Solid Queer Rom-com with Reiners in the Mix
⭐️⭐️3/4 (5)
LGBTQ+ narrative in films is getting better by the year. It’s been a slow process, but there’s generally more appropriate overall representation, more optimistic and thoughtful storytelling without the need for gratuitous sex to fill the gaps. In an interview, writer, director and star, Max Talisman, tells KTLA 5 that he felt he didn’t see himself in Queer movies, though. So he remedied that with “Things Like This.”
Spoiler Alert: Plus-size gay person gets his guy. “Things Like This” is not without all the usual cliches of long drawn-out realization and self discovery; but part of its charm is that it doesn’t stray from the standard Rom-Com formula.
Zack Anthony, aspiring Sci-Fi writer (played by Talisman), guzzles chocolate icing in between his frustrating one-night-stands and his struggle to get his novel published. Zack Mandel - yes, also Zack - (played by Joey Pollari), works tirelessly as an assistant for a relentless talent agent; and dreams of one day becoming an agent himself. The two Zacks’ meet-cute moment is charming and sweet and definitely has you cheering them on from that very second.
The chemistry is genuine and the two leads give sincere performances. Pollari infuses his character with warmth and touching unfeigned surprise while Talisman shows the full spectrum of angst to clarity quite vividly.
The minor flaw with “Things Like This” is not what it’s lacking, but what it has too much of: The multiple scenes where the Zacks have their significant moments of awareness and revelation. Sure, workplace tantrums, poignant coffee with besties and sexual misunderstandings are all part of the formula. But these extended sequences seriously prolong the highly anticipated grande gesture, which eventually does happen.
Supporting performances round out the film. Colorful, eclectic and authentic characters in the lives of the Zacks: some witty, some charming, some mean-spirited, yet all full of folly.
“Stranger Things” star Cara Buono appears as a narcissistic, razor-tongued boss. Diane Louise Salinger (of “Pee-wee’s Big Adventure” fame) shows up as a drunken lounge singer. And in a particularly moving performance, Cannes Film Festival and Tony Award winning Gay icon, Barbara Barrie, plays a grandmother lecturing her grandson on the mysteries of love. Charlie Tahan, Jackie Cruz, Margaret Berkowitz, Danny Chavarriaga and Eric Roberts also appear.
Rob Reiner and Michele Reiner’s kids are a big part of it.
Jake Reiner, eldest of Rob and Michele Reiner, serves as one of the executive producers of the film. He also appears as a very manic and enthusiastic publisher with some very funny lines. Rob and Michele Reiner’s youngest, Romy Reiner, appears as the sweet supportive younger sister to one of the Zacks.
Another highlight is the soundtrack, hip and upbeat for today’s modern Rom-Com. The film’s opening credit sequence includes fabulous Queer glam-pop/rocker, Fancy Hagood’s “Love Again,” which sets the tone, beautifully. The score, by Charles Humenry, along with the New York City backdrop, is captivating.
Max Talisman’s first effort as writer and director proves valiant and fiercely real. I like to be moved in watching Queer stories. I need to find something relatable and I want the characters to stay with me long after I’ve seen the film. Talisman accomplishes all of this. Other than a couple ‘can we cut to the chase?’ moments, “Things Like This” is a Queer Rom-Com that gets my seal of approval.
