Movie Reviews

‘Dating & New York’ Review – Jaboukie Young-White Has Legitimate Star Power

Logline:

Once Upon A Time In New York City… Two heartbroken millennials, cursed by the paradox of choice, can’t escape their romantic pasts and presents as they attempt to find love in the city that doesn’t sleep – but sleeps around a lot.

The dating landscape has really changed over the years. Or has it? As different as it may seem nowadays with dating apps, new lingo such as ghosting, and social media as a whole, dating is still essentially the same. When we strip it down to its core, people are still ultimately looking for love, companionship, or maybe just a hookup. The only personal aspect that has seemed to change is people’s heightened fear of ending up heartbroken. It’ll change again in a few years whether it cycles back to a more face-to-face approach or becomes even more distant, but the end goals will always remain the same. However, technology and our ever-changing view of the world make things very interesting. Technology has added a barrier that you have to surpass in order to actually meet the person that you’re interested in, but it also connects you to people you may never have organically bumped into in person. Unfortunately, it has also somewhat killed off meet-cutes because now people are hesitant of those they meet offline since we’ve been accustomed to knowing some kind of background and lifestyle information before taking any kind of leap. And now that people are making their political ideologies and stances on issues the crux of their personality, I’m so glad that I’m already married. With that said, good luck to all you single folks. Happy swiping.

“You’re playing chess, we’re playing Xbox.”

Will all millennials please stand up, this one is specifically for us. Dating & New York is a romantic comedy that knows itself and knows its audience. Unlike a lot of our culture, the film isn’t trying to be fake woke or fake deep, it’s simply giving us the reality of the dating scene at the moment. As many rom-coms do, it serves as a time capsule of sorts. Twenty years from now when we’re living life through some kind of android that we’re mentally linked to from the confines of our homes due to increasingly hot temperatures, we’ll watch this movie and make those reminiscent sighs and fondly recall anxiety, human contact, and awkward moments. The film also provides us with a look at the mindset of those who, now more than ever, have an idealized version of the other person they are dating or the relationship itself. Which leads them down a path of self-inflicted disappointment and heartbreak. The film also does a great job of showcasing that men are just as “emotional” as women, if not more so. But most of us knew this already, it’s just rarely shown. Now does this film share clothes with No Strings Attached and Friends with Benefits, sure but as I said before, it took those clothes, altered them, and made them relevant to the present. This is definitely an instance of art imitating life. The dialogue is witty and as fast-paced as the times, the chemistry is great, and it’s presented in a pleasing manner. Dating & New York is a very fun and enjoyable experience. Imitation can be hurtful at times but in this instance, it serves as a hilarious reflection of how romance has evolved and how it has affected those who partake in it in this way. It features some great shots, lively and relevant writing, and a cast that represents the changing dynamic of the Big Apple. This is an easy, amusing, and thoughtful watch. I enjoyed it. Its rewatchability is high.

Jaboukie Young-White as ‘Milo’ and Francesca Reale as ‘Wendy’ in Jonah Feingold’s DATING & NEW YORK. Courtesy of IFC Films. An IFC Films Release.

Pacing & Pop

The initial pacing of the film is very smooth and quick. However, once we find ourselves in the meat of the second act, the film begins to slow itself down as the drama escalates. What popped for me was Jaboukie Young-White’s performance. I’ve seen him a number of times on The Daily Show as well as his stand and he is hilarious. Subsequently, this is the first time I’ve seen him act and he is a natural with legitimate star power.

Characters & Chemistry

I really enjoyed the performances and chemistry of stars, Jaboukie Young-White and Francesca Reale. As Milo and Wendy, respectively, being millennials themselves, they fully embodied the characters. The chemistry between the two along with the delivery of the dialogue felt extremely authentic. The comfortability and fluidity of the performances felt as if they were playing themselves.

Dating & New York is now in theaters and available on VOD as of September 10th, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.