By Bebe Vocong
Finally, a movie that depicts the trials and tribulations of adult relationships and love as realistically as possible without losing the humour. It is refreshing to watch a film in which the main character, a self described loser, does not have to go through an improbable transformation in order to find love and happiness. The events in this movie, no matter how bizarre, could possibly happen to any one of us.
Something More is the story of Sam (Michael Goorjian, Hard Rain, Party of Five), a modern young man with a successful career who yearns for a lasting, loving relationship. He is resilient in his attempts to woo his dates. Unfortunately, the harder he tries, the more he fails. Almost every pretty girl he meets becomes a potential love interest in his mind.
Coincidentally, Sam’s personality traits are similar to Justin’s in Party of Five. Both characters are smart, funny and romantic. Sadly enough, however, they always seem to lose the girl they love to a better-looking guy who is void of compassion and wit. Goorjian didn’t have to make much of a stretch artistically in his portrayal of an underdog in the dating game. Although Sam is a bit whiny at times (but then, who isn’t when they can’t find someone to love them?), he is genuinely such a nice guy that we can empathize with him in his dire pursuit of romance.
Sam’s search for true love is juxtaposed alongside two of his friends’ own courtship triumphs and mishaps. Dan (Peter Flemming) is secretly in love with his feisty neighbour who lives downstairs from him while Jim (David Lovgren) is the playboy of the group. He thrills in the conquest of new partners, and his relationships’ brevity are due to their purely sexual nature. He doesn’t care to get to know the women better. For example, during a restaurant scene, he explains to Kelly (Chandra West), who happens to be Sam’s main object of desire, that he has no interest at all in what she’s thinking. Oddly enough, it is Jim’s love life that provides the most uproariously unusual circumstances. Jennifer Beals (Flashdance, Devil in a Blue Dress) is the scene-stealer in this movie. Even though her scenes are short, she displays a great comedic presence on the screen.
Fortunately, Jim is beyond one-dimensional and doesn’t become dislikable even though he treats women in an ungentlemanly manner. This is one of the best qualities about this movie; all the key players are complex. They have faults, make bad judgement at various points throughout the movie, and as in reality, they have to deal with the consequences of their actions. Although Something More deals with current moral issues in relationships, such as abortion, it does not become preachy.
This movie makes a statement about the longevity of relationships if honesty and desire are at play. Perhaps some relationships don’t last, but some friendships survive even through the toughest times because the people involved want to make it work. Friends accept each other in spite of their faults. This movie shows that perseverance is a virtue and romance is not dead.
Despite Sam’s overbearing introspection while he shoots hoops, and the frequent play of current pop tunes throughout the movie, Something More has a lot to offer. This charming little movie is great for audience of all ages, but especially for those in love, out of love or still looking for love.