Film: Like Crazy
Cast includes: Anton Yelchin (Hearts in Atlantis), Felicity Jones (The Tempest), Jennifer Lawrence (Winter’s Bone)
Writer/Director: Drake Doremus (Douchebag)
Genre: Drama/Romance (2011)
The note she leaves on Jacob’s windshield might freak him out, but instead, he’s intrigued. Anna’s studying to be a writer and Jacob wants to become a furniture designer. She’s in LA on a student visa, but after graduation she’s going to play it by ear. If love counts for anything, they’ll want to find a way to be together after graduation. And they do, in fact, seem to be very much in love and very well suited for each other.
All Anna needs to do is go back to England for the summer and apply for a work visa. “It’ll go by so quickly, we won’t even notice,” Anna insists. Jacob gives her a going-away present… a bracelet with “Patience” engraved on it. She gives him a present… “A Book of Love.” It’s a diary of their time together so far. But at the eleventh hour, Anna can’t bring herself to leave. There’ll be plenty of time to sort things out when summer is over. But, as it turns out, overstaying her visa makes things very complicated, and she’s deported like a common criminal. Unable to get her visa sorted out, Anna has no choice but to find a job in London. And Jacob has no choice but to get on with his career in LA. The phone calls, visits and text messages keep them connected but life still goes on. Can they keep their passionate love alive while the visa issue keeps their lives on hold?
Is love forever? It’s a theme that’s been explored ever since writers have written about romance. While this film is very sweet, it’s not sugar coated. As Anna and Jacob get on with life, the plot thickens… life happens. Before long, they find themselves being torn between different options. There are no easy answers. The film is played in a way that keeps us emotionally involved through each twist and turn. Much of the dialogue is improvised and the film often feels very real. It’s not a complicated story, but it feels so real that it’s quite compelling. It’s hard to keep a relationship going when it stops and starts. We wonder if they’ll find a way. We wonder if they should find a way. We feel like we’re living it with Anna and Jacob.
3 popped kernels
A sweet romance that tugs at the heart but struggles with real life
Popcorn Profile
Rated: PD-13
Primary Young adults
Gender Appeal: Date flick
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Both upbeat and somber
Tempo: In no hurry
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: True to life
Social Significance: Thought provoking
