Lust for Love (2014) User Reviews

rom-com indie a little muddled

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 9 February 2017]

Astor (Fran Kranz) has a crush on Mila (Beau Garrett) since the age of four. After one drunken night, she starts going out with him. His clingy obsessive romantic ways irk her. After breaking up, he seeks the help of her former friend Cali (Dichen Lachman).

This indie has some intriguing actors, several of them gorgeous women. There are probably a few too many beautiful women. Fran Kranz is a good nerdy lead. Dichen Lachman doesn't really project sexual chemistry with him. The addition of Caitlin Stasey muddles the romantic chemistry unnecessarily. Beau Garrett has a great climatic scene and makes a compelling point. In the end, this indie has a surprisingly good cast and the muddled rom-com does have a point of view. The dialog is a little clunky romanticism at times. It's a close call which gets a pass due to its appealing actors.

Fun but obviously written by a guy

[brooke_nikki · 6/10 · 29 December 2019]

It was a fun entertaining movie but it was very obviously written by a guy that isn't quite in touch with what women want. The dating advice provided by a woman was incredibly frustrating because it was pretty far from what most women want, e.g. keep trying after a rejection! No really when women say leave me alone they actually want you to leave them alone, not try harder. Or how about the cave man move?! No thanks. That's only appealing if there is already attraction there, not from a stranger, you need to read the signs before a forceful kiss. And throwing in a threesome with twins?! Well, now we know what Anton Kings fantasy is, because it certainly wasn't included to help the storyline. Regardless, it was still some fun semi-mindless entertainment. And Dichen Lachman is always a pleasure to watch.

How to Build a...Man?

[olympicator · 7/10 · 17 July 2020]

This movie is kind of like Moulin Rouge - very silly, no structure, things just kind of happen. And, yes, it was very formulaic. Nerdy guy tries to learn how to be outgoing. We saw it in "Hitch" and "Crazy, Stupid, Love." So, there was nothing really original about it. So why did I like it?

I guess because, ultimately, this is a movie that reminds us how important it is to have friends. It shows us a bunch of somewhat likeable, idiosyncratic characters who all find ways to relate to each other. This kind of movie gives me hope. I don't mean, it inspires me to go out womanizing. It inspires to go and meet people and maybe at least some of those people will be worth talking to, just for the sake of talking to them, because in the end that's what life is about: communicating with people.

Apparently this movie had a lot of cast in common with the series "Dollhouse." Well, I assure you I have never seen that series, so I can say without any bias that I enjoyed watching these actors. Maybe their prior experience with each other aided them in having such good on-screen chemistry, but prior experience in something is not a crime.

Like I said, the story did not have much structure. Lots of little conflicts never really got resolved, it felt as if the characters just forgot the conflicts happened. That sort of glossing-over is lazy storytelling. But, in a movie that's just supposed to be a good time, I suppose I can forgive it. At times I found Astor just astonishingly stupid, as if he had never had a real conversation with another human being in his life. I think he learned his lesson by the end of the movie, but his slowness to catch on struck me as implausible.

No, this is not a great movie. But it's fun and I think it achieves what it wants to achieve, without a large budget or a world war as a historical backdrop. It reminded me, most of all, of the book "How to Build a Girl" by Caitlin Moran (made into a movie recently, but I have not seen it). That was another experiment in extroversion, where a total novice tries to learn how to get along in society. The process is painful and awkward, even cringe-worthy, but it can work out because the world is not all bad. Maybe I have trouble believing that sometimes. Movies like these give me a bit of reassurance.

So much potential...

[andypross · 9 February 2014]

"Disappointed" is the word that springs to mind after finishing this film for the first time. After watching the trailer I was sure this would be a hit - what could go wrong with throwing together a load of Dollhouse alum in front of the camera? Apparently, almost everything. Fran Kranz, as always, plays his role brilliantly considering what he had to work with and is, in my opinion, the film's only saving grace. The acting in general is largely wooden, the directing is flat and uninteresting, the plot is cliché and predictable, but most of all - the script is horrendous. The writer seems to opt for a snappy Whedon-esque form of dialogue that falls so flat for the most part, it can be painful to watch.

I can only express my sincerest condolences to those who backed this project on Kickstarter, and were looking forward to this film as much as I was.

Didn't really deserve to be made

[rexhuntingdog · 4/10 · 14 November 2014]

I don't agree with why this film exists really. It was crowd sourced with the draw to internet users by having half of the DOLLHOUSE cast in it. The target audience of 'people who don't care at all what these actors are in but are just happy to see them on their screens' seem pretty happy with the finished product, but I don't really. It's a completely clichéd story of some nerdish guy who doesn't think he can really talk to girls trying to win his ex back and finding love in other places along the way. The actors all have this great likable quality that makes them fun to watch and they really do their best with the bland characters they have to work with. This film isn't half as likable as it thinks it is, it's pretty bland and formulaic. You'll have fun seeing these actors and you'll like them but not really the characters. Pretty much a waste of time.

Hard to watch

[Miles-10 · 4/10 · 29 January 2015]

Watching this fine cast try to work in this silly movie made me embarrassed for everyone except those who had parts too brief to do them much damage, and, of course, Enver Gjokaj who acquitted himself well by playing Jake the Butthead straight and thereby getting the most genuine laughs.

Most of the "jokes" just weren't funny and didn't make any sense, which is interesting since that is what is said about the main character at one point. A little autobiography then from writer-director Anton King? I like Fran Kranz and Dichen Lachman but their roles and dialog were awful. Kranz's character does variations on the same joke over and over. Lachman's character, the epitome cool combined with cluelessness, is not that interesting. There might be something universal about relationships buried here but it was obscured and trivialized here.

Boring

[vickyb34 · 2/10 · 10 February 2014]

I can't believe how boring this movie was. I do not know what was up with the camera either, whenever they had a close-up the background would shake. Very cheap dumb movie the only reason I watched it was I was super bored. I love actors in the movie, but the plot was very predicable and just leading up to it was so drawn out. I kept telling myself it would get better and be worth watching, but that was so not true. Save yourself the yawning and watch something with more depth and story line. I really just kept thinking this would be a great movie if Dichen just turned into a vampire and killed them all, but that was just wishful thinking.

Congratulations - Great Movie !

[tibet10-1 · 10/10 · 10 February 2014]

I have to be careful what I say here because I know Anton King and Dichen Lachman too well. Dichen is our daughter and we have watched this production develop over the last few years. When one is an observer - and offers advice and criticism - whether it be football, baseball or a movie - it is just too easy. We sit back, watch the show and every small blemish and fumble is noticed. However I give the whole crew 10 out of 10 for this production.

Tonight my wife and I had the opportunity to sit back and watch the movie by ourselves. Normally I prefer slow plodding movies like "Lincoln" and "The Thin Red Line". I do not normally watch love comedies. However I did enjoy this movie and not just because our daughter was in it. Fran Kranz and Beau Garrett did an outstanding job. Caitlin Stasey and Enver Gjokaj are also fantastic.

I enjoyed this movie and it is well worth seeing. The cast and crew deserve a medal. In particular Anton King and Dichen Lachman for pulling it off. No one who has not been involved in making a movie will have any idea just how difficult it is. There are many people who made this production possible and they came up with money because they believed in the project. Anton and Dichen are both Aussies they went to Hollywood and made their movie. Good job ! Lastly I have to say - viva Alessandro Ongaro of Luna Pictures Entertainment. You also did a great service to this picture.

Not too much to lust for here

[cekadah · 4/10 · 31 December 2014]

Watched this chic flick because I had watched Franz Kranz in 'Murder of a Cat', which I loved. But here Franz falls flat in this over long story of Astor chasing the wrong girls.

From the start the viewer can easily see that Hazel (I think that was her name) is the one he loves but director Anton King squeezes as much as he can out of the confused Astor. The funny bits are average at best and just helps to keep the easy story moving. I didn't find any of the characters believable and became impatient for the obvious end of who Astor will be with.

The only plus I can give Lust for Love is the 'eye candy' in a few scenes!

Lust For Love has Hilarious Hijinks and is Funny Sweet

[fireflypsngr · 2 February 2014]

I attended the Premiere of Lust For Love and I am thrilled to say it is a great movie. Seeing the Cast of Dollhouse reunited in this movie was great. I absolutely love Fran Kranz he is just a delight to watch. Dichen Lachman not only co-stars in this movie she is also one of the producers. She worked hard to get it made. Enver Gjokaj is simply amazing in all he does. I really enjoyed the scenes with Enver and Fran the most, they are a great comedy duo. Miracle Laurie is the heart and warm fuzzy in this movie she is adorable.

I laughed so much and really enjoyed the acting, pacing and writing of this indie movie. During the Q&A Dichen said they filmed it in 19 days and Fran worked everyday. The chemistry among the cast was great and the new additions worked well with everyone. I highly recommend checking this movie out online. This is not your typical Rom Com. Lust For Love is original and well made. I absolutely loved it!!! It was a pleasure meeting the Cast and telling them how wonderful they are in this movie.

Cringe Inducing

[MongoLloyd · 1/10 · 15 February 2016]

Disclaimer: I only watched this because I have a thing for Dichen Lachman. Suffice to say, it's worse than the worst of the worst rom-coms, loaded down with every rom-com cliché ever written and used to death over the past 50 years. They even managed to cast the goddess known as Beau Garrett but we don't get to see her in a bathing suit or in her underwear. What's the point of casting a babe in a low budget indie if we don't get to at least see her legs or something? The storyline and scenes are almost word for word identical to about 500 other films and about as predictable as rain in spring time.

Trust me, you've seen it all before.

Heart Warming and worth seeking out!

[lakeboonee · 9/10 · 13 February 2014]

I had been waiting for quite some time for this movie to become available. As a hug fan of most all the cast members I was hoping the film would deliver. I am happy to report that is does indeed. I found the film to reflect all the hard work and love that it is obvious was poured in it by Anton King the director and the cast. The chemistry between Dichen Lachman and Fran Kranz is wonderful. Fans of "Dollhouse" will of course be thrilled to see former cast members reunited for this project. Miracle Laurie gives a wonderful performance as does Enver Gjokaj. Add in a dash of Felicia Day and how can you go wrong right? I have already watched Lust for Love twice now and I enjoyed it even more the second viewing. I recommend seeking this film out. Its perfect timing for a watch over Valentines Day single or otherwise!

Wonderful Film

[ginadaba2 · 14 February 2014]

I'm proud to have been a Kickstarter backer for this movie, it turned out to be everything I'd hoped it would be. As a dedicated fan of Joss Whedon's for over a decade, it was both exciting and fulfilling to see so many of my favorite actors reunited for this gem of a romantic comedy. The fact that the writers and actors put so much time and effort into creating this film given the budget restraints truly shows their passion for storytelling and makes watching it all the more rewarding. The writing was witty, creative, and honest as it looked at the complicated world of dating and love. The chemistry between the cast helped bring the characters to life from the beginning of the film, making me laugh and sympathize with them along the way. Lust for Love is a definite must see...

Unimpressive story, amazing cast, first class acting

[morcego · 8/10 · 9 February 2014]

Lets start with the bad things. The story is recycled to the point of not even being funny. Not going to get into details not to be spoiler-y, but I can think of at least a dozen movies since the 80s (including one from John Hughes), which tell pretty much the same story. Oh, did I say bad thingS? I meant mediocre thing. Singular.

The casting is first class. I mean, not only we are filled with Joss Weadon alumni, as a bonus we get Caitlin Stasey. The production is simple but effective. Directing is one of the finest. Acting, also first class.

Lust for Love is a recycled love story, which would ordinarily make is a B movie even for an indie. However, the overall qualify of the movie; and yes, even the take on the story, recycled or not, make it something you definitely should watch.

Great feel good comedy.

[tsepakt · 10/10 · 20 February 2014]

Tonight I watched Lust for Love and I thought it was cool. A simple comedy with some old gags some new - but fun to watch. It is an enjoyable relaxing feel good comedy that made me laugh. Hollywood puts out scores of these movies but here is a low budget version every bit as good as the million dollar block busters that we see every day.

Joss Whedon did not have anything to do with this movie but it is full of the old Doll House stars. In fact I like Fran Kranz in this better than his Doll House roll. Australian viewers will recognise Caitlin Stasey from the popular soapy Neighbours where she co-starred with Dichen Lachman many years ago.

You have to watch this movie in the light of the fact that they put it together themselves. Raised money, got actors together and just did it. Good movie !!

A Whedonesque Romance

[UncleTantra · 8/10 · 8 February 2014]

While we wait for Joss Whedon's own scifi/romance movie "In Your Eyes," those of us who have become enamored of the many talented actors he has worked with and whose careers he has cultivated over the years have something to watch. "Lust For Love" is a Kickstarter-funded, Web-based (so far) project that reunites several of the cast members of Whedon's short-lived but brilliant TV series "Dollhouse" -- Fran Kranz, Dichen Lachman, Enver Gjokaj, Miracle Laurie, Maurissa Tancharoen, and Felicia Day. They obviously became close during their "Dollhouse" experience, and that closeness just as obviously carries over into this delightful rom-com.

I'll be honest and state that I'm probably too old to appreciate this movie. It seems aimed at an audience 20-somethings, and as such I would say that it succeeds admirably. Kranz is tremendous as the nebbishy Astor, hoping beyond hope to get back together with the narcissistic girl of his dreams Mila (played by non-Whedon-alum Beau Garrett). Towards this end he secures the services of Mila's ex-best friend Cali (played superbly by Dichen Lachman, who also co-produced this film). Much embarrassment and dating horror ensue, almost all of it portrayed with heart, and a fairly light heart at that. This is not one of those cynical movies about dating and romance.

It was great to see many of the "Dollhouse" actors together again, and those who loved them will probably be the first audience for this film. But I thought that the film (written and directed by first-timer Anton King) has merits of its own, and I hope it reaches a wider audience. I suspect that it could stand on its own among the classics of young-people romance films, up there with "Say Anything."

This turned out pretty good - I liked it

[q-tip2k · 8/10 · 7 February 2014]

I'm one of the 1519 kickstarter backers so maybe I am a little biased. This has been a long time coming. The estimated release once was June 2012! The film turned out pretty good. You don't see the tiny budget it had. The kickstarter ended with about $100.000 but they ran out of money during production so it definitely cost more than that. But I have seen independent movies with 10 times the budget which looked cheap and amateurish compared to this. The selections for the soundtrack also fit very well.

The best thing about this movie is the cast. There are great actors even in tiny roles. And Franz Kranz proves once more how good he is. Dichen Lachman is also great in this but I love her anyway.

Unfortunately the film is a little lacking story wise. You just have to read the plot summary (guy dates girl, girl leaves guy, guy goes to his female friend and asks her to help him win her back)to know there this is going. But the movie has some very funny parts and the story at least is told in an interesting way. Just don't expect any big surprises.

Overall I can recommend to watch it if you have the chance. If you are a Dollhouse fan this is a must see.

An absolutely beautiful film.

[JJWinks · 9/10 · 17 February 2020]

Wow, what a great film.

I only caught it because I think Caitlin Stasey is brilliant. The dialogue in the beginning was so stylized, that I almost turned it off. Thank goodness I stuck with it!

First off, it was cast perfectly. Fran Kranz is born to play the role, and shines the whole time. Dichen Lachman is brilliantly confident, yet guarded throughout. Literally all of the cast supports each other wonderfully.

Writer/Director Anton King does a masterful job of taking us through a romantic comedy that never is cheap (I rarely laugh out loud, even when I find things funny. I laughed out loud during this movie.), and makes the viewer really think. I found myself really enjoying scenes, but also thumbing through my thoughts and memories to see if there was some measure of wisdom I could gain by watching.

This is just a true gem of a film. I often have this itch for films that will make me think about romance and relationships, while indulging in drinks and provocative situations. This touches on all of it and proves to be uniquely satisfying.

This is the product of talented people who care about what they're making. The budget doesn't have to be huge if the filmmakers have love for their work.

Thanks for the journey. This will be added to my list of favorites in this genre.

Very Enjoyable

[mboyd1986 · 9/10 · 27 June 2016]

I watched this because I want to see more Dichan Lachman movies. I first saw her years ago and then more recently in "The 100". There's something about her face that is mesmerising.

So I'm really glad to say that we see a lot of her face in this very pleasant movie - lots of close-ups which show up her incredible features.

But what was really surprising for me was the acting - it was really good. I was expecting poor acting with pretty faces, but I was pleasantly surprised.

Nice to read Dichan's parents writing a review too! I hope Dichan gets more recognition and more films offers. Can't get enough of her.