I am not a self-proclaimed film connoisseur.
I am not a struggling artist.
I am a struggling scientist and post-collegiate finding myself believing that I am also partly Calvin Wizzig (The Last Romantic's leading character), awkwardly seeking my own self-interest while hoping it will somehow benefit society and propel me into fame and fortune, only to find that my deranged priorities hinder the maturity I need to get me where I want to go.
With charming quick-witted humor and succulent colors, this film drew me in swiftly. I found myself intrigued by the way the Brothers Nee perfectly developed their characters without lumbering over weary side-stories and extraneous details; each of them portraying their own quirks and eccentricities, yet realistic enough that they very well could be sitting next to you in the theatre. Calvin's clumsily honest self-promotion and lack of social regard is easy to not only laugh about, but also relate to and cheer for him to overcome.
To find such light-hearted comedy and inspiring depth in one film without a cursory Disney "all's well that ends well/happily ever after" theme is a delight. And even if the film had no substance at all, the cinematography is enchanting. The vibrance of the scenes and cunning use of color seductively woos the eyes in for a stay.
In a lifetime lamenting far too many wasted two-hour segments, this is not one of them. The Last Romantic is more than just a good use of time, but it is also a vessel, donning hope for the progress of humanity.
