Follows a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement ring that was for someone else leads her to the person she’s meant to be with.
Chuck says:
Charm…it goes a long way. You may not be the sharpest tack in the box, might not have an original idea in your head and your fashion may have been considered haute couture in the 1970’s. But if you have charm, none of those things matter. Daryl Wein’s “Something from Tiffany’s” has charm, tons of it, and that’s a good thing. Based on the book by Melissa Hill, this modern screwball comedy doesn’t offer anything new in the way of plot, location, or theme. However, the enthusiasm the strong young cast bring to this threadbare material goes a long way towards making it not only palatable, but a great deal of fun. Did I mention it has charm?
Much of that is provided by Zoey Deutch who stars as Rachel Meyer, an incredibly optimistic young woman who owns and operates a bakery in Manhattan. Her boyfriend, Gary (Ray Nicholson) isn’t necessarily a bad guy but he’s a bit immature, focusing on himself before anyone else. Meanwhile, single dad Ethan (Kendrick Sampson) is at crossroads in his writing career but is convinced his current girlfriend, Vanessa (Shay Mitchell) is THE ONE and decides to propose. So, he heads to Tiffany’s to buy a ring, Gary is there at the same time, and wouldn’t you know it, their bags get mixed up. Come Christmas morning, Rachel has Vanessa’s engagement ring and Vanessa gets the earrings intended for Rachel. Complications ensue.
Wein knows we’re covering well-trod territory, so he wisely keeps things moving at a brisk pace, bringing things in at under 90 minutes. And while the characters will never be deemed “original,” the enthusiasm with which the cast brings them to life is the film’s secret weapon. Chemistry between the two leads is vital and Deutch and Sampson display a sense of camaraderie that’s wholly convincing, the energy they bring to their scenes serve to buoy the story even when we find ourselves three steps ahead of it.
Very quietly, Deutch has become one of our most entertaining and reliable young performers. This year alone, she was impressed in the thriller “The Outfit,” the barbed social commentary “Not Okay,” and now this. Her versatility and eagerness to stretch herself is commendable, making her, along with Florence Pugh and Haley Lu Richardson, actors whose involvement in any project attracts my interest. To be sure, “Tiffany’s” is nothing but fluff, but I’d hate to think how bad it might have been without Deutch leading the way.
3 Stars
Pam says
Just in time for the holidays is the new romantic comedy “Something From Tiffany’s” starring Zoey Deutch and Kendrick Sampson. Based on the book by Melissa Hill, the story strikes all the familiar chords we have come to expect in a rom-com including a mix up, meeting Mr. Right when you’re with Mr. Wrong (and vice versa), and following your heart. While the notes of this rom-com are a familiar one, Deutch and Sampson make it memorable with their chemistry and authenticity.
Deutch portrays Rachel Meyer, a restaurateur and baker who is dating Gary (Ray Nicholson), a leech of a man who doesn’t value Rachel’s spunk, intelligence, and determination. Of course, we know she’s meant to be with someone else, and that someone else is Ethan (Sampson) who literally bumps into Gary at Tiffany’s and inadvertently exchanges that precious little blue signature bag filled with goodies for the holidays for their respective partners. As the mix up of gifts becomes apparent, Rachel saying “yes!” to the equally shocked Gary and Vanessa (Shay Mitchell) finding some “cute” little earrings inside that blue box, Ethan and his daughter, the effervescent Daisy (Leah Jeffries) attempt to right this wrong. And in the process, Rachel and Ethan discover that they are a perfect match no matter how much they resist destiny’s course.
No rom-com is complete without best friends to guide our leads and in this case, Terri (Jojo T. Gibbs) plays the part of Rachel’s best friend with sincerity and insight. Ethan has a built-in bestie in his daughter Daisy whose innocence and heart shine through. Of course, the setting is as much of a character which contributes to the magic and New York City, reminiscent of the most iconic of all rom-coms “When Harry Met Sally” nails the role.
What makes a rom-com work isn’t its originality, it’s the stars and Deutch and Sampson have what it takes. Deutch always delivers her A-game as we’ve seen in this year’s “Not Okay” and “The Outfit,” or a favorite of mine, “Buffaloed,” and now with “Tiffany’s” it’s no different. Her delivery is as natural and authentic as real life, creating her vibrant character of Rachel. Deutch makes this character her own, adding humor and a splash of adorableness as Rachel intellectually and emotionally bounces between her current commitment and the gift that lies before her.
Sampson is equally as genuine as Ethan, a successful single dad who finds love when he least expects it. His eyes tell it all no matter his situation. We see the love Ethan has for his daughter and the pain of realization that Vanessa isn’t his perfect match. And as he gazes into Rachel’s eyes or helps her at her pop-up Christmas shop, the spark is undeniable. Together, Sampson and Deutch create the Christmas magic we all still hope exists.
“Something From Tiffany’s” is exactly what we need and want this time of year…a little bit of magic.
3 stars
