Imagine Me and You

 

 

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If you love romantic comedies, you'll probably love Imagine Me & You. While it does feature a wedding in the beginning and then finding true love at the end, plotted out in somewhat predictable fashion, the "chase" inbetween these two events is delightful to watch. The concept of the film is love at first sight. That a person can feel so greatly connected with another person through one mere look. Granted, this film concept isn't all that avant-garde since there have been plenty before with the same theme, but in Imagine Me & You, this is a story about love at first sight between two females. It actually kind of reminds me of another Piper Perabo movie, Lost and Delirious, which focuses on the concept of love that sees past gender boundaries and is just love as it is, between two people regardless of gender (and other variables).

All the characters in this movie are just so endearing and entertaining to watch that you can't help but like/love them all. With Luce and Heck both vying for Rachel, you, as the viewer, will find it hard to choose who you want her to ultimately end up with because they are are both equally charming. Of course, the way these romantic comedies go, you can easily guess who she'll end up with from the beginning scenes. While you cannot necessarily fault the predictability of the film, inherent in the entire genre pretty much, as a strike against the film altogether, I did feel there were some weak spots in the film. From what I understand, director and writer Ol Parker was constrained to a 90 minute time frame for his film. That, ultimately, may have very well inhibited his ability to fully tell the story of these characters. To me, the storyline felt loose and lacking in some respects. Given, it is a story about love at first sight so rationale and character context be damned, but regardless, it didn't seem to paint a full picture of some of the main characters to make them truly compelling (it was really the acting and casting that saved them). However, Heck was not one of these characters because we the audience could see many dimensions of him: he was scared of heights, loved to cook for people, hated his job, scared to lose Rachel, often embarrassed himself, adored by Rachel's family (especially her little sister, H), etc. Little if anything is known about the other two protagonists, Rachel and Luce. I'm not even really sure what Rachel's job was besides that it involved sitting in front of or near a computer. The two, when compared to Heck, did not seem as multi-faceted and therefore, for me at least, as compelling.

Which brings me back to why the acting and casting saved the characters and by extension, the film as well. Lena Headey (Luce) and Matthew Goode (Heck) stood out particularly for me in this case. Lena Headey, especially, brought to her character a certain spark and spellbinding quality that I'm not sure I've ever witnessed on screen before -- or at least recently. Anthony Head (Rachel's father), who you may know as Giles from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, was also tremendous in his role, playing an adorable fumbling, kind of aloof father and husband in the movie. The only American actor in the cast, Piper Perabo (Rachel), actually does pull of a believable English accent and if there were any slip ups, they were hardly noticeable.

All in all, even with my quibbles, I still think this movie is deserving of its praise. It's heartwarming enough to watch again and again.

In the beginning there was Meg Ryan. Then came Julia Roberts. Followed by Sandra Bullock. All fine actresses who know how to excel in the lead role of a romantic comedy. Yet Piper Perabo rivals all three. The supporting ensemble of Lena Headey as Rachel's (Piper's) love interest, Matthew Goode as her newly-minted husband, and Celia Imre and Anthony Head as Rachel's parents, is second to none. Kudos to the producers, writers and director for not immersing the movie in lesbian ideology or excessive physical (read sexual) portrayal. Neither were needed and the movie was better for its absence. In reality, the lesbian theme is almost irrelevant to the story. The storyline focused simply on love at first sight and Rachel's dilemma and decision to pursue it.

For those not familiar with Piper Perabo's work, check out Coyote Ugly (2000), Lost & Delirious (2001), Covert Affairs (TV series - 2010 to date). Reputed to be one of the entertainment world's most gracious and respectful actresses who flies beneath the radar when it comes to self (absorbed) promotion, Piper projects a 'feel good' approach to her work. Great little movie. It almost begged for additional story time.

Imagine Me & You is most charming romantic comedy I had the occasion to see.

I found it original and was pleasantly surprised by some unexpected turns included in the plot.

The cast is absolutely fabulous. Piper Perabo (Lost and Delerious) shows once again how talented she is. She shines in dramatic scenes as well as in light, comical ones. Lena Headey (The Brothers Grimm), whom I discovered thanks to this movie, is one of the most natural actresses I had the occasion to see. Matthew Goode, as the fiancé, and Darren Boyd, his best friend, are both funny and touching. It was a pleasure to see Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) again. He and Celia Imrie made quite a couple! Ol Parker (writer/director) created a smart, witty and entertaining film. I highly recommend it. It is beautiful, funny and moving.

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4.0 out of 5 stars Imagine Me You
If you are looking for light British entertainment dealing with a slightly off center theme this is a great movie. Read more

Published 21 months ago by Sundry

5.0 out of 5 stars Just charming ... you're pulling for all characters!
What a charming movie. Each character is likeable and so it created an interesting love triangle. It was hard to know which one to pull for! Read more

Published on Dec 5 2009 by Susan Fisher

5.0 out of 5 stars Happy together
"Imagine me and you, I do
I think about you day and night, it's only right
To think about the girl you love and hold her tight
So happy together"
(The... Read more

Published on Jun 28 2009 by Amanda Richards

5.0 out of 5 stars speedy, Cheap, Fantastic and Lovely
Not only is this film excellent, fantastic, lovely and beautiful it's rather a good soulful movie. I love it to bits. Read more

Published on Jun 7 2009 by R. Martin

3.0 out of 5 stars Love at first sight I do believe but as for this film I do not.,
This movie was okay but felt that it could have been so much better. The basic concept of the film; Rachel (Piper Perabo) married Heck (Matthew Goode) and on her wedding day falls... Read more

Published on July 3 2007 by Jenny J.J.I.

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Delightful
I had never heard of this movie until a friend recommended it to me , describing it simply as a movie about "love at first sight". It was that and so much more. Read more

Published on July 25 2006 by Memet

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome!
Not as good as DEBS but still very good! Lena Heady and Piper Perabo were Awesome! 5 Stars!!

Published on Jun 14 2006 by Wayne Gerlitz

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