... but I will leave that your imagination. This film, directed by Betty Thomas, is light-hearted and it is fun and the reason it will appeal to those over 20 is that even in adulthood, relationships don’t really change, something that is implied by Kate, linking her Mum’s romantic disasters to her own neuroses. Games are sadly part of the whole experience of relationship-forming and building and we do all play them to a greater or lesser degree. The plot of the four girls is subtle reminder that the term ‘fairer sex’ when applied to women is often grossly over-kind. We have all been teenagers as well and we will all probably identify with one of the characters. Thankfully, it eschews over-moralising in favour of being pure entertainment.
As such there is little to comment on when it comes to acting. Metcalf is well suited to his role and carries it off, as do the female leads. None of their performances will win Oscars however, and that is as it is should be. The ending of the movie - "let's just chill and have a huge cake fight" - is very much in keeping with its style.
One of the big quibbles with the DVD will be that the extras are all pretty standard and some of them are pretty thin. For example, there are a mere two deleted scenes and I found this disappointing, as they are my favourite feature. However, the music videos are a worthy addition, as is the live performance by People in Planes. All in all, if you are feeling blue this Valentine’s Day and want to be reminded of what fools love can make of us all (and maybe why it isn’t worth all the hassle) then John Tucker Must Die is a must-see.
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