#REVIEW: “GIRL MOST LIKELY”

Although it took a good while to make it to us after its Premeire at TIFF ’12, Girl Most Likely, known formerly as Imogene, finally sees a release. To manage our expectations however, it decidedly will get a modest limited release.

Although it certainly isn’t on the level of the brilliant Bridesmaids in terms of wit, Kristen Wiig‘s many devout  Fans will delight in seeing the Funnywoman carry much of the weight here as a once-promising New York Playwright paying her bills with a Magazine job, whose world suddenly crumbles when she  loses her job and Boyfriend suddenly. Desperate, she fakes her own suicide to win back his affections. The plan however, backfires and she finds herself reunited against her will with her irritating Mother Zelda (Annette Bening) and her Mother’s odd Boyfriend George (Matt Dillon). She also meets the quirky, charming, but younger Lee (Darren Criss) who happens to be staying with her Mom. Imogene is forced to face and reconcile several unpleasant things about her past before she can move on with her own life in New Jersey.  The Film takes us on a journey of Self-Discovery with Imogene, as we learn it’s never too late for new beginnings and second chances.

Girl Most Likely is by no means a Masterpiece in the Rom-Com genre – it doesn’t go nearly as deep emotionally as we hoped it would go and oversimplified Characters generally lack the dimension they should possess, especially considering Oscar-caliber Talents like Bening and Dillon have given Directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini their vote of confidence.

Glee‘s Darren Criss is within his element, a perfect fit for the Movie’s Demographic – an unlikely Leading Man to Wiig‘s Imogene. Wiig  brings to her role that signature blend of awkwardness and endearingness we’ve grown to love on Saturday Night Live, making this a worthwhile watch on a weekend or a  long day at work. We must not forget the litany of Celebrity Cameos here too from the likes of Cynthia Nixon, Whit Stillman, Julia Stiles, Padma Lakshmi and our v. own Andrea Martin.

Mongrel Media releases Girl Most Likely Friday, October 4, 2013 at The Carlton in Toronto and The Plaza in Calgary, with other Cities to follow.

We had the pleasure meeting some of the Cast of Girl Most Likely at TIFF ’12. More here.