Picture this: Sydney sizzles under the sun, turquoise waves whisper secrets to the shore, and a wedding guest list reads like a who's who of questionable dance moves and hidden agendas. But this ain't your average rom-com, lovebirds. Enter Anyone but You (2023), where sparks ignite faster than a kookaburra spotting a juicy grub, only to fizzle faster than a shrimp on the barbie.
Our star-crossed lovers? Bea, a whirlwind of sass and sarcasm played by the ever-charming Sydney Sweeney, and Ben, a goofy charmer brought to life by the effortlessly likable Glen Powell. Their first date explodes with chemistry, then implodes in a clash of personalities and Bea's conveniently reappearing ex. Talk about awkward.
But wait, there's more! Fate, fueled by cheap margaritas and a healthy dose of chaos, throws Bea and Ben together again at a tropical wedding in Australia. Cue the awkward stares, the practiced public displays of affection, and enough fake laughter to rival a hyena convention. Bea grapples with oversized beach hats and Ben dodges his ex-boss like a wallaby dodging a dingo. It's slapstick with sandcastles, salsa gone sideways, and more romantic near-misses than a boomerang competition.
But amidst the laughs, something unexpected blooms. Bea discovers a depth in Ben she never glimpsed, and Ben's charm masks a surprising vulnerability. As they navigate the wedding jungle of drunken speeches and jealous bridesmaids, the line between pretend and real starts to blur.
And let's not forget the supporting cast, a vibrant Aussie bouquet of hilarious characters. Alexandra Shipp as Bea's sassy bestie steals every scene she's in, while Michelle Hurd channels boss lady vibes as Bea's supportive therapist. Dermot Mulroney and Rachel Griffiths add a touch of parental wisdom and quirky humor, and let's not forget GaTa, who brings the house down with his portrayal of a wedding DJ with questionable taste in music (but undeniable dance moves).
Anyone but You isn't your typical rom-com. It's a witty, laugh-out-loud love story that embraces the messy, unexpected, and downright hilarious detours life throws our way. It's about shedding expectations, embracing the genuine spark that ignites amidst chaos, and realizing that sometimes, the perfect match is the one who makes you laugh until you cry (and maybe snort a little Vegemite).
So ditch the predictable plots and grab your flip-flops. Anyone but You is a cinematic cocktail of sunshine, slapstick, and surprisingly sweet romance, shaken and served with a koala-sized dose of charm. You'll leave the theater with a grin wider than a crocodile's and a heart full of laughter, wondering if maybe, just maybe, love can surprise you in the most unexpected places. And who knows, you might even learn a thing or two about boomerang physics and the art of the perfect fake laugh. Now that's a souvenir worth writing home about.
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