Anything But Love (2003)

Wow! Such a good movie.

Lack of good storyline.

Good idea lost in the noise

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

If you are a fan of MGM and RKO musicals of the 30s and 40s, you will get the references in this film and enjoy them!!! If not, but like movies that let you escape, you will love this film. It's sweet, clever, poignant, and funny the way a good Cole Porter or Irving Berlin tune is. I saw this movie last night and had a wonderful time. Go see it!!!!! :)

At some movie theatres lately, you have the choice of seeing "Love Actually" or "Anything But Love"; ironically, the titles are the exact opposite of what these films are really about. After the depressing fairy-tales of "Love Actually" it was so refreshing to see a film that may not have had the advantages of a big budget or top-name talent, but makes up for it with sincerity. For Billie Golden, the first love in her life is her music, and she finds love with a man who has the same philosophy. How reassuring to find a film that doesn't glorify materialism and appearances and subjugates the love story to the more important life journey of finding one's passion. Miss Isabel Rose certainly looks and acts the part and has a nice little voice; Andrew McCarthy, as already noted, is perfect as the sclubby pianist. The rest of the cast is serviceable (Cameron Bancroft, I thought, was the weakest link). Costumes (particularly Billie's glorious retro fashions) were great and although there is a heck of a lot of distractingly bad ADR, there are some great NYC locations that make this one of the great movie valentines to the Big Apple, along the lines of "Annie Hall." The Technicolor dream sequence was a nice touch. Some interesting, not-oft-heard standards are to be found in the score. The script was awkward at times, particularly in the ending, but overall this is a fine little movie and a great holiday treat.

Just happened to catch the Canadian Premiere of 'Standard Time' at our local indie film festival. What a surprise! My fiancee and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing this wonderfully charming film. The star, Isabel Rose, introduced the film, and it was great to see how much of herself she put into it. A lot of understanding and research of the Musical heyday was required to make this film authentic and Ms. Rose has a look that brings the experience together and makes it work.Unlike a lot of other referential films, the 40's musical aspect of the film does not bog it down with obscure references, instead making the film a treat for the experienced and newbie alike. The narrative is compelling and in contrast to the films of the period in which our protagonist 'dreams', progressive as well, far more so than many of the other romance/comedy/marriage films of today. I must mention that Andrew McCarthy does a wonderful turn as the piano teacher, probably a note better even than New Waterford Girl, showing far better chops and charm than he ever did in 'Pretty in Pink'. Overall, an amazing debut effort that deserves a turn on the distribution merry go round; it just might pick up as much steam as that 'Ethnic Wedding' film.

There aren't too many films made today that have a timeless quality about them. Standard Time is like a classic standard that brings a truly magical and romantic quality to the present generation. It combines a stylish idealism, which the entire film is held up against, right along side a tangible realism. The story unravels subtly, ebbing throughout the captivating cabaret numbers performed by Isabel Rose. Her voice is beautifully pure and unadulterated like the character she plays. She owns her performance like only a writer could. Andrew McCarthy is back with a matured depth, but retains the charm to complete the ensemble brilliantly. You'll be surprised at how well they work within and around the genre they brought back. This movie has the charm of a 60's Barbra Streisand comedy and the vividness of an Ester Williams set using the latest technology to bring back the brilliance of the look of Technicolor. This is a very special film; as with any good timeless classic, it's relevance will reach far into the future. It's hard to believe it's an indie, let alone the writers and director's very first film!