It is very possible to love a movie, to hopelessly, desperately, unendingly adore a slew of characters as one might adore his or her own friends, and yet to feel at the exact same time that it could have been done better. That perhaps, with just a little more honesty and a little less Hollywood, it could have been a punch in the face, an invitation to fall in love, or simply a great, great flick.
Most critics may easily write off 'Imagine Me and You,' but it is a viewer's dream: British comedy, the chick from 'Coyote Ugly' and a couple of great one-liners (e.g.: 'This man's as worthless as a fart in a jam jar.'). The script makes a fatal error, however, in asking its audience to believe in love at first sight. It places all of the stakes on this one controversial thing'pressing viewers furiously through an argument that has been going on for centuries. Is there such thing as love at first sight? Perhaps for some people, but for those who believe the opposite, 'Imagine Me and You' is unrealistic. It takes a few chances, but more than anything, this film tries to move in the wrong direction. It should really ignore the things of fantasy and instead develop the idea of falling in love with somebody based on his or her soul rather than that person's gender. What happens in 'Imagine Me and You' is quite honest overall, and it could very easily happen in real life, sans the music in the background and the borderline corny ending.
'Imagine Me and You' is more or less romantic and never dark. The movie begins at a wedding, establishing tension right away. The bride and groom are Rachel (Piper Perabo) and Hector (Matthew Goode). Rachel and Hector have been happily together for a number of years, but an unexpected guest at the wedding leaves Rachel wondering whether Hector really is the only one for her. The story that then unfolds involves a strange, unyielding love affair between two women, Rachel and the enigmatic florist, Luce (Lena Headey), and what happens when the worlds of social norms and homosexuality collide.
Even amid the vague seriousness of 'Imagine Me and You,' there lies a script that loves its characters. Each and every one of them have their own dimension of the story, and they're all given a moment or two to reveal themselves in ways that remain outside the realm of a normal romantic comedy. Nearly all of them are lovable in their own despicable ways, and every bit of internal conflict is laid out remarkably well. Also, the film is swept beautifully into the cool, colorful scenery of London.
Each of the characters play into the setting so well that, despite some flaws, the film manages to work. 'Imagine Me and You' does, however, find itself right around the middle. There is a very tangible moment in Luce's flower shop when each of the characters seems to crash into one another, and the situation becomes more serious. It then goes on to captivate right up until the magically Hollywood ending, when some viewers may be happy, others will be disappointed. It all depends on whether one believes in love at first sight.
