★ 5 / 10
It’s frustrating to watch a film that many
Brent Marchant
It’s frustrating to watch a film that many viewers are raving about and that has definite potential for artistic success but that nevertheless falls flat…
It’s frustrating to watch a film that many viewers are raving about and that has definite potential for artistic success but that nevertheless falls flat, mainly because it can’t get out of its own way. Such is the case with this latest offering from writer-director Jay Duplass of the Duplass Brothers producing duo. The problem here is that the picture has many of the elements needed to make the production work, but it has noticeable trouble deciding what it wants to do with them. In essence, it’s a quirky, occasionally dark romantic comedy about a former improv/sketch comedy artist, Cliff (Michael Strassner), a recovering alcoholic who’s also trying to bounce back from a failed suicide attempt by adopting a more conventional lifestyle with his well-meaning but micromanaging fiancée, Brittany (Olivia Luccardi). But that reform effort undergoes a massive shake-up one fateful Christmas Eve, when Cliff cracks a tooth and desperately goes in search of an available dentist. Fortunately, Cliff’s oral health hero miraculously materializes in the person of Didi (Liz Larsen), an older, attractive divorcee who attends to his dental needs but then ends up unwittingly becoming involved with her patient in a series of misadventures around Baltimore, all of which subsequently lead to the surfacing of unexpected (and not especially convincing) romantic overtones. The picture thus becomes an offbeat hybrid tale that combines elements from a host of genres, including romcoms, buddy movies and screwball comedies, many of them characterized by off-the-wall characters, improbable situations and colorful locales. But, as noted above, that’s precisely the problem here – the film is unable to pick and commit to a coherent, recognizable formula. Much of the first half, for example, plays like an overly silly Adam Sandler or Ben Stiller comedy, while the back end is reminiscent of some of Woody Allen’s relationship-oriented outings. And, through it all, the narrative is consistently and clumsily episodic, meanderingly moving from one segment (or bit) to another, trying (frequently too hard) to find a sustainable, workable groove. It’s an ever-elusive goal that, unfortunately, grows progressively tiresome. It’s as if the picture hopes to slip by on its treasure trove of unconventional elements and eccentricities, with dashes of serious material thrown in to try and give it a more mature, sophisticated vibe. Consequently, it mostly just keeps ambling along, prompting viewers to wonder when, if ever, it’s finally going to reach some kind of destination, particularly since there are a number of perfectly suitable end points along the way that fail to result in any kind of resolution. And, because of that, “The Baltimorons” winds up playing like a protracted exercise in foreplay (albeit fully clothed and largely social in nature) without (ahem) a satisfying climax. I’m at a loss to understand the hype surrounding this effort, especially the accolades it has received from the likes of the National Board of Review and the Independent Spirit Awards. So, if you’re looking for a movie that combines comedy, romance and relationship elements, check out the recently released offering “Is This Thing On?” instead, an offering that much more effectively reaches its potential in all of these areas. Indeed, potential is a highly coveted, promise-filled commodity in filmmaking – but not when it’s squandered.
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★ 7 / 10
A really well-written rom-com with a fresh albeit unexpected pairing. [+72%]
arungeorge13
Maybe, I'm part of that target audience that really enjoys odd romantic pairings that happen on the go. But Baltimore does look vibrant and beautiful on…
Maybe, I'm part of that target audience that really enjoys odd romantic pairings that happen on the go. But Baltimore does look vibrant and beautiful on Christmas, given how much of a supporting character it is in the overall scheme of things. The film touches upon some important topics, while sprinkling sufficient verbal (and potentially improvised) humour on top. I don't recall having watched anything with these leads -- Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen -- before. So, their chemistry, their performances all felt fresh and fun. Jordan Seigel's piano-driven score plays all the X'mas favorites in the background, without so much as driving the point home. The soundtrack's almost like we're in a nice, chic hotel with a pianist playing these festive hits for the patrons. Olivia Luccardi is the only face that I'm familiar with, and she gets a really poignant scene towards the end.Why The Baltimorons works is not because it's outrageously funny or it has adorable leads, but the way director Jay Duplass chooses to tell this 24-hour story. Strassner, being from Baltimore, probably factored a lot into the writing of the screenplay. These characters are flawed, and I like that they don't conceal their vulnerabilities for some big, twisted reveal. Most of it is unwrapped over casual conversation, and I (for the millionth time) acknowledge why it feels "safe" to be candid with strangers you've just met. It's just the way the world functions, at least for some of us (weirdos), where the best moments occur without plans, expectations, or filters.P. S. This might make for a great double bill with The Holdovers.
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★ 8 / 10
cahimdb
"Baltimorons" is so convincing, so nuanced, so "gritty" that some people might night think it's a Romantic Comedy but it has all the elements: an improbable…
"Baltimorons" is so convincing, so nuanced, so "gritty" that some people might night think it's a Romantic Comedy but it has all the elements: an improbable couple starts as love-hate; they bicker; have hi-jinks, break up and bond. This film is a little dark for the genre but that's hardly new ground.The two protagonists are damaged, lovable, complex, irritating. Importantly, I found myself completely "getting" them as a couple, as the movie progressed. And this was no easy task -- they are a very bad fit for each other.I wish movies would cast more genuine beauties like Liz Larsen. And by "genuine" I mean the people who are attractive in the real world, not Hollywood. I find it irritating when a Hollywood movie has a "homely girl" who, in the real world, was the most beautiful girl at their high school. Liz Larsen is real-world attractive -- which is not a qualified compliment. It's higher standard, in my opinion.Similarly, Michael Strassner is real-world charming. He's not George Clooney, he's the funniest guy in your office. And he is genuinely funny -- often as a coping or self-defense tool. I found myself laughing out-loud (although I was sometimes the only one in the theater.) The gritty feel of the movie lets the humor catch you off-guard but that's another real-life aspect of the move. Like laughing in the hospital.The characters' internal damage and dysfunction are also real-world stuff -- addiction, woundedness, cynicism, guardedness, personal chaos, pettiness. If you don't have these, you know somebody who does. When the characters build a functional relationship with these very familiar challenges, I found it tremendously hopeful.The supporting characters are all good, even though they are given little runway for it. Olivia Luccardi does a good "I'm angry and done but I still love you." role. DiDi's ex-husband and new wife (names?) were a stand-out. They play "Creeps but not evil." well. In lesser movies, you wonder, "What did she ever see in him?" Not this movie.Lastly, I've never been to Baltimore but the movie seems authentic -- Jonathan Bregel shoots it as both a mess and beautiful. I could totally imagine why people make good lives there, despite it's reputation.If I had any criticism, it's the plot, which is mostly, "This happened. Then that happened and then another thing..." I would have preferred more structure. I suspect this was intentional -- improv is a major theme and the plot is a series of situations that the characters react to... "Yes. And..."If you watch movies for escapism, don't let my "it's real world" discourage you. With "The Baltimorons" you escape into other people's real world which is funny, beautiful and hopeful.
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93%
TOMATOMETER
· 75 reviews
84%
AUDIENCE
· 50 ratings
6.9/10
4.5K
•••
This was a really good movie.