indie comedy begins in small town Indiana and the life of waitress Alice Eckle (Jessica Biel), a happy-go-lucky girl whose boyfriend Scott (James Marsden) decides it’s time to take things to the next level. During the attempted moment, an unexpected accident involving a nail gun causes Alice’s existence to turn topsy-turvy. Unable to get the appropriate care she desires and beginning to seriously unravel with symptoms arising from the injury, a chance TV broadcast captures her attention in the form of Indiana congressional rep Howard Birdwell (Jake Gyllenhaal). Journeying to Washington, D.C. thinking Howard is the answer to her medical needs, a series of pratfalls and encounters ensues that ultimately DO get Howard’s attention, which spark events for both of them getting involved in the greater political agenda of unscrupulous House Majority Whip, Rep. Pam Hendrickson (Catherine Keener). Soon, Alice’s goals for the trip take on a bigger scope, and Howard continues to fall for her more and more. But, it comes down to needing to determine at what cost does this new found love bring to the table when secrets, agendas, and even potential betrayal by those closest to her in the journey in Washington begin surfacing and try to take a toll on everything Alice finds herself fighting for.
Ok. The fact that Russell actually REMOVED his name from the film was an initial warning sign, true. If the director doesn’t ultimately endorse his own work, then how BAD can it be! Also given the overall pedigree of the films Russell has directed and won accolades for, there’s a LOT of pressure to deliver serious quality. Was that level of quality achieved, no. But, WAS that actually and honestly supposed to BE the case with this effort? No as well. This film is what it is….a small, goofy, slapstick, and playfully whimsical comedy, executed in total the way most would expect it to be. Jessica Biel delivers a wonderfully silly character in Alice, a person whose been struck by one of the oddest possible circumstances a person could find themselves in and through comedic devices, actually tries to improve not only her own situation but other’s as well. And Biel does the slapstick solidly to boot. Marsden is equally humorous, playing Scott in his somewhat patented “slick, handsome guy with the ego the size of Texas” as smoothly as ever, similar to his characters in “Anchorman 2” and “Enchanted“. Gyllenhaal also endows his character with the same sense of over-the-top silliness and fun. Loved seeing Catherine Keener be silly, actually, after the wonderful and serious performance in “Enough Said“. Add additional character actors like Bill Hader, Kirstie Alley, Tracy Morgan, Kurt Fuller, Paul Reubens, and James Brolin into the mix and, well, there you have it. In summary, was this the quality of comedic efforts like “Tommy Boy“, “Liar, Liar“, or “Christmas Vacation“…absolutely not. But to completely dismiss “Accidental Love” is to miss out on what often we need as film viewers…mindless, ridiculous, and yeah, maybe NOT highest quality, fun to sit back, relax, not think about. Not everything can be Oscar material, folks, our personal preferences aside.
As always, this is all for YOUR consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
