Movie Review: No Reservations

Upfront Warning: While from some of the trailers this movie might look like a romantic comedy, and while it does have times when it could be classified as such, overall I don't think it qualifies. There are two reasons for this:

1. The underlying cause of everything that happens in the movie is the main character and her niece trying to deal with the death of the sister/mother. This isn't exactly a comedic theme...
2. The main focus of the movie is really the relationship of the main character and her niece, as well as the niece and the guy, rather than on the relationship of the main character and the guy.

So, while there are many humorous moments in the film, overall it is not a comedy.

Don't let that dissuade you from seeing the movie, however. The story is very well written and presented. It does not trivialize the difficulties of the situation. The problems do not magically disappear.

As an example of the strength of the story, though we are shown enough at the beginning to believe that Kate (the main character) and Zoe (the niece) have a good relationship, they both struggle with the transition of that relationship into a caregiver/child relationship--and that struggle is complicated as they both try to come to terms with their loss, and then further complicated by the addition of Nick into the equation. And that is even further complicated by the fact that not only is this a workplace romance, but Kate is Nick's nominal boss, but he was hired without her input while she was on bereavement.

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed the movie, and would recommend it. I don't feel this review has worked out well as far as conveying my thoughts (but then, I'm not a professional reviewer...).

The acting is excellent, both from the main characters and some supporting roles--particularly the therapist and Kate's helpful neighbor, who is not-so-secretly pining for her.