This story of (un)expected love coming to life is set in Warsaw and Los Angeles and is about the rocky-turned-romantic relationship between Ian, a commitment-phobic American and Joanna, a Polish university student who is pregnant with his baby.
I know what I look forward to when I rent a romantic comedy. The genre switches gears between romance and slapstick and its viewing enjoyment is due to a pleasant mix of sweet and silly. If I should complain that the plot of this urban fairy tale is too easy to predict, I wouldn't be wrong in saying so. Within minutes, we know what will happen, so don't count on too much suspense. I must admit, at first, I was really put off by 'Expecting Love', only later I realized my expectations were getting in the way of enjoying the spectacle.
The strength of the genre and the key to its popularity is the coupling of comedy and drama, in Karwowski's feature these elements work well. This undemanding flick is lighthearted, charming and touching. It might offer cliché, simplified emotions, as well as not too much insight into the mysteries of love but that's exactly what puts a smile on your face. One must add that this warm pleasantness occasionally feels slightly forced (for instance in the final sequence) and there are also moments where it attempts to play too much on your emotions, such as the ultrasound scene, but I can overlook that.
The actors are appealing and give good performance so we are instantly fond of the lovers. In this glossy story of love going wrong, and then going right, Ian, an embezzler of hearts discovers that Joanna may be the woman of his dreams and his romantic destiny is in Poland. Although Joshua Leonard generates a credible character, the transformation from selfish, cynical career man to responsible husband and father failed to convince me.
Overall, an entertaining yet sincere movie. Predictable and sentimental, yes, but enjoyable nonetheless, for both him and her. You won't be sorry.
I know what I look forward to when I rent a romantic comedy. The genre switches gears between romance and slapstick and its viewing enjoyment is due to a pleasant mix of sweet and silly. If I should complain that the plot of this urban fairy tale is too easy to predict, I wouldn't be wrong in saying so. Within minutes, we know what will happen, so don't count on too much suspense. I must admit, at first, I was really put off by 'Expecting Love', only later I realized my expectations were getting in the way of enjoying the spectacle.
The strength of the genre and the key to its popularity is the coupling of comedy and drama, in Karwowski's feature these elements work well. This undemanding flick is lighthearted, charming and touching. It might offer cliché, simplified emotions, as well as not too much insight into the mysteries of love but that's exactly what puts a smile on your face. One must add that this warm pleasantness occasionally feels slightly forced (for instance in the final sequence) and there are also moments where it attempts to play too much on your emotions, such as the ultrasound scene, but I can overlook that.
The actors are appealing and give good performance so we are instantly fond of the lovers. In this glossy story of love going wrong, and then going right, Ian, an embezzler of hearts discovers that Joanna may be the woman of his dreams and his romantic destiny is in Poland. Although Joshua Leonard generates a credible character, the transformation from selfish, cynical career man to responsible husband and father failed to convince me.
Overall, an entertaining yet sincere movie. Predictable and sentimental, yes, but enjoyable nonetheless, for both him and her. You won't be sorry.