Plot
Wallace, who is burned out from a string of failed relationships, forms an instant bond with Chantry, who lives with her longtime boyfriend. Together, they puzzle out what it means if your best friend is also the love of your life.
Release Year: 2013
Rating: 7.1/10 (721 voted)
Critic's Score: 57/100
Director: Michael Dowse
Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Megan Park
Storyline
WHAT IF is the story of medical school dropout Wallace, who's been repeatedly burned by bad relationships. So while everyone around him, including his roommate Allan seems to be finding the perfect partner, Wallace decides to put his love life on hold. It is then that he meets Chantry an animator who lives with her longtime boyfriend Ben. Wallace and Chantry form an instant connection, striking up a close friendship. Still, there is no denying the chemistry between them, leading the pair to wonder, what if the love of your life is actually your best friend?
Writers: Elan Mastai, T.J. Dawe
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe -
Wallace
Zoe Kazan -
Chantry
Megan Park -
Dalia
Adam Driver -
Allan
Mackenzie Davis -
Nicole
Rafe Spall -
Ben
Lucius Hoyos -
Felix
Jemima Rooper -
Ellie
Tommie-Amber Pirie -
Gretchen
Meghan Heffern -
Tabby
Jonathan Cherry -
Josh
Rebecca Northan -
Holly
Jordan Hayes -
Becky
Oona Chaplin -
Julianne
Adam Fergus -
Rolf
Filming Locations: Cinespace Film Studios, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Deborah Ann Woll, Rose Byrne and Rebecca Hall were considered for the lead role. See more »
User Review
Author:
Rating: 8/10
I went to a screening of the F Word at the Toronto International Film
Festival and I can say I had a good time (I can also say that Daniel
Radcliffe is much much shorter in person than what you would expect.) I
wasn't sure what the story was or what type of movie it would be and
from the director of Goon and Fubar, I probably wouldn't have expected
a romantic comedy, but as it turns out it was and I quite enjoyed it.
The film tells the story of Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe
Kazan) who meet at a party when Wallace finally gets over being dumped
over a year ago and goes back into the world. He soon finds out that
Chantry has a boyfriend but the two of them decide they'll give a go at
being friends. Both characters are somewhat awkward and seem to have
little friends outside of Allan (Adam Driver) and Nicole (Mackenzie
Davis). Their best friends are common friends but for some unknown
reason they had never met before, probably due to Wallace being
somewhat emotionally unstable and completely shut off in his apartment
for months on end.
The film is predictable overall but still brings some fresh moments. I
absolutely love Adam Driver and he plays more or less the same
character he plays on Girls but it was great to see him here. The
characters are lovable in their awkwardness and shyness and you do hope
for them to get together. They're also quite believable. Wallace was in
med school but dropped out (still because he got dumped honestly,
Wallace can't really handle being dumped) and now works at an
alienating low end job, while Chantry has that girl next door look and
works in an animation studio, with pressure to accept a promotion she's
not sure she wants.
The film is cute for sure, but also really funny at times. I'm not a
huge fan of Daniel Radcliffe to begin with, having seen him only in the
obligatory Harry Potter series and the Woman in Black but he was quite
good, and different. It's a bit slow but I can't say that was an issue
for me. Toronto is featured a lot as the film was shot and takes place
there (for once, they're not pretending it's New York) so it was great
to see the city.
While there is no release date set, the director said the movie should
come out around Valentine's Day so by all means, if you're looking for
a fun comedy to watch, go see it. It's way better than most movies that
come out for the holiday and it's one I believe both women and men will
enjoy.
Plot
15 years ago, Ben Walker left his girlfriend and his ministry calling for a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying career and a trophy fiancé...
Release Year: 2010
Rating: 6.0/10 (511 voted)
Director:
Dallas Jenkins
Stars: Kevin Sorbo, Kristy Swanson, John Ratzenberger
Storyline 15 years ago, Ben Walker left his girlfriend and his ministry calling for a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying career and a trophy fiancé, he is visited by an angel, who gives him a glimpse into what his life would look like had he followed his calling.
Writers: Chuck Konzelman, Andrea Gyertson Nasfell
Cast: Kevin Sorbo
-
Ben Walker
Kristy Swanson
-
Wendy Walker
John Ratzenberger
-
Mike the Angel
Debby Ryan
-
Kimberly Walker
Kristin Minter
-
Cynthia
Toni Trucks
-
Claire
Taylor Groothuis
-
Megan Walker
Stelio Savante
-
Joel Muller
Kevin Yon
-
Charlie
Tom McElroy
-
James McCutcheon
Grant James
-
Henryk Zimmerman
Brittany Risner
-
Brittney
Thomas Flannery Jr.
-
Carl
Preston Mulligan
-
Dylan
Dennis Lee Kelly
-
Ross Bessette
Opening Weekend: $49,770
(USA)
(22 August 2010)
(23 Screens)
Gross: $806,869
(USA)
(6 February 2011)
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
Director Cameo:
[Dallas Jenkins]
as a gas station attendant.
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes:
The story takes place over 23 years, but certain characters don't age at all during this time.
Quotes: Ben:
Five minutes from now, I'll be sucking down a half-caff chai latte... and you'll be eating crow. Mike the Angel:
I don't think so. Consumption of carrion birds is prohibited in Deuteronomy 14... I'm old-fashioned that way.
User Review
Combo of Family Man and It's a Wonderful LIfe
Rating: 9/10
I thought this was a very well written, well acted movie. The film is
about a man who gets a chance to see what his life would have been like
if he had not made the choices he did.
The story has a Christian viewpoint (disclosure: I am a Christian and
agree with the beliefs expressed in the movie), but is not heavy handed
at all. I believe people of all faiths or who have no faith will agree
with the positive message of the importance of family and serving
others.
I have watched a lot of movies by Christian filmmakers and this is
definitely one of the best. John Ratzenberger is one of my favorite
actors and does a great job in the movie.
As I mention above, the story is similar to the Family Man, but What
If, is much better acted and more family friendly that that the
Nicholas Cage movie. There is no swearing, violence or sex, but the PG
rating is accurate as there are some intense moments . I would not
recommend taking small children. I think it is a great date movie.
The movie is in limited release and my wife and I had to drive about
30-40 minutes to get to the theater it was in. I hope it will stay
around for a while.
0