I know ‘Destination Wedding’ would probably rub a lot of people the wrong way. But then there’s me, who totally understands these characters. Maybe because I am like the characters in the film: middle-aged, lonely, very cynical about life and especially love. We have this skewed view of the world, and admittedly, yes, even at times very bitter. But, we persevere, and I know that deep in the recesses of our hearts, we hope. Though we would never admit it.

Victor Levin’s film may come across as very jaded and negative, but in it we get a romantic comedy as enduring and endearing like the best of them. It truly has been a good season for the rom-com, and this film is a welcome addition to this summer’s selections. And we get dyed-in-the-wool committed performances from Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves as Lindsay and Frank, as never want to be would-be lovers who get stuck with each other at a destination wedding in Paso Robles. The groom is her ex, and his brother, and, boy, there are mixed feelings here, there, and everywhere.  My favorite scene is one where both of them are huddled in a corner mocking and making fun of all the guests in a wine-tasting ‘activity’ attended by everyone in the wedding party. The film is all and only about the two characters – the dialogue exists only between the two of them, so it feels like you are eavesdropping on their conversation, giving the film an immediate intimacy. And yes, you will find yourself rooting for the couple, even as they both try to stop themselves from falling. But who are they kidding, right?