Review of New York, I Love You (2008) by Justin S — 04 Dec 2012

New York, I Love You features an ensemble of stars in a series of unrelated short films connected only in that they are in New York and are about an aspect of love. The films are not universally successful or likeable but they are all worth watching the once, if not more than once.

Ethan Hawke stands out as a rather sadsack and almost leacherous writer as does Natalie Portman for her portrayal of a diamond buyer who has a long time business relationship with a man of a different culture and religion from hers.

Shock value is achieved in a story of a jilted high school student who is set up with a girl who is in a wheelchair. After the prom, they are in the park when the girl suggests that he take her panties while she holds onto branches of a tree, they have sex and spend the night together.

The boy receives two shocks: the girl's father is not angry with him for their being out all night and the girl gets up out of her wheelchair and walks into her apartment building - she is revealed by her dad to be a method actress. The boy later gives us the movie title when he muses that he loves New York. 9/10.