WHAT IF (2014)

Genre: Romance/Comedy
Running Length: 1:35
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Megan Park, Adam Driver, Mackenzie Davis, Rafe Spall
Director: Michael Dowse
Screenplay: Elan Mastai, based on the play by T.J. Dawe & Michael Rinaldi

WHAT IF explores the age-old question of  "can men and women ever just be good friends". Well, the plot is predictable; Radcliffe's character decides to put his love life on hold after being burnt by a bad relationship and he meets Zoe Kazan's character in a party. They form an instant connection but they can only remain as good friends because the girl has a long term boyfriend (thankfully, he's not stereotyped as a jerk). But as their feelings grow, they struggle to keep things platonic. Yup, it's the guilty pleasure kind of movie. I think I was expecting the would-be couple to engage in clever and meaningful conversations rather than accidentally ending up in tight situations (twice) to generate sexual tension. Well there were a few sweet and tender moments during their dialogue but it was few and far between. Thankfully, the lead actors have chemistry and they do make a cute couple, to be fair. And the cast playing their "best friend" support is serviceable throughout especially Adam Driver. For those wanting a break from serious thought provoking and emotional wrenching films, I guess it OK to munch on cinematic junk food once in a while.

Rating: 6/10