Isn’t it the worst when you’re headed to a dinner party with your significant other, and, suddenly, out of nowhere, you are thrown into a twisted murder plot? Is that unfamiliar? Well, when Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are on their way to a dinner party, struggling to salvage their dwindling relationship, they are accidentally pulled into a horrific murder. Very suddenly, Jibran and Leilani’s lives are turned upside down, and their relationship will be tested in ways like never before. While they are scared out of their minds, the unfortunate murder of a mysterious man might be the best thing that has happened to their relationship in a while. With a twist of fate, the Lovebirds’ love life and time together may not be as dead as they had originally thought.
There are many names that are associated with comedy. When someone hears the names Adam Sandler or Chris Rock, they immediately begin to picture comedy and the plethora of films that either has starred in. A name that has buzzed around comic circles, but has yet to truly make it big, is Kumail Nanjiani. He has made his way into some truly funny films (and he has been the lead in some of these films--i.e. The Big Sick), but it seems that he has struggled to be the name associated with those films and has continued to be outshined by bigger, more familiar, names. For one of the first times, Nanjiani stars in a film that very firmly has his name attached to it, Lovebirds. Nanjiani, without a doubt, puts on one of the greatest comedic performances of the past few years. He is multidimensional and is a Swiss army knife of humor. He is aggressively funny when he needs to be, he is dry when he needs to be and, in order to help Rae shine as brightly as she does, he is able to sit back and feed off of her brilliance as well. He comes at the audience from so many angles that, rather than attempt to predict his next move, they are forced to sit back and wait for the next potential knee slapper.
Rae, who appears to be known mostly as a producer, steps into the spotlight with Nanjiani, and absolutely kills it. She is simple enough not to be off putting, but lively enough to compete with Nanjiani’s outrageous personality. Her expressive face continues to lure in viewers and keep them focused on the insane comedy and the sometimes unbelievable plotlines. The combination of Rae and Nanjiani is the perfect choice for Lovebirds, and casting director Ryan Glorioso is to thank for that.
Writers Aaron Abrams, Brendan Gall and Martin Gero script a film that is, at times, a bit far fetched. Some of Lovebirds’ plotlines are a bit improbable, however, that is the beauty of the film. Using these ridiculous scenarios allows Nanjiani and Rae to shine and be successful from the opening moments until the film fades to black. The ridiculous script is engaging, and it is incredibly well written. The plotline is fun, it is appealing to a wide range of audiences and there is never a moment throughout Lovebirds that audiences feel unhappy or bored with the product. Fans are provided with humor, suspense and a heartwarming look at the world around them. Everyone involved with the production of Lovebirds succeeded in nearly every aspect of the film.
Commentaires