THE PRETTY ONE - TRIBECA REVIEW
If you’ve ever thought that the adorable and talented actress Zoe Kazan just wasn’t quite enough in one of her films, have I got the film for you! It’s called The Pretty One stars Miss Kazan as twin sisters Laurel and Audrey. Audrey has everything put together; she lives in the city, is independent, full of life, and everyone loves her. Laurel on the other hand still lives at home, is more withdrawn, awkward, and is sleeping with the boy she used to babysit. They may be drastically different, but both sisters adore each other and on their birthday they decide to move in with each other. However, tragedy strikes and Laurel takes the terrible situation as a way to reinvent herself as the independent, full of life, successful person she's never been able to be.
Kazan does really great work here, as both sisters, especially the withdrawn and unsure Laurel. Her performance is beautiful and layered and very funny. As her possible love interest, Jake Johnson (New Girl) is full of charm and adds great chemistry between Kazan and himself. His character is much more put together than his chaotic New Girl role, and Johnson shines here showing both depth and equal hilarity. John Carrol Lynch, as the girl’s painter father, is wonderful as well showcasing the loss in his life with just a single look or gesture. As good as the acting is all around, the film is structurally uneven. The beginning moves too slow and feels off from the rest of the film, and parts of the film feel out of place. However, all of that being said, Writer/Director Jenée LaMarque has made a very funny film that is a bit predictable but highly entertaining (and also features a very funny sidelines performance by Ron Livingston). I wish that a bit more was worked on structurally (the last act seems a bit off as well) but it’s still a worthwhile effort and a highly entertaining comedy-drama. The Pretty One, much like Laurel herself, isn’t perfect but it shines through its imperfections.
VERDICT: A SOLID CHOICE
Written and Directed by Jenée LaMarque Starring Zoe Kazan, Jake Johnson, John Carroll Lynch, Shae D'lyn, Frankie Shaw, Ron Livingston Country USA Content Disclaimer (Adult Situations, Adult Language) For ticket and screening information: http://tribecafilm.com/festival/tickets
BOTTOM LINE: Uneven but a very funny and well acted romance.