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One movie we disagreed on this week, in varying degrees, is the new romantic drama “Wish You Were Here.” CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes and I recommend the feature, which marks the feature directing debut of actress Julia Stiles. Bruce Purkey gave an unfavorable review, and all of our “Wish You Were Here” takes are features on the latest CinemAddicts episode. Check out our coverage below!
Based on the Renée Carlino novel centers on Charlotte (Isabelle Fuhrman), a woman who falls in love with a facinating stranger (Mena Massoud). Their memorable evening together leads to heartbreak, as Charlotte believes her prospective soulmate wanted just a one night stand.
Charlotte continues on with her life, as she spends quality time with her best friend (Gabby Kono-Abdy) and her loving parents (Jennifer Grey, Kelsey Grammer). She even tries her hand at another stab at romance with a friendly enough guy (Jimmie Falls). When Charlotte discovers why the stranger seemingly parted ways with her, she reenters his life.
Listen to our “Wish You Were Here” review on CinemAddicts:
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Julia Stiles, who also penned the script, directed the feature with a confident and even eye. The narrative could have become saccharine beyond belief, but she kept things grounded and realistic. Fuhrman and Massoud are terrific in their respective roles, giving “Wish You Were Here” an refreshing layer of depth. Both Eric Holmes and I gave the feature 3.5/5 stars, and surprising he and I loved absolutely different sections of the film! Bruce Purkey did not recommend “Wish You Were Here” as he rated it 2/5 stars.
Stiles and Fuhrman previously worked together on “Orphan: First Kill,” and hopefully that collaboration continues after “Wish You Were Here.” I really appreciated how Stiles handled the material with a subtle touch. Fuhrman, one of cinema’s most underrated actors (check out her performance in “The Novice”), delivers one of her best performances to date. Massoud is utterly believable as Charlotte’s true love, and he plays his character’s complexities with an understated level of humanity.
There is also a life moment in “Wish You Were Here” that could have been shown to bring viewers to tears, but Stiles opted for a more subtle transition. By holding back on possible manipulative moments, Stiles shows an admirable level of taste as well.
CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes and I review “Wish You Were Here.” Check out the video:
“Wish You Were Here” is now playing in theaters. Let us know your thoughts on the movie!
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