A few weeks ago a friend and sorority sister from college emailed me and asked if I would review a movie in The Goon Room. Christine Duell is an executive producer of a movie called Not Since You. She explained that it’s been a long time coming, but it was finally released and it was a great, romantic comedy.  I said that I would love to and she sent me a copy.

After I agreed, I became very nervous for several reasons. First, I am not a big movie person. I mean, I watch and enjoy movies, but I’m not that person waiting in line opening day or the person that has a subscription to IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes. I really only watch the Oscars for the clothes and then I lose interest.  I like what I like and I don’t what I don’t.  Which leads me to the second reason I was so nervous; what if I hated it?

The good news? I loved it. Even Peter who likes nothing but Westerns, loved it. The movie starts with a group of college friends converging in Athens, Georgia for a wedding. The beginning feels a lot like Love Actually in that there isn’t any background, you’re thrown right in and trying to figure out who is who and how they are connected. As the wedding nears, it becomes very clear that there is an old romance that is still smoldering between Amy (Kathleen Robertson – you’ll know her as Claire from 90210) and Sam (Desmond Harrington – not sure what he’s been in but whoa, is he easy to look at) despite Amy being married to Ryan (Christian Kayne). I liked both Ryan and Sam so it was hard to know who to cheer for and the outcome of both relationships leaves you guessing until the very end. Meanwhile, Sarah (Sarah Rue from the recent Jenny Craig commercials) is trying to strike up a relationship with the obviously damaged Joey (Elden Hensen). The source of his damage comes out late in the movie and made me tear up. His story is illustrated beautifully, but painfully. Then there is Billy (Will Estes – if you were in HS when U-571 came out, you’ll know who he is) and Victoria (Sunny Mabrey). They are in love and she wants to get married, but her past with his best friend Howard (Jon Abrahams) is holding Billy back from proposing. Victoria and Howard were dating when Billy and Victoria fell in love, thus making Howard the third and very bitter wheel. Until Billy can get Howard’s blessing, there won’t be a proposal.

The setting of this movie is beautiful and makes me want to visit my friend Melissa C in Athens. The overall feel of the movie is refreshing – it’s different from a big budget movie and I mean that as a complement.

The outcome of each person is unpredictable, making the movie “the total package”. It’s a great date night flick, girls night in or out, or something fun to watch during home-beauty-night with a face mask and glass of wine. It’s available on netflix, iTunes, pay per view and on demand for rental, filmbaby.com and amazon for purchase. And if you’re flying Air Canada in December, it’s available for your in-flight convenience.

I have been trying to think of funny ratings to give the movie – like 2 thumbs up or 4 “damn dirty apes” (that’s an actual rating for some radio show, I’ve not been hitting the wine or anything). So far, all I’ve come up with is Goons. Predictable, right? Well then, send me some new ideas! Until then, I give Not Since You 5 out of 5 Goons.

picture credit here.