Charlotte Sometimes A film review by Joel B. Kirk
SYNOPSIS: Michael acts as a refuge for neighbor and friend Lori currently in a shaky relationship with lover/roommate Justin. Moreover, Michael is pursued a writer named Darcy, whom he meets in a social bar.
Which woman will Michael eventually end up with? Which will he choose? Or rather, which woman will choose Michael?
MY TAKE: What was this film trying to say?
This film falls into the trap of many independent productions, that attempt to be too artsy first and have the story come secondhand.
Everyone seems to speak in whispers, and everyone seems to be moody. Eugenia Yuan is obviously upset in her relationship to Matt Westmore's 'Justin'-and one would expect her to rethink her relationship, a relationship that Jacquline Kim's 'Darcy' seems to want to step into.
Michael Idemoto's 'Michael' seems to be a likable fellow that you would expect to get hooked up with either the sexy Eugenia Yuan or cool Jacqueline Kim (XENA, STAR TREK: GENERATIONS).
Do any of the characters change? Do we really care about any of these characters? Do we, as an audience, feel as if we were enlightened?
POSITIVE/NEGATIVE NITPICKS: What if the roles were switched between Michael Idemoto and Matt Westmore?
Possibly, the role was given to Mr. Westmore, due to the fact that the director, Eric Byler, is half-Asian. However, it almost lends to the media stereotype of the Asian man losing out a girl to a White character, or in this case a half-White character.
Michael is just seen as a 'simple acquaintance'-while Justin is seen as a little bit more....
Usually in romance dramas the woman goes to the man who is down-to-earth, has potential to be someone, something special. Michael, who has a deep, clear baritone and cool personality would be expected to sweep Jacqueline Kim's Darcy from her feet.
At a time when Asian actors are need a strong, sexy, magnetic lead, this film does nothing more than to push the stereotype of the asexual Asian male.
FINAL COMMENTS: This film is a wonderful showpiece for independent filmmaking, especially digital filmmaking. However, with any film, there should be a strong script.
This film is just talking heads, leading up to an unsatisfying conclusion.
MY RATING: **1/2 out of *****
DIRECTOR: Eric Byler
WRITER: Eric Byler
CAST: Jacqueline Kim-Darcy/Charlotte Eugenia Yuan-Lori Michael Idemoto-Michael Matt Westmore-Justin Shizuko Hoshi-Aunt
GENRE: Drama
RUNNING TIME: 88 minutes
YEAR OF RELEASE: 2002 by Visionbox Pictures
EMAIL: joelkirk@sbcglobal.net
Copyright 2003 Joel B. Kirk
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