Lola Versus [Blu-ray]

"Lola Versus" (87 min.) is the second feature film for real-life partners Daryl Wein (co-writer and director) and Zoe Lister Jones (co-writer and co-star), after the promising 2009 feature "Breaking Upwards". I caught "Lola Versus" just recently at the Esquire, the Cincinnati indie-movies theatre.

"Lola Versus" brings the story of Lola (played by Greta Gerwig), who is in a seemingly perfect relationship with boyfriend Like (played by Joel Kinnaman), as it is portrayed in the first 5 min. of the movie. In fact Luke proposes to Lola, who happily says yes. But alas, with only weeks before the wedding date, Luke breaks up with Lola. In the rest of the movie we see Lola struggling to cope with this devastating news, counting on her close friends to help her, including best girl pal Alice (played by Lister Jones) and best guy pal Henry (played by Hamish Linklater). It would ruin your viewing experience if I spelled out how it all unfolds, you'll just have to see it for yourself.

Several comments: first, the script is loosely based on the real life experience of Lister Jones and Wein breaking up for about a year and how Lister Jones coped as a newly single woman in her mid/late 20s. Second, I first noticed Greata Gerwig in "Greenberg" some 3-4 years ago, and in "Lola Versus" Gerwig again oozes charm (and talent) and she easily carries the movie on her shoulders. Her performance just transfixed me. Third, keep an eye out for Debra WInger and Bill Pullman as Lola's parents, in particular Pullman delivers some memorable lines. In all, I can't emphasize enough how charmed I was by the movie. This is way off the radar screenfrom your mainstream Hollywood fare. One of those "little movies that could", and then did. I was amazed when the end credits started rolling as I had no idea an hour and a half had come and gone. If you like a smart, engaging, delightful indie movie about "relationships", "Lola Versus" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

My first experience watching Greta Gerwig was in a small movie from 2010 called "Greenberg." By my count she now has 6 films that have or will come out in 2012 including this one. Here she plays a 29 year old part time waitress trying to get her Ph.D. by explaining great literary pieces. Many will compare this "relationship" film to "Sex in the City" or Lena Dunham's "Tiny Furniture/Girls" and like those films/TV series, New York City is a central character.

The film opens with Lola about to get married to Luke (Joel Kinnaman, "Safe House"), a hunky dude she lives with. He gets cold feet a few weeks before the wedding, which is catastrophic for Lola. Propped up by her former hippie parents (Debra Winger and Bill Pullman) and a couple clichéd friends (co-writer Zoe Lister Jones and Hamish Linklater), the story follows Lola's attempt to regain her footing. She's confused and convinced that no one wants her, so begins a series of one night stands that includes her friend Henry (Linklater). I'm surprised she didn't try Alice (Jones). Now that would have been interesting.

After dipping her toe again with Luke and several all night drunken binges, Lola finally realizes she must confront her own self doubt before moving on. I don't mean to be a spoiler but the general story here is nothing new and nothing most haven't seen before. What is interesting is Greta Gerwig in her first lead performance. There's something about her. Her charisma, her quirky charm, her below-the-radar attractiveness that allows the brief (89 minutes) film to be worthwhile.

A young woman is dumped by her soul-mate, just before her wedding day. Lola experiences the trauma of heartbreak, her age, and where her life is heading. After taking the advice from friends and family, she decides to venture out on her own healing journey. Emotional, intriguing, and entertaining throughout. Acting Performance Good, and a Great summer movie. Highly Recommended!