Review of A Case of You (2013) by Gwen K — 31 Dec 2015

"A Case of You" is a refreshing romantic comedy with painfully embarrassing scenes that juxtapose laugh-out-loud moments. Timid writer Sam (Justin Long) lacks the nerve to talk to the cute barista Birdie (Evan Rachel Wood) and instead decides to gather information from her Facebook profile to become her perfect mate, complete with a brand new set of interests. The film instructs today's youth on the etiquette of a growing issue: how to form genuine interpersonal relationships in a digital age. Sam's exhausting charade, although certainly extreme, is generally relatable to young people today. After all, who hasn't done a little Facebook stalking? Sam's ineptitude for real-life relationships, visible to everyone but himself, is eventually revealed to him in an amusing, yet unexpected way.

My only criticism is that I wish the beginning of Sam's journey to becoming Birdie's perfect man had a stronger presence. I imagine it would have been more realistic for Sam to struggle, even briefly, to find the best answer to his dilemma, but instead he never seems to question the simple passing remark from his roommate that sparked it all.

Overall, however, the film is quite entertaining. Long and Wood portray a realistic chemistry that convinces viewers of their feelings for one another. Finally, in the lesser role of Gerard, Peter Dinklage injects humor into otherwise serious scenes.