Like Crazy

You know when you watch that film and there is something about it that you just really like. It resonates, perhaps, and no matter the frequency in which you watch it you still enjoy it. Well, (yes, my intro has suggested as much), this is exactly the case with 'Like Crazy'. I recall when I first heard about this nifty little independent film. In 2011 it was showcased at the respected Sundance Film Festival, winning the Grand Jury Prize, yep, the posh critics gave it very good reviews. Regardless of the award this film won I just knew I had to see it. However, I didn't get round to it until 2012.

With a relatively small budget of just $250, 000 which is really nothing in comparison to what Hollywood throws at movies these days.  Facets such as the cost of the film and the fact it was shot with a humble Cannon EOS DSLR (if you know about your camera's) both serve to highlight and empathise that it is the fine acting that the viewer should be concerned with rather than camera wizardy and effects.

The chemistry between the two main protagonists, American actor, Anton Yelchin, (the young dude in Alpha Dog) and the English actress, Felicity Jones, (Chalet Girl, no, I haven't seen it). Anyway, yes, the chemistry, as I was saying is just lovely in this film. The director must have been grinning from behind his lense. Felicity's character is a young student in L.A and Anton is her classmate and she likes him, makes moves, (in a tasteful manner) he likes her, and thinks she's interesting and all that jazz - and what ensues is that beginning of a sweet little relationship, until Felicity's character has to return to London, her study visa has come to and end. This is when the many layers start to reveal themselves to the viewer as the young lovers are faced with the reality of being separated and thoughts of uncertainty whether their burgeoning relationship can continue in spite of the distance that they would be faced with.

Well, I won't divulge the whole film, but it really is quite good and has a sweet calmness that transpires throughout it. There is a realness about Like Crazy that makes it feel and seem so authentic.

Most definitely a recommendation. If you like films about love, relationships and reality unlike the majority of Hollywood's popcorn Rom Com's this is the film for you. And, if you are thinking what is a bloke doing watching a film like this; after it finished I did 100 push ups and watched all of the Rocky films back to back.


Demola, TCC