Things Like This

A gay romantic comedy is always a good way to move on from pride month. The film interestingly mixes cuteness and awkwardness using stereotypical formulas but has realistic characters. The movie needed more finesse in acting and and a bit more tighter ending, because the story is as predictable as it gets. Two unlikely guys meet, sparks fly, start dating, one of them is reluctant to make a commitment and/or express true feelings, they have a major falling out, and then something happens that probably brings the couple back together. We have all heard/seen it before but it's the treatment that makes all the difference.

Set in New York City, Zack Anthony, an overweight guy, is a wannabe novelist and the film starts with a hot guy fathoming him after sex. He feels “stuck” in life because he’s unemployed, his aspiring career as a novelist has stalled and of course he is conscious of his body. And even though he says he doesn't want love, you can tell he is a romantic. We meet another 20 something gay named Zack (yes, they share same name), a hot guy, working as a talent agent's assistant and is unhappy in his job. Not just his job, he has a boyfriend of few years but clearly he is bored in the relationship. The duo have their “meet cute” moment at an industry party and even though they feel a connection, Zack says he has a boyfriend. And then eventually Zack breaks up with him that same night after he gets proposed to. The dup go on a. Couple of dates only to realize that they were each other's first kiss back when they were kids in a summer camp. They both start getting string feelings for one another and it scares them both, except one of them is more vocal about his emotions while the other is more cautious and aloof with his. We ge to see more of tenor backgrounds and when they both start falling very very hard for one another, especially after Zack Anthony's big romantic gesture, it scares the agent Zack and he pulls back, trying to find a job, place to live and do something meaningful with his life. As expected they are on their individual journeys for a while, while many of their supporting character friends come in and out and eventually they get back together. 

So, this is the story of Zack meets Zack. The two men have undeniable chemistry, but as mentioned above the story is pretty basic. The story moves very quickly from cute 'n' fluffy dating moments to more serious soul searching, to the point that too many scenes devolve into irksome finger-pointing. None of it feels remotely believable or cohesive. Events unfold in haphazard, abrupt fashion as the movie heads toward a conclusion that feels both preordained and unearned. There are too many characters with friends, families that were just not needed. I am not sure what was the point of mentioning Zack's step brother or his homophobic father and his girlfriend. They add absolutely no gravitas to the film. Sure, the film tries to give an insight into why both these men have self-worth issues, by tackling topics like internalized shame, family rejection, and the complicated dance of finding love while battling personal demons. But none of that really adds a soul. The makers should have ideally stayed on the rom-com track itself. Some of the dialogues also are very cliches and cringy. The film has everything that you might expect in a romantic comedy/drama about two flawed cynics who fall in love with each other, with enough witty banter and engaging characters to keep things interesting. But it just never raises above the "feel good" factor. The film could have been so much more. (6/10)