What If
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Adam Driver
Director: Michael Dowse
Rating: 3/5
Daniel Radcliffe is back on the big screen this week in What If, a movie that sees him tackle the rom-com for the very first time.
I have to say, this genre has been a little lacking this year, but What If really does buck that trend. If you are a fan of this genre, What If is a movie that you really should check out.
What If follows Wallace and Chantry, who meet by chance at a party and feel the chemistry, but Wallace is recovering from a failed relationship and Chantry has a long-term boyfriend.
Acting with the best of intentions and a touch of denial, Wallace and Chantry take on the challenge of being just friends.
The adventure is both rocky and very funny as our protagonists navigate the perils of unintended nude camping, risqué wardrobe malfunctions, badly timed international air travel, and generally terrible advice from their friends.
Daniel Radcliffe is starting to take his acting career in a new direction, and I am excited to see his performance in What If and the other movies that he has on the horizon.
Since leaving the Harry Potter franchise, Radcliffe has been mixing and matching his roles and it is great to see him tackling the rom-com.
He may not be the name that necessarily springs to mind for a romantic lead, but I think he does a pretty good job.
The chemistry between Radcliffe and Kazan is what makes this movie work. There is a great connection between the pair that is as genuine as it is totally engaging: you really are rooting for this pair the minute that you meet them.
Throw in a great comedic performance from Adam Driver, and this is a movie that you really can just kick back and enjoy.
Of course, this movie doesn't reinvent the genre and the story ends up exactly where you know it will, but that doesn't mean that it is not an entertaining and funny ride.
A talented and charming cast really do breathe life into these characters: that is helped by some very witty and - at times - very offbeat dialogue.
Rom-coms have not been that great recently, but What If is a movie that really will put a smile on your face.
What If is out now.