Pretend We're Kissing (2014)

the audience applauded

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

Exceptionally realistic dialogue and acting. The main female lead is wonderful, sweet and authentic. The male lead has an awkward way with women, is too nice with another attractive young woman who uses him to crash in his apartment. He makes a modest living by pasting posters for bands he designs himself.The second scene of love making is so real, it may make you feel quite uncomfortable.The protagonist does some voice overs that are well crafted.The final scene ends in an upbeat manner as he engages with the young Asian women at the grocery store he usually shops in.

Very well deserving of it's "Most Awkward Sex Scene" award from Canadian Film Fest. This film puts the spotlight on people who probably would not get attention in real life, awkward people, so I appreciate that. However, I found myself cringing with each and every moment in each scene. There is definitely truth in that these characters exist in real life (the Loner, the Single Skinny Awkward guy, the Hippie, but putting them all together did not ring any sparks for me. There is also truth in the theme that in romance, you have to learn who and what you like to get the most out of your relationships--something that the main character Benny encounters. All he wants is to be more confident and connect with other people, but he doesn't (until the very very end) and it was cringing and uncomfortable to watch. Only redeeming aspect is Zoe Kravitz, love her spirit and energy.

At first blush, this Canadian Indie movie may seem like the narrative that runs parallel to romantic comedies, the piece that we never see, like Lion King 1 1/2. That is, the awkward dance we play, whether in our heads, or with each other, about courtship. PWK is, in one respect, about that. And had it only been about that, it would have been very satisfying. But whether on purpose or not, it also is about how to be when you're aware that trying to get someone to like you can turn you into a blundering fool, and unfortunately, maybe make you appear to be something of a narcissist, or worse, just a douche. If you're too busy trying to impress someone, either by over-thinking, under-thinking, or just pretending something you're not, it can end disastrously. Some people never learn this lesson, and PWK is a solid exploration of that. The question for the viewer is, then, are you OK with squirming in your seat knowing that either a) you're that guy, or b) you're so glad you're not that guy and watching someone be that guy is, well, disconcerting bordering on eye-roll. For me, personally, it was a good reminder how not to be. Awkward's fine, and as this movie presents it, awkward in its less critical moments can be charming. Our foibles are our most revealing traits -- I love you most when you're not trying at all. But when we become self aware, and trip over our foibles in an effort to impress, we lose our intended's respect and attention, because we just look like ass-clowns. It's a good lesson, and well-taught here.

This is the kind of movie you'll stumble across and wish you had found sooner. Authentic characters, real life laugh out loud humour, relatable awkwardness, well produced, well directed awesome movie. Nothing flashy or phony, just a well written, fun movie.Both actors in the leading roles gave great performances. I rarely watch a movie more than once and I have so far watched this twice. Pro: It's set in Toronto, and Toronto is awesome. Con: Zoe Kravitz' character could have been played by a better actress.9/10 (only because it is not Shawshank Redemption and ya know.. Zoe Kravitz)