Film Review

Heaven Help Me, I'm in Love (2005)

Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Director(s): Mark Baranowski
Producer(s): Mark Baranowski
Writer(s): Mark Baranowski
Running Time: 1 hr 38 min
Release Date: 9/27/05
Production Budget: $10,000

Synopsis: Butch and Angie are in love, but their relationship isn't progressing quickly enough for Angie. When Butch foolishly attempts to deceive her on account of a friend, whom she already dislikes, she decides to call it quits and dumps him. Meanwhile, screenwriter Donald, another of Butch's friends, is having his own problems in dealing with writer's block and a wife who's tired of being ignored. Struggling desperately to write the All-American comedy, Donald soon finds inspiration in Butch... A devious ex-girlfriend, a pushy drug dealer, a blind date gone awry and a nagging mother (Lynn Lowry) turns Butch's weekend, and spirits, from bad to downright pathetic. As Angie tends to her ailing mother (Brinke Stevens) and begins to accept life without him, Butch races to make amends in an effort to win back her heart before it's too late.

REVIEW

This romantic comedy by writer/director Mark Baranowski follows the troubled relationship of Butch (Mark Baranowski) and Angie (Ryli Morgan). The plot is heightened in part by the actors' on screen chemistry. In fact, it just may be a case of art imitating life. When asked what the challenges were in making the film, Baranowski replied, "Mainly, separating the material from the real-life experiences it was based on. The relationship between the lead couple, especially, was a touchy subject... Much of their interaction could have easily hit a bit too close to home. In the end, it proved to be great therapy!"

In addition to the romance, the film wastes no time in bringing some funny. Not long into the film, the audience is privy to a funny dance sequence between Butch and his stoner friend, Stu (Tom McCaffery), that much to Butch's chagrin, also happens to be the beginning of the troubled waters for his romance.

Clever writing anchors the script, highlighted by a later scene in the movie when a rebounding Angie goes out on a blind date and a subtle reference is made to their romantic dinner at none other than McDonald's. Additionally, many indie writers/producers/directors will enjoy that homage is paid to all aspiring scriptwriters within the film when scriptwriter Donald (Michael Hicks), another of Butch's friends, goes on a tirade about the uphill battle they all face.

Unfortunately, the film's slow pacing is amplified by stagnant shots. Camera movements combined with tighter editing could have trimmed down the film to a tighter 80-85 minutes instead its current 98 minutes.

Worth mentioning is that Brinke Stevens, who plays Angie's ailing mother, has had minor roles in THIS IS SPINAL TAP, THE THREE AMIGOS, and THE NAKED GUN. The film also features a decent soundtrack by the multi-talented Mark Baranowski, with help from Ryli Morgan on some tracks.

Notable Quote: "Thanks for super-sizing dinner, I'm stuffed!" - Darryl, Angie's blind date from HEAVEN HELP ME, I'M IN LOVE

HEAVEN HELP ME, I'M IN LOVE is available for purchase at www.theshotlist.com.


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	Film Review Heaven Help Me, I'm in Love (2005) Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance Director(s): Mark Baranowski Producer(s): Mark Baranowski Writer(s): Mark Baranowski Running Time: 1 hr 38 min Release Date: 9/27/05 Production Budget: $10,000 Synopsis: Butch and Angie are in love, but their relationship isn't progressing quickly enough for Angie. When Butch foolishly attempts to deceive her on account of a friend, whom she already dislikes, she decides to call it quits and dumps him. Meanwhile, screenwriter Donald, another of Butch's friends, is having his own problems in dealing with writer's block and a wife who's tired of being ignored. Struggling desperately to write the All-American comedy, Donald soon finds inspiration in Butch... A devious ex-girlfriend, a pushy drug dealer, a blind date gone awry and a nagging mother (Lynn Lowry) turns Butch's weekend, and spirits, from bad to downright pathetic. As Angie tends to her ailing mother (Brinke Stevens) and begins to accept life without him, Butch races to make amends in an effort to win back her heart before it's too late. REVIEW This romantic comedy by writer/director Mark Baranowski follows the troubled relationship of Butch (Mark Baranowski) and Angie (Ryli Morgan). The plot is heightened in part by the actors' on screen chemistry. In fact, it just may be a case of art imitating life. When asked what the challenges were in making the film, Baranowski replied, "Mainly, separating the material from the real-life experiences it was based on. The relationship between the lead couple, especially, was a touchy subject... Much of their interaction could have easily hit a bit too close to home. In the end, it proved to be great therapy!" In addition to the romance, the film wastes no time in bringing some funny. Not long into the film, the audience is privy to a funny dance sequence between Butch and his stoner friend, Stu (Tom McCaffery), that much to Butch's chagrin, also happens to be the beginning of the troubled waters for his romance. Clever writing anchors the script, highlighted by a later scene in the movie when a rebounding Angie goes out on a blind date and a subtle reference is made to their romantic dinner at none other than McDonald's. Additionally, many indie writers/producers/directors will enjoy that homage is paid to all aspiring scriptwriters within the film when scriptwriter Donald (Michael Hicks), another of Butch's friends, goes on a tirade about the uphill battle they all face. Unfortunately, the film's slow pacing is amplified by stagnant shots. Camera movements combined with tighter editing could have trimmed down the film to a tighter 80-85 minutes instead its current 98 minutes. Worth mentioning is that Brinke Stevens, who plays Angie's ailing mother, has had minor roles in THIS IS SPINAL TAP, THE THREE AMIGOS, and THE NAKED GUN. The film also features a decent soundtrack by the multi-talented Mark Baranowski, with help from Ryli Morgan on some tracks. Notable Quote: "Thanks for super-sizing dinner, I'm stuffed!" - Darryl, Angie's blind date from HEAVEN HELP ME, I'M IN LOVE HEAVEN HELP ME, I'M IN LOVE is available for purchase at www.theshotlist.com.