After the death of her fiancé, Mira, a children’s book illustrator, continues to text the deceased. Except that the number of the latter has been reassigned to the professional device of Rob, a music critic. Fallen under the spell of this stranger who does not know that his messages are read, Rob manages to meet Mira, but without revealing the imbroglio to her: a bad idea that could ruin everything. Luckily for Rob, singer Celine Dion took a liking to him during an interview and decided to play the good fairies. What is the romantic comedy worth love again (love again)?
No doubt the cynics have already made a fool of themselves by rolling their eyes in disdain. In their defense, this film is not for them. More romantic “dramedy” than romantic comedy, love again spread — and assume, that’s the key — his taste for marshmallow. The film gives itself a simple mandate and is honest in its aims at sweet sentimentality.
Remake of a 2016 German film, love again was written and directed by James C. Strouse, who created the romantic comedy The Incredible Jessica Jamesa Netflix production where Jessica Williams shines.
Speaking of Netflix. love again Although it may be distributed in theaters by Sony, the bill is that of a film designed for digital platforms: an overabundance of close-ups and medium shots for a more television than cinematographic effect. The editing is also borderline amateurish, with many scenes being cut a second too early, often leaving the actors in the middle of an unfinished reaction.
Another irritant is the limited play of Sam Heughan, ofOutlander (The Thistle and the Tartan), as Rob. In that of Mira, Priyanka Chopra Jonas is however convincing and nuanced. Anyone familiar with the marital status of the Indian mega-star will laugh heartily at a catastrophic first date sequence between Mira and a trainer played by a big name who will be kept quiet.
Special mention to Sofia Barclay, tasty in the role of Suzy, the bold sister of Mira.
A star for a star
And Celine Dion in all this? She “plays herself”, it is the case to say it: obviously, she has fun. Her pleasure is in this case contagious, especially since we find her here as we have been used to seeing her for years: warm, laughing, irrepressibly frank…
Moreover, she goes there with some very touching confidences in relation to René Angélil. Since the film was shot before the announcement of Celine’s illness, hearing her talk about an imminent series of concerts takes on an unexpected poignancy.
On the soundtrack, there are new songs unveiled recently, but above all old hits, used sometimes to make people laugh, sometimes to move.
One thing is certain, the legions of admirers will be delighted, because the film is, in essence, a tribute to the Quebec diva and her music. Just for the complicit presence of the star, love again deserves an additional star.