When we heard about the tragic accident that took young actor Anton Yelchin’s life, like most we reflected on his past films. The first time we saw him in a film, was opposite BMAF favourite, Jennifer Lawrence in Jodie Foster’s film The Beaver.
But like many of us, he was probably more known for his work in big box office films such as Fright Night; Terminator Salvation; The Smurfs and for most, as Chekov in the reboot of Star Trek, a role he will reprise in the forthcoming Star Trek Beyond.
Despite all these big hits, he also found time to act in smaller titles, this year’s Green Room; Charlie Bartlett; Like Crazy (again with Jennifer Lawrence) and the excellent Odd Thomas.
Another film of his we had not seen, was the film, Burying the Ex, he made with director Joe Dante, which we chose to rectify, as kind of BMAF tribute to remember the actor.
Joe had previously directed such titles as Innerspace; Matinee; The Burbs and of course Gremlins/Gremlins 2.
The film could probably fit into the category invented by Shaun of the Dead, of being a RomZomCom.
We follow Max, (Anton Yelchin) who is enjoying life with his girlfriend, Evelyn, (Ashley Greene) and as their relationship has advanced, it does seem they may be mismatched as a couple. She does not really support his dreams of moving away from the costume shop he works in, to run his own business. She certainly seems to be controlling the relationship. Yet it is clear that she does love him.
After the couple have a major argument in a themed Milk Shake bar run by Olivia (Alexandra Daddario) who seems to have a connection with Max, Evelyn’s controlling and manipulative ways have finally got too much.
Max confides in his half brother, Travis, (Oliver Cooper, who we know best from TV’s Californication) that he wants to break up with Evelyn, but is scared of her. Travis tells him to meet her in a public place, but he needs to do it, to be fair to both of them.
At the park, Max arranges to meet Evelyn, and when she arrives, tragedy occurs when she is hit by a bus. This affects Max badly, as he feels guilty and alone.
After some time has passed, Travis tells him he needs to go out the house, and when he does, he meets Olivia again, at a classic horror film screening. Their connection is clear and they begin a relationship and look for a blissfully happy life except….
Earlier in the film, Evelyn broke a mystical object that makes wishes come true, it so happens that wish was granted. The wish being that Max said he would love Evelyn forever.
Max, therefore continues his doomed relationship with Evelyn, out of both guilt and fear. Yet his love for Olivia is clear and he must now find a way to end his relationship with Evelyn once and for all.
This film reminded us very much of Aubrey Plaza film, Life After Beth, although its situation is clearly the opposite, Beth was welcomed back, whereas Evelyn is scarier than ever before.
We found Burying the Ex, the better of the two films, as it was a lot more fun, Greene is great as Evelyn, the girlfriend from hell, so to speak.
In fact, it is a credit to Greene, that you feel sad for Evelyn, as she starts to head to zombie form, losing hair etc. She clearly did love Max, even if too much. Max indeed, should have spoken about how he felt as well.
Max indeed, should have spoken about how he felt as well. Anton Yelchin does great as the guy wanting to do the right thing, a role he does so well in. Daddario makes for a great love interest and their relationship is one you want to happen, as they seem so much better suited. Cooper gives the film some laughs as the
Daddario makes for a great love interest and their relationship is one you want to happen, as they seem so much better suited. Cooper gives the film some laughs as the slacker half brother.
If you want a romantic comedy with a difference, why not remember Anton and give this great horror comedy a go.
You can watch the trailer here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8gJbE3LYNs
And you can find the film on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0100HI3RE/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_M23Dxb1P1W8MD
What was your favourite Anton Yelchin role? Do you have a favourite alternative romantic comedy? We’d love to hear from you here at Barking Mad About Films
