Anyone But You
⭐️ ⭐️ (out of 5)
Director Will Gluck (Peter Rabbit 1&2) is back on the shores of Australia with his modern interpretation of Much Ado About Nothing. A rom-com that serves as a tour of the beauty of Sydney while showcasing beautiful people falling in and out of love in this stunning city. Yet, can it capture the magic of the Shakespearian comedy and bring audiences back to theatres for this Aussie romance?
During a chance meeting at a local coffee shop, Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) have a magical day and night together. Until their night is spoilt by a series of misunderstandings that take their passionate chemistry and turn it into a toxic combination. One they neither want to return to except for the serendipitous connection they have as her sister, Halle (Hadley Robinson), and his friend, Claudia (Alexandra Shipp), decide to get married in Sydney. Friends and family are flown into Australia to celebrate the nuptials between the lovestruck women, including Bea and Ben. Initially, the pair do all they can to avoid one another until they hatch a plan that makes it look like they are a couple. It was a way for Bea to prevent seeing her former fiance and for Ben to win back his former girlfriend. A choice that has the potential for positive results, but in all reality leads to disastrous consequences.
For fans of romantic comedy classics, the formula proven effective over the years is an unlikely couple overcoming obstacles, experiencing comedic situations, and developing chemistry that brings them together. This blueprint has been used for decades to varying degrees of success and there is the rare moment when one of these films finds that magical combination. Unfortunately, Will Gluck’s production relies more on formula than convincing chemistry to make this a romance worth seeing. Beyond the over-the-top nature of the humour and the predictable silliness within the screenplay, most parts of the equation fail to add up.
Sydney is a fantastic backdrop for this reimagining of the Shakespeare classic. Still, for anyone who knows the landscape of the vast city, this whole adventure is unbelievable. Granted, the Opera House, Northern Beaches, Blue Mountains, and Bondi make for fantastic scenes, unless you are a Sydneysider who may find this travelogue challenging to embrace. Yet, there are other issues with this romantic jaunt through the Southern Hemisphere that make this less than convincing as a romance.
The trouble starts with the chemistry within the casting. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney are attractive and provide gorgeous marketing opportunities. Still, their on-screen connection is never truly convincing enough to make their romance compelling. Where Benedick and Beatrice cut the fine line of hatred and allure throughout Much Ado About Nothing, Ben and Bea fail to cross from biting bitterness to plausible passion. This can be said of most of the casting choices, who all must have been chosen because of their physical presence instead of their relational connection to rest of the cast. As productions attempt to balance between talent and the need to meet social expectations for all backgrounds to be represented on-screen, Anything But You struggles to strike that harmony.
On the surface, this story has all of the correct elements, from the Shakespearian inspiration to the location to the beauty of the central couple. Yet, none of these can help this film become the next great rom-com. The comedy falls flat, and the romance needs more spice to be convincing. Still, at least audiences will get to see some of the gorgeous sites in the beautiful city of Sydney.
Reel Dialogue: Faking it
Does faking your love for someone else ever work? In the realm of romantic comedies, despite their assumed disdain for one another, there is always a whisper of attraction in the background. Yet, many people try to maintain relationships with others in reality for various reasons: money, power, or fame. History has a tendency to prove that ‘faking it’ in any relationship usually leads to disastrous consequences.
The same can be said of connections with God. Many people acknowledge that God exists or hope that he does when they are in a tough spot. Still, most folks are ‘faking it’ instead of having a real relationship with God. Have you ever wondered how you could have a real connection with God? It’s easier than you might think; the answer is found in the words of the Bible and in the person of Jesus.
Instead of faking it, why not connect with God today. He’s real, and he would like to connect with you in the reality of your life.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him. - Hebrews 11:6
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