Review of Me and You and Everyone We Know (2005) by Kylie P — 18 Feb 2010

From August 28, 2008:

Me and You and Everyone We Know wasn't a traditional romantic comedy, but it toyed with those elements. It wasn't a typical indie drama, per se, but it had all of the ingredients. It was a film that seemed to drive toward something profound - but it didn't quite get there. Or, it did get there, but in an anticlimactic way. This film felt light and frothy when it seemed that it was trying to be deep.

On the other hand, Ms. July's direction was superb, using a variety of camera techniques to connect the viewer, however momentarily, to all of the different players and their particular perspectives. The pacing was also great, even and tight; the film was always engaging. The score was likable, at times, though at other times, its kitsche felt annoying. The best and most believable performance belonged to John Hawkes as the man-child struggling with his sense of loss while being completely caught off guard by Christine's less-than-subtle though certainly unusual advances. His responses felt real. Ms. July also gave a good performance, though, at times, it was uneven, and that's not just because her character is so kooky. Her character seemed semi-autobiographical, and when the character most closely resembled the real woman was when the performance was most convincing. Other times, it was as if she was staring with big wide doe eyes because she didn't know what else to do.

Beware the widespread sexualization of the under-18 crowd. All in all, the film was cute, sweet, even a little precious without being over the top.