User reviews

The summary is a bit redundant: Mockumentaries, as a genre, are fairly quirky.

In this case, recently divorced Myles, also a wannabe filmmaker, decides to make a documentary about trying to find true love in L.A. He commits to going on 20 dates and recording the results. Unfortunately, halfway through, he falls in love with one of his dates and now has to figure out how to complete the project without alienating his new love.

What makes this different from standard mockumentaries -- and what some of the other IMDB reviewers seem to be missing -- is that, while it's clear that the final film isn't a true account of the events (some of the dates are obviously faked, and Elie the villainous producer can't really be THAT evil), it isn't so clear whether Myles Berkowitz (credited as writer and director, as well as star) started out with a serious intent to make a documentary, or whether it was meant to be fiction from the outset.

Most of the evidence points to Berkowitz' initial sincerity. This *is* his only film (except for a bit part in "No Small Affair," 16 years before this movie), and Elie *is* listed as Executive Producer. The official budget *is* the stated $60K. Most of the early dates seem real -- it's only the later ones that start to feel scripted, especially the feminist ballerina.

One thing that gives this movie its charm, then, is that while Myles (the character) fumes about the way in which his original vision for the movie is eroding away from pressure from Elie, Berkowitz (the filmmaker) seems to be going through the same genuine quandary for a different reason -- it didn't take his full 20 dates to find love, and NOW what's he supposed to do?

The cover job is both charming and disorienting: He goes back over the old footage and edits it so it looks like it could have been a mockumentary from the start, but plays it from the hip so it looks like a mockumentary pretending to be a documentary.

Wouldn't Robert McKee be proud?

Others might not have the same sense of pride. The film will come off as either a clever if ham-fisted attempt to make lemon footage into lemonade, or a pretentious and annoying trip into the avenues of Independent Film by a blind drunkard.

Viewer's choice, and it seems to depend on what the viewer thinks of Myles: Is he annoying, or is he cute?

I thought he was cute, and while the film is hardly a classic, it's worth a try. Look for it on cable (that's where I found it), and if you're sick of it after half an hour, turn it off and not much lost.

One thing i dont like about film like these , Mokumenteries, if you like is the fact that i so wanted it to be real yet i knew that it was all acted and wasn't real at all. 20 dates is a good little film that does have a real feel about it without it ever hitting the comedy documentary heights of ,lets say,The Ruttles or Spinal Tap. Myles Berkowits makes this film watchable with his narration of the so called dates even though it does get a little monotinous and the last 15 minutes are a bit of a cop out. The interaction with the funder of the movie are funny as is the most of the diologue but the thing that does let this film down are the dates themselves! They just arent that interesting.Perhaps that is because they all involve people from L.A they are very shallow people in my eyes. Not all bad though. 6 out of 10.

While amusing and occasionally close to touching 20 Dates suffers from being filmed as if it were a cheap TV show. As such there is really no reason to see it on screen. Even a low budget can sometimes allow for a sweeping, majestic, or engrossing picture. This film is flat and seems too small to fill a theater screen.

I suggest renting it but not on a date. Wait until you've been in the relationship for at least 6 months and use it to laugh at yourselves in the old days.

OK, instead of reviewing the film, I'd rather review three of the ladies dated in this film. (1.) The pretty blonde who 'graded up' from the 1.5 to the 3-pound lobster might want to learn the concept of the 'Dutch treat' (2.) I might have stopped production my own film if it was going to jeopardize present and future dates with the lass who contacted federal authorities and got a 'restraining order' once it was revealed that the date was being filmed. I think the two of them were actually 'clicking', something that wasn't occuring often. Therefore Myles should have opted for a great end to the date with this classy gal over what actually did occur. (3.) I have to admit I got myself smitten over Elisabeth over the course of the movie. I'd have had to call it '17 Dates' and keep my relationship strong, sorry Myles. I also can't believe that his 'pushing it' tendencies have kept her in his clutches to 2003 and beyond, so, Lizzie, if you're reading this... Maybe you'd like a (free) charcoal portrait of yourself ? I draw professionally in Nebraska. -David.

Okay, okay, it doesn't take Janet Maslin to see that this is a scripted (or at least joyfully improvised) movie, but hey, I'll play along. I've always been a sucker for a movie-in-a-movie anyway. Myles Berkowitz has just found a more interesting way to tell a love story than most Hollywood products. Sure beats "You've Got Mail." Robert McKee's speeches are an inspired choice as a running commentary and, while I could have done with less of Myles' own running commentary, I found the whole idea rather charming once I suspended my disbelief a little about the format. It's not quite "Spinal Tap," but as a first go-round, I'd say, what-the-heck, give the guy a real budget and let 'im rip.

One minor quibble - I would have found the whole thing more believable if EVERY girl he dated weren't a total babe. Come on, Myles, you're good, but only rock stars and rich dudes are THAT good.

....ripoff of a dozen better films. Particularly Steven Martin's "LA Story", which at least had the grace to be obviously fictional even though it starred his then-girlfriend playing his girlfriend in the film.

Yes, naive boys and girls, "20 Dates" IS a mockumentary, although I am not absolutely certain that was Myles Berkowitz's intent when he started. My impression is that he started the project semi-seriously, then quickly realized that it would be pathetic and not funny unless he made the situations more and more ridiculous. As a result, the whole thing has an uneasy, cheap and insincere feeling about it.

As someone smartly pointed out, the film has two of the "dates" suing and putting restraining orders on Myles and yet they appear in the film, which would be impossible as it would require a consent form. It also appears to me that the majority of women who appear as "the dates" are professional actresses (albiet not famous ones, excepting Tina Carrere) -- they are simply too obviously pretty, polished, thin and comfortable in front of the camera to be average civilians.

Mr. Berkowitz makes a classic error in only casting this kind of very pretty thin actress, instead of utilizing a variety of believable women, which might have made the premise (even in a mockumentary) more believable and funnier. He also skates over what is probably his real-world problem, and which is that both the movie character and the real world Myles Berkowitz appear to be functionally unemployed (his real life IMDb credits are practically non-existent, excepting this film). Even in the world of the movie, his ex-wife divorced him for never being employed. I think the viewer (let alone Mr. Berkowitz's real life dates) are deserving of an explanation of he manages to live in one of the most expensive urban environments in the US, in a luxury apartment, driving a fancy car and eating out at pricey restaurants when he doesn't seen to have any source of income whatsoever. (Is he drug dealer? Living off his rich parents? No clue!)

You can get away with most anything in a film, if the jokes are really funny. "20 Dates" is painfully, embarrassingly UN-funny. Mr. Berkowitz's idea of a joke is to have his character, while on restaurant dates, announce to his companions how the food served is likely to give him either diarrhea or constipation -- the WORST kind of childish potty humor.

It is not very surprising to discover that Mr. Berkowitz never made a film before "20 Dates" and in the last 8 years, has not made a single film, appeared as an actor in anyone else's film OR had a writing or producing credit of any kind. My gut instinct tells me that this film was not financed by "Elie" (the gangster money man who appears off-camera) but more likely by Mr. Berkowitz's affluent parents, or perhaps represents a shocking abuse of credit cards. Whichever it was, we can all rest easy that we are unlikely to have to see Myles Berkowitz or any of his creative efforts EVER AGAIN. Hallelujah!!!

MAY CONTAIN SPOLIERS

This was a mildly amusing little film that I saw on cable. However, I am absolutely amazed at how many professional reviewers completely missed the point, which is that much of this movie is a put on. I am referring especially to the producer, Elie. That character, whom we never see, but whose recorded voice we hear throughout the film, is so obviously a parody of a crass Hollywood producer that I wondered if he really existed. Throughout the film. Elie keeps insisting that Myles try to get Tia Carrere in the film, and lo and behold, Tia appears as his last date. The only hint we get as to how she came to go out with him is her statement that she did it as a favor for Elie, and that she and Elie are "good friends." It is only at the film's end that we learn that Tia Carrere was the film's executive producer, and I later learned that she is married to Elie! That turns the whole film into an in joke, and a rather amusing one at that.

Filmed in a documentary style, but you can pretty well tell participants had been coached. A recently divorced wannabe film maker(Myles Berkowitz)sees a chance to liven up his love life and step into the movie biz at the same time. He intends to make a documentary piece about finding love by filming twenty dates including ramifications. The comedy is spotty at best; the rest is mishap after mishap. Also taking part are Richard Arlook, Robert McKee and the enticing Elisabeth Wagner. Trying for credibility the fetching Tia Carrere is talked into a cameo. This will suffice as a handbook on how NOT to get a satisfactory date.

I guess I'm the oddball here since the average rating for this movie on Imdb is 5.6. But, I found it difficult to lose interest. I was sincerely interested in the next date. I was sincerely interested in whether the movie would get completed. And, I cared whether or not he would get his girl.

I'm not sure why the average viewer didn't like the movie any better except that most people don't like documentaries - which this was.

However, it was a personal story that had a lot of true drama. No recreations. No embellishments. Actual events and actual persons. The fact that it had a convenient place to start - Date #1 and a convenient place to end - Date #20, made it all the more appealing. I've always believed that a camera following a real person around documenting a particular achievement from beginning to end would make interesting video - and this is proof from my perspective.

You need to realize it isn't like a "normal" movie, but I found it very entertaining and well worth the time.

This movie, having been criticized for not being a mockumentary, is still a funny movie. If you don't watch this movie with a mockumentary premise, then it is very entertaining, and quite funny. The viewer can most definitely relate to several parts of it, and that alone makes it worthwhile watching. I recommend this movie for sheer entertainment, not for knowledge.

This is not a boring movie, the audience might stay on its chair fascinated by this selfish character, Miles Berkowitz, both film-maker and actor here. The storyline is simple : after a divorce and ten years of a hollywoodian non-career, the author plays is quest for love in front of the camera. The first question is about how true is all that : what is written, what came by chance ? Both answers, "yes" or "no" portrays M.Berkowitz as a low average human beeing. If you look for a self-fiction about love like this one, I recommand you to read some independant comic books : Chester Brown, Joe Matt...

Beside of this, I felt quite disappointed to hear so much against my country, France. I know american people usually say that the french are arrogant (that might be true then), etc., and for sure the french (and the whole world) have lots of griefs against america, but why so much hate ? Don't think I couldn't like this movie only because of that anyhow.

I saw this movie tonight on the Fox Channel and immediately had to find more info on it here at IMDB. I was shocked to find comments like "an irresponsible failure of a mockumentary." What was the reviewer thinking? Has this person ever been on a date? Has he had his funny bone surgically removed? Undeniably a very funny film in a mix of comedy and real life. I had heard about this movie the first time when it had won the award at the Slamdance Film Festival, and thought it would be an interesting movie to see, and... I was right! I loved this movie! The style is definitely independent in nature as it takes a new look at the style of documentaries and entertainment. "20 Dates" is a very adept look at dating in LA... honest, raw, and true. To make it entertaining, Myles Berkowitz even pokes fun at sleazy film makers via an underlying 'Mafia style' producer who you never see on film, but you definitely hear him with his threats of broken body parts and an accent straight out of Brooklyn. This movie should be on your list of must see.

Twenty Dates was an interesting concept and the dates that seemed genuine were really funny. Unfortunately the movie loses all of its credibility with the last three dates. The only real conflict, trying to finish the film and still keep his new girlfriend, succumbs to a anti-climatic conclusion with Myles going on three "fake" dates just to finish the film. Obviously much of this film is scripted and not a true documentary at all, however what could have been an enjoyable film just falls flat. Couple that with knowing almost all of the film is staged and all we have is an annoying guy trying to rid his audience from seven bucks.

I went to a screening of this movie and while it had a couple moments that made me laugh, it had some very major flaws. It first of all presents itself to be the humorous exploits of a real-life divorcee trying to find love in LA. What it morphs into is a depressing, narcissistic, and unfunny romp through the history of the film director's love life and professional life. Jokes wear thin quickly and you find yourself suddenly not caring how this man's dates progress. The ridiculousness is that the director simultaneously presents himself as an extremely annoying and heavily flawed character and then expects us to be concerned.

Malarkey is the best word to describe this trashy film. Presenting itself as a documentary on one man's search for love in LA (yawn), the film is even more about the trials of trying to get this movie finished. Myles Berkowitz in the man in charge here. He wrote it, stars in it, and directs the film. To say that his presence is unpleasant is being nice. I cannot imagine anyone finding this guy attractive, and yet the film never shows that either. Knowing beforehand that most of this picture was staged doesn't help the matter any better. Berkowitz never mentions that part of his film is faked. Although I usually don't care about cursing in films, I couldn't help but be very sickened that such a light-hearted movie would have such a plethora of F-words. Most of the people on-screen are dreadful human beings, and I question Berkowitz to why he must follow a dream that he so obviously isn't cut out for. It's like being nail-gunned to a wall at a party you cannot bear. The best moments are suspiciously off camera, which might be accounted for in the "I made this up" part of the documentary. Loathsome to say the least, I hope Berkowitz never gets behind a camera again.-------- 1

OK I sat through this movie and actually did like it. It wouldn't have been the same if Elisabeth Wagner hadn't been in it. She made this movie. Where did she come from and why hasn't she made more movies? She's very sexy in a quite smoldering kinda way. Don't walk out of this movie don't turn it off. Once this thing started I thought I might get up but I had to stay to see all of it. This is one of those movies that takes a little getting used to. Don't watch it expecting to see Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Watch it expecting to be entertained by some interesting people. Would I watch it again? As long as Elisabeth Wagner will be in it, and what are the chances of her not being in it the next time I watch it? Only the Twlight Zone knows for sure.

The movie is pretty funny and involving for about four dates, then it becomes a blatant commercial for some guy you (and even his "friends") really can't stand. It is a pretty interesting concept; film dates on a quest to find true love in modern LA. The problem is that it feels incredibly (and badly) scripted at times and blatantly self-promoting. It is difficult to care about and be drawn into any of the characters because the writer/actor is so egotistical, uncool, untrue, and simply unlikeable. You end up feeling sorry for his dates.

The film attempts to be a mockumentary--shot in the documentary form but with many obviously scripted parts--but fails in not providing the audience with any characters with which to create the illusion of the mockumentary. Also, the film purports to be about finding real love in Los Angeles, but is nothing more than an uninteresting look at an amateur filmmaker trying to make his first "big movie."

I just saw a preview screening last night, which was attended by Myles himself. I thought it was hilarious, and a great premise. According to the man himself, those were real dates, and aside from the narration, nothing is scripted. It's an amazing accomplishment that there are so many funny things happening in what is basically taped segments of someone's life. I'm from LA too, and could relate to a lot of what Myles felt, so perhaps people from other cities just don't get the fact that it's almost impossible to meet someone in LA. We live solitary lives out here in our little apartments and single passenger cars, about the only contact we get with others is at work.

The premise was good, but didn't deliver. Was this a real documentary or a fake one? There were a few flashes of insight into the difficulties of being single, but the main character was so dull, I didn't really care if he got a date or not.

Quite funny at times, this little documentary type of movie shows the struggle of a single guy in LA trying to find true love. The only drawback of '20 Dates' is that it isn't convincing as a real documentary and it isn't wild enough to be considered a parody.

But overall, not bad at all.

8/10

This is a movie about a guy trying to make a movie. His marriage has just ended so he comes up with the idea to make a movie about him dating 20 different girls. And if he's lucky, he gets to do his movie and find true love at the same time.

With this synopsis and Tia Carrere at the box cover, I figured "this movie could be OK". Trust me, it isn't!

Maybe I totally missed the point, but amongst a lot of pointless movies out there - this is the absolutely WORST movie I have EVER seen!!! I bought the DVD for 10 SEK (=$1.40) and I want my money back... enough said.

this is one movie that i wasn't sure i'd be interested, but i ended up watching it and laughing out loud. its a sweet change from the norm. i highly recommend this movie to anyone that enjoys comedies, independant movies, and/or romance. it's a great laugh, definatley worth watching more than once. i enjoyed it immensely, and so have everyone i have referred it to.

With no affinity towards any type of filmmaking, and a healthy appreciation of documentaries, I can honestly say I was angry at myself for bothering to sit through the entire length of "20 Dates". I won't waste your time with the plot, you may read other reviews. I will say though that Berkowitz's hyper, Woody Allen-style narration was extremely annoying. You either wished he'd lay off the coffee or ingest some tranquilizers. And it's potentially apparent to Berkowitz himself that this film was a bad idea, as parts of it details his trials to finance the documentary. Forgive me for disguising insults as compliments, but I'll give credit to Berkowitz for having the skills to convince some idiot to finance this horrid piece of ****. I appreciate the boundaries & intentions of the film here, but even when regarding the standards Berkowitz sets for himself, he fires off and misses on all levels. In closing, I'm sure many of these female companions were not at ease going on a date with a twitchy wanna-be filmmaker, and therefore I question the film's sense of authenticity. Hey Myles, I loved your film the first time I saw it... when it appeared as an episode of Seinfeld or was a film directed by Woody Allen or Kevin Smith.

not even funny in an "its so bad" its funny sort of way. i can only think that tia carrere lost some sort of bet as reason for her appearance. its mindnumbing that this film was made and even moreso, released in a theater where i sadly admit that i saw it. like i said, i see a good 150 movies a year and this is the WORST movie i have ever laid eyes on. did i say..ever!!