Movie Info:
Writer: Victor Levin
Director: Yann Samuell
Cast: Jesse Bradford, Elisha Cuthbert, Austin Basis, William Abadie
Rating: PG-13
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Release Info:
Theatrical Release: August 26, 2008
DVD Release Date: August 26, 2008
Online Availability: Amazon for $19.99

All I had to hear was “from the makers of My Big Fat Greek Wedding” for me to be sold on this review. I did not see the Korean original to this American remake. I am a bit biased when it comes to foreign cinema, but my love for Greek Wedding blinded me. I know deep down that whenever a foreign remake hits the table it will be slashed to shreds before it is finished. While there are some exceptions, this is for the most part, too true. I found My Sassy Girl to be absolutely no different.

Putting it nicely My Sassy Girl is a mindless, thoughtless, boring chick flick that was made to play off the pseudo-success of the main actors, Jesse Bradford and Elisha Cuthbert. Both somewhat likable in their roles, it seemed that the filmmakers were hoping that even those that like chick flicks wouldn’t look beyond the attractive surface for something with a little bit more substance. Unfortunately, I was the one that looked and lo and behold, there was nothing there to find.

This is a dismal movie that will make even lovers of chick films turn away hoping to never cross paths with this again. Maybe I am being too harsh but nothing in this film worked for me. The actors did what they could, but the story was pathetic and though the cinematography was nice, it was never going to be enough.

The My Sassy Girl Plot
Opposites attract. Love is all there is. Add your own cliché if you wish, because chances are it will probably fit. Charlie (Bradford) is the man with the plan. He gets good grades in school, plans out all of the littlest details of his day, and ultimately has an amazing life in front of him. Well that is until he meets Jordan (Cuthbert). Jordan is somewhat elusive and likes to make a scene wherever she goes. She’s an alcoholic, but she manages to bring a high level of excitement to Charlie’s life. When things begin to spiral out of control it is up to Charlie to determine how to keep what he wants before he loses everything for his short time with his Sassy girl.

From what I can tell the Korean version had a lot of differences but the bulk of the story is still the same. Cuthbert plays a spoiled rich girl with an addiction who uses and abuses Bradford to suit her needs. Of course, there is more to the story, but it will never offer anything necessary to the world of female-oriented films.

Furthermore, it is at times painful to watch this for the mere fact that it feels like Cuthbert and Bradford have no chemistry whatsoever. It’s not exactly exciting watching too people that look awkward together, interact. Instead, it feels like this movie is boredom inducing and pointless.

Storyline/Plot:
Replayability:
Acting:
Directing:

Audio/Visual:
I always hate rating screener copies because it usually doesn’t give a fair representation of what the DVD that comes out actually looks like. That being said I have removed the rating system from this section. The final film will be available in anamorphic widescreen with a 1.85:1 aspect ratio. The screener had its issues ranging from annoying watermarks to some soft spots and blur. I am sure all of this will be corrected before it hits shelves though.

Audio will be offered in Dolby Digital 5.1 English. Currently I do not believe there are plans to support any other languages. Subtitles will be available in both English and Spanish. The audio sounded fine. It was not mind blowing, but it passed. However, it’s impossible to determine what the final product will bring.

Bonus Features:
From what I am to understand, Fox is not planning to add any special features to this direct to DVD film. I can’t say that I blame them. It seems there is little to no point to do so. Still, fans of this movie (if there are any) may be disappointed to find this section bare.

Bonus Features:

Bottom Line:
I shouldn’t have to tell you this because if you’re reading it then you know how I feel. If this was the last movie on Earth, I would respectfully recommend you go watch your paint peel. If your paint is not peeling you could watch your grass grow or some other riveting activity. I still wouldn’t recommend this movie. Rent it if you must, but save yourself the money of a pointless purchase.

Overall Rating:

Technorati Tags: Chick Flick, Bad Movie, Movie Review, DVD Review, My Sassy Girl, Korean Film, American Remake, Jesse Bradford, Elisha Cuthbert, Austin Basis, William Abadie