Truly Dreadful Film

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

Amy Mandell (Julie Davis, who also wrote, directed and produced this fine film) is suddenly a successful author at age 28. Her book, a self-help guide for women on why they DON'T need a man for a fulfilling life, has sold truckloads. Jilted once at love, Amy wants to wait herself for a man who loves and desires her at the same time. So, she created her "pep talk" tome on resisting men who will only dump their ladies as soon as they sleep with them. But, Amy herself is struggling with her own philosophy. In place of a shrink, she goes pour out her Jewish heart to an understanding Catholic priest each week, in confession. This keeps her on her path, for this man, who she has never seen, understands her amid the laughter. What a great guy! While working on a second book, Amy is constantly on the talk circuit in the greater Los Angeles area. One day, she is booked for a shock jock, Matthew Starr (Nick Chinlund), despite some misgivings. Lo and behold, Amy returns his quips well and, beyond that, likes his looks and smile. The feeling is mutual. Therefore, against her better judgment, Amy accepts a date with Matt, even as she tells him the ground rules. No kissing, she decrees, or anything further until she truly gets to know him and feels that there is romance in the air. Its soon complicated, as Amy and Matt are each visualizing a night together. But, if Amy falls for this man, will she be betraying her own lessons for the women of the world? This is quite a fine film, despite the provocative title and a few racy scenes. In fact, I believe the movie may have done better if it had a different title, for it is truly a romantic comedy that will please most fans. Let's all bow to Davis, who stars, wrote, directed and produced this nice offering. This is a tour de force in the Orson Welles and Jennifer Westfeldt vein. Chinlund, also, gives a nice turn while the rest of the supporting cast is more than adequate. The sunny Los Angeles setting is fabulous, too, as are the costumes and photography. Even if you have to ask for the title in writing, as its suggestive moniker tongue ties you, do find it, gentle romcom viewer. Oh, yes, you will like this "O".

I was flipping and channel surfing the other night and this was on. I must have missed about 20 minutes, but reluctantly stayed until the end since there was nothing else to watch. Very bad. Profanity that is excessive and horrible acting from the two main players, Amy and Matt, or Julie Davis and Nick Chinlund---whoever they may be or were.... Man, they need some acting lessons and he needs to lose that incredible NY accent. The film was lousy. Did I say lousy......and the title...it shows the ignorance of the writer. Couldn't a better title be selected, unless it was meant to be provocative to lure viewers, although once lured, they have the option to escape!!!!

There are many engaging and titillating sequences in this low-budget production that is written, stars, is directed by, and co-produced by Julie Davis. But, it is as uneven and ultimately frustrating as any comedy you've ever rooted for to succeed. Since many other reviewers have done a thorough job of identifying and critiquing the maddeningly confusing inconsistencies of this subversively anti-feminist treatise masquerading as a stereotyped pro-feminist fictionalized autobiography that rails against society's stereotypes only to find that some stereotypes are stereotypes because they are true, I will merely add that I heard deafening echoes of past sellouts such as ABC's debacle called "The Great American Beauty Contest" and Jane Fonda's character "admitting" that all women only go to college to find husbands in the movie "Tall Story." [That was all just one sentence, folks!]What makes the above one-sentence summary such a shame is that writer Davis did seem to have some interesting ideas to convey and actor Davis conveyed some of them quite engagingly. More frustrating still is that Director Davis did an excellent job of pacing the movie and adding cute visual ideas on a low budget, and did a SUPER job of making satiric statements through wardrobe choices. Yet, Director Davis hadn't a clue how to direct actor Davis who, in turn, threw away some of the best lines written by writer Davis. It is unknown to what extent co-Producer Davis played in the ultimate cop-out decisions alluded to by the others in arriving at the unsatisfying ending that left so many of us feeling betrayed or cheated. But, at the same time, it is clear that Julie Davis is a woman of great wit, intelligence, and talent that is worthy of harnessing. Overall, this is fast-moving and enjoyable enough to spend 100 minutes watching. So, why not watch it on Showtime-on-demand, then arrive at your own conclusions?

Don't listen to most of these reviewers. This movie is fantastic!!! Definitely give it a chance. It's the kind of film that you can't stop smiling throughout . . . especially if you're single and in your 20's. I'm amazed it wasn't widely released.