Phil sees LIKE CRAZY at the CineArts Theatre Santanna Row-November 25, 2011

Not too often, I see a film that really speaks to me. A film that talks to my soul and unearths buried emotions that reawakens forgotten memories of days past. The film I saw tonight was a film that I wasn't really interested in seeing. While the trailer looked promising and it received raved reviews, I literally had to force myself to see it. And I'm really glad that I did. The film LIKE CRAZY is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best romantic, love stories to have ever graced the silver screen this past year!

Theatrical Movie Poster (2011)

The film follows a young couple, who despite coming from different worlds, fall madly in love with one another. While attending at an unnamed LA college, British student Anna (Felicity Jones) falls in love with an American student named Jacob (Anton Yelchin). They are a match made in heaven, but when Anna violates her Visa by remaining here in the US, she is immediately sent back to the U.K. While fighting customs and immigration battles, Anna and Jacob must decide if their relationship is worth the distance and the hardship. While they try to move, with Anna dating her neighbor Simon (Charlie Bewley) and Jacob seeing his co-worker Sam (Jennifer Lawrence), their love for each other remains intact. But will it be enough to save their relationship?

Words cannot begin to describe just how beautiful this film truly is. It is as if the film was made just for me, showing me my greatest lost love. The film is sheer poetry, weaving words and emotions together seamlessly, creating a love letter for the whole world to read.

Director Drake Doremus, who also co-wrote the script with screenwriter Ben York Jones, delved deep within to create such a moving piece of film. Directed with such tenderness and affection, it is perfectly directed without you realizing it. But the best part of the film is Jones, who turns it an Oscar- worthy performance as Anna. She is just absolutely spellbinding! A captivating performance, realistic and grounded. She really does deserve an Oscar nomination for this film!

LIKE CRAZY is just a beautiful film, touching and riveting, the best romance film for all time!! For fans of THE NOTEBOOK,  (500) DAYS OF SUMMER and BLUE VALENTINE, the film is required viewing! Go see this film and get ready to fall in love all over again! Five out of five stars!!!

LIKE CRAZY is currently playing in select theaters, including the CineArts Theatre here in San Jose. To view showtimes, visit their website at http://cinemark.com

Thanks for reading, and enjoy the show!