DVD Corner

Love Again Blu-ray Review

“Love Again” is a disposable Rom-Com. 

In this remake of the 2016 German film “SMS für Dich,” the New York set “Love Again” revolves around a children’s book artist (Mira) and a music critic (Rob). Mira is still grieving the death of her boyfriend while Rob is still heartbroken over his last girlfriend ditching him before the wedding. After getting a work phone, Rob begins to receive numerous text messages. They turn out to be from Mira who is sending messages to her late boyfriend. Intrigued and spurred on by Celine Dion (whom Rob is doing a piece on), Rob eventually meets Mira although he does not initially tell her how he became aware of her. The two hit it off, but will the truth break their blossoming relationship? 

If you live and breathe romantic comedy films, the throwback “Love Again” might very well be up your alley. If not, there’s not much reason to see this story about finding love again as it’s an all too familiar surface level sappy Romcom. 

Story wise, “Love Again” feels like a pedestrian modern take on “You’ve Got Mail” with a more dramatic angle at the center. Writer/director Jim Strouse attempts to liven up the proceedings, but strangely the film lacks humor. Sure, the film tries to stuff in comedic supporting characters and even Nick Jonas in a cheeky cameo, but not even Russell Tovey (Billy) and Sofia Barclay (Suzy) (who both turn in credible performances) are able to do much with the drab material they are given. Perhaps the most puzzling inclusion here is that of Celine Dion. The pop star has a successful career to be sure, but why is she starring in a film that she produced as herself? It feels like a gimmicky ad to keep her in the limelight more than anything (not to mention an avenue to release new music). 

Going back to the cast, this is very much Priyanka Chopra Jones and Sam Heughan’s movie. Priyanka Chopra Jones is charming and seems to relish being a romantic film. Sam Heughan of “Outlander” fame has become a heartthrob, but is he romantic comedy material? He tries and ultimately does improve over the course of the film, but he still feels miscast here. 

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. Grade: 

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A-

Extras:
* Sony trailers
* 6 deleted scenes
* Digital copy
* “Finding Love Again”- A standard featurette with interviews, story discussions and set footage.

July 14, 2023 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Celine Dion, Love Again Blu-ray Review, Priyanka Chopra Jones, Rom-Com, romantic comedy, Sam Heughan