Review of Falling Up (2012) by Jennifer T — 14 Feb 2011

A cute enough rom-com. Joseph Crossâ(TM)s dad dies at the start of the movie (not in a dramatic way), and Cross beings work as a doorman so the family can afford to keep the house. The dadâ(TM)s death sets the tone for the rest of a pretty light movie. But itâ(TM)s still enjoyable.

The cast is my favorite topic on this one. I thought Cross was good in a low-key role. Seems pretty likeable. I really like the little bit Iâ(TM)ve seen of the gorgeous Sarah Roemer, and I love the name. She is a perfect love interest in this movie and whatever else one can imagine. I didnâ(TM)t recognize Rachel Leigh Cook until at least half way through. Again, completely likeable and somewhat tragic she has been kicked down to doing more independent-type flicks (though I like them). And Snoop Dogg was surprisingly good in a more dramatic role. Not that dramatic given the lightness of the movie, but no stupid sayings and a toned-down role. Finally, the mom is good and delivers a pretty good speech at the end of the movie. Bumped it up a solid half-point to a 7.5/10.

The story is quite but how realistic I wonder? Iâ(TM)ve seen a few movies and shows that point toward an equal suffering among the rich. I do believe that, but itâ(TM)s tough to compare the lives of someone who works and never gets ahead and someone with a silver spoon from birth. Right before the mom speech at the end, Cross delivers a little speech of his own. I wish heâ(TM)d answered her speech with something along the lines of: momâ(TM) what I said is true. Itâ(TM)s not bad and Iâ(TM)m not ashamed, but it is what it is. Plumbers donâ(TM)t date trust-fund babies. Truthfully, Iâ(TM)d rather associate with the plumber. And therein lies the suffering on either side: judgment based on something other than personality. But it sure is cute when they can get past it in the movies.