New York, I Love You – 3*
Big cities worldwide draw all walks of life, and therefore, provide absorbing material for film-makers trying to discover another angle in the way they live, breathe and connect their inhabitants. There are some potentially intriguing and original storylines to indulge in, in this collection of 11 intriguing snapshots of life in the Big Apple, but there is still something fundamental missing from New York, I Love You to put it on a par with 2006’s Paris, Je T’Aime… Just not sure what? Perhaps the latter just has more ‘Je ne sais quoi’ to it that helps fuel its inner mysteries?
Some of the scenarios in the New York picture seem implausible, and others border on pointless, with the majority painting New Yorkers as a bunch of nicotine-addicted philanders who congregate on street corners to express their undying love for the city. But one thing is for sure; all the stories keep you guessing as to their outcome by serving up a few fresh surprises to keep interest ticking like a dark emotional time bomb.
The best tale is by far the most believable, involving an old couple with lots of memories, played by Eli Wallach and Cloris Leachman, going for a walk on their 67th wedding anniversary on a pier. They momentarily forget their quarrels and gripes, and as if in a trance, are spellbound and magically transformed back to their youth and courting days by the Brooklyn seafront, before reality brutally snaps they back and the nagging and bickering reconvenes. Without sounding melodramatic, it’s a poignant chance of reflection for all of us to just take a moment to appreciate our surroundings and each other, and it is filmed in the simplest and most effective way.
The cinematography and editing is superb and makes up for any shortfalls with some of the stories, but the film’s obvious draw will be its stellar ensemble cast that will create wider interest than the usual art-house crowd. It boasts Oscar nominee Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, Shia LaBeouf, Andy Garcia, Hayden Christensen, Orlando Bloom, Christina Ricci, Maggie Q, Ethan Hawke, James Caan and Justin Bartha, among others. The talent obviously want their time in this film to demonstrate their personal love affair with the city, as well as the nine directors’ individual affection. However, the problem with having numerous directorial inputs is it highlights the weaker storytelling talents of some, compared with others, and in turn, shows some acting talent in a lesser light.
New York, I Love You is a refreshing change to the current diet of cinema at box offices, with the added attraction of an A-list cast that will hopefully allow it to make its mark.
3/5 stars
By @FilmGazer
