Gatsby (Timothee Chalamet) is head over heels with a young girl named Ashleigh. The two are currently dating and attend the same school. Gatsby is a man who has a high IQ and takes joy in playing rounds of poker, often earning large sums of money. He feels his parents are quite demanding as they pressure him to do well in school and suggest he should marry Ashleigh due to her parent’s business-owning several banks. Ashleigh is someone who is passionate about journalism, particularly when it comes to topics relating to film.
When Ashleigh receives an exciting invitation to New York to interview a famous film director who is promoting his latest film, Gatsby offers to go with her and even pays for an expensive room as well as making plans for a romantic lunch. But when Ashleigh gets distracted and carried away with the events that occur after the interview, Gatsby is left alone in New York to amuse himself. At the same time, the weather in New York is slightly unpleasing to Gatsby. Soon Gatsby bumps into a few familiar people from his past including Chan (Selena Gomez), the younger sister of a girl Gatsby once dated. The two begin to hang out and visit well-known sites around New York while Ashleigh finds herself getting into more trouble than she originally intended.
The leading performance by Timothee Chalamet was terrific and pleasing. The actor seemed to be having fun delivering the witty dialogue about his rollercoaster emotions when it comes to love. Cameo performances by actors including Jude Law and Liev Schreiber were also great to see on screen. Actress Elle Fanning brings the character of Ashleigh to life so well that I found her role unlikeable, which I’m confident is what the director intended.
Director Woody Allen yet again delivers a lovely heartfelt film with a style that feels welcoming even if it feels slightly familiar for fans. It’s evident while watching that Woody Allen is attempting to be creative with several shots and for the most part, it’s great. But sadly some shots seemed like an odd choice. One such example is his decision to shoot a scene with actors having a conversation inside a car, but filming the scene from outside the car and in the rain. As the actors couldn’t be seen, it seemed like an unusual choice to me personally.
As a story, it’s generally paced well with many heartfelt moments. Some situations/side stories seemed to take up too much screen time without ever really serving a purpose or coming to a real conclusion. I also felt Ashleigh is given way too much screen time considering her role is purposely annoying.
Overall, I found this film to be rather pleasing as a feel-good romantic film. It also contained charming performances, particularly from the leading actor Timothee Chalamet. As a plot, it’s nothing overly new, and those who follow Woody Allen’s career will know what to expect with this film. In the end, if you are seeking a light-hearted comedy with a touch of romance, this one comes quite natural to recommend.
6.2/10
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Review Written by Peter Walkden
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