What If We See A Movie on the Way Home From Iowa?

See what i did there?

...probably not as good as 'About Time We Had a Date Night...' (here)...but I'm going with it....

Last weekend we went to a wedding for my elementary school BFF (more on this later!). It was in Iowa, the city was just a little over 4 hours from us. We drove up early in the morning and then drove back after the wedding. That put us near Kansas City close to dinner time, so we thought, why not see a movie...?

When we saw 'Wish I Was Here' a few weeks ago (more on this later too whoops!), we saw several previews for movies that looked good. One of them being 'What If' a semi - indie romcom starring Daniel Radcliffe and Zoe Kazan. (trailer here.)

The plot follows Wallace (Radcliffe) who is in a life rut, until he meets Chantry (Kazan). The only trick is, she has a boyfriend. He agrees to be friends with her (knowing the situation up front), and throughout the movie both hilarious and dramatic situations arise.

I really appreciated the silly banter and quirky conversation topics, they reminded me of the bits on Gilmore Girls, though this movie's dialogue had more of a focus on poop than GG... Regardless, I liked hearing the dialogue between the different characters. It covers a range from nerdy & expectant to know-it-all fun facts. It was a little dirtier than I had imagined it would be, but I think overall it comes across in a really silly sarcastic way. Either way, I appreciated seeing a depiction of young adults that wasn't so typical, and felt considerably more real.

I found it refreshing to watch the characters have supremely awkward conversations and interactions. From Radcliffe's spazzy club dancing to ill fated conversations about cool whip, the characters will keep you laughing and cringing . I felt like I could really relate to them, and not just because I'm a pretty spazzy dancer myself.

I also appreciated that it didn't take the typical depiction of the 'you can't live your life if you're in a serious relationship' theme that is currently so prevalent in shows and movies related to young adults. I know a lot of this feeling is simply because KC and I have been in a long term relationship for part of our teens and all of our twenties.... but that also means that I know it's true. You can be a happy, adventurous, successful person while you are in a relationship. These things are not exclusively reserved for the single and career-only-minded. (hopping off soapbox now..)

Things this movie will make you want to do:

Move to Canada (or any big city): I'm not sure how often it comes up in my posts, but I am a self-appointed Canadiophile. And, I'm pretty sure I made up the term... but I am a little obsessed with all things Canadian. It seems rare for a movie in mainstream US theaters to take place in Canada. This one was filmed mostly in Toronto.... and I can promise it will have you jones-ing for the quirky, boldly lit, & eclectic city life.

Raid Chantry's wardrobe: She has sort of a artsy/indie look going on, with lots of classics thrown in there. You'll be swooning over her quirky eye wear, effortless layering skills, bright coats, vintage inspired blouses and pretty party dresses. Just be prepared, you may really want to shop afterward.... or experiment with your full closet..

Be more spontaneous: Not only do these characters do things that are um, well, spontaneous.... (think skinny dipping & jetting off on a whim), they also happen to do quirky things throughout the movie (like shopping in Chinatown, knitting with the girls, and ping pong dates), it will make you want to go out and try something new or maybe do something just a little reckless.

Be in love: duh. :) In love with life, love, & friends.

Overall I really loved this movie. It left me feeling happy and refreshed. Really craving travel, fun, & new experiences. I think it can be so easy to get into routines that we forget what it's like to do something a little crazy. Even if that's just trying a new ice cream flavor.

We saw this movie at the 'Cinetopia' in OP, mostly for the showtime. The prairie fire area was really neat, and the natural history museum was awesome, so gorgeous from the outside! The theatre itself didn't live up to the hype or price. While the seats were comfy.... the popcorn (that KC waited 20 minutes!! in line for) was sub par, no one took my ticket, and the bathrooms were severely lacking toilet paper after our show. Plus it took the people next to us 40 + minutes to get their wine (that they ordered before the movie) brought to them. It could have been a fluke, but it was quite constant throughout our time there. It seems unlikely that we will go back with much intention, unless we are wanting to see a major blockbuster on the IMAX sized screens.

Have you seen 'What if'? What did you think?

Have you been to the OP 'Cinetopia'? How was your experience?

XO,

Alexandra

All movie images via Google. Toronto image via Pinterest.