What If (I) (2013) User Reviews (165)

A smart and charming romantic comedy.

[swellframe17 · 8/10 · 10 August 2014]

The summer of 2014 hasn't seen as many strong independent films like last year. However, in the final days of the summer movie season comes Michael Dowse's "What If", a smart and charming romantic comedy. It's a well written film about Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) who becomes friends with Chantry (Zoe Kazan) who is with her long time boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall). Wallace and Chantry develop feelings for each other and struggle with what to do. It sounds cheesy and boring, but don't miss this film.

Elan Mastai's script is sharp and never over extends it hand. It combines several kinds of humor, from slapstick to witty. Mastai's screenplay balances all these humors well while also getting to the heart of the situation. The film has depth and mature conversations about romance and what to do when stuck in a love triangle.

The film is also well cast. Radcliffe feels very natural in the role. It's nice to see him play an everyday man instead of some epic famous character. Radcliffe is good at both and this film proves it. He also has good chemistry with Kazan. Radcliffe and Kazan are balanced well with Adam Driver's Allan and Mackenzie Davis' Nicole. Driver is hilarious and steals the scenes. All of them fit their parts very well and give the film its charm.

The story can be predictable and maybe a bit forced at times, but its heart warming and grows on you. It uses artistic and visual motifs well and feels well rounded and complete. The film also has a nice indie rock soundtrack that fits right in. "What If" seems like a nice blend between " (500) Days of Summer" and "When Harry Met Sally...".

The romantic comedy genre seems to be criticized a lot. There are plenty of junk films in it, but "What If" is a gem. It's well written and acted and is able to balance many kinds of humors to please many people. "What If" is a romantic comedy done right. It is a nice little treat at the end of a blockbuster filled summer.

Fun Movie

[Sahl_95 · 8/10 · 6 August 2014]

'What if' is about Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe), a heart broken medical school dropout who meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), an animator and Wallace's love interest. The moment they meet, Wallace is in love. Unfortunately for him, Chantry is already in a serious relationship and just wants to be friends.

Like most movies of this genre, you can for the most part guess how this movie progresses. However, that didn't really matter as the movie was fun and quite enjoyable. Most of the jokes were witty and didn't feel forced. All the relationships in the movie were enjoyable to watch as well. All the actors did a great job as well.

At the end, I had a good time watching this movie. It was a good fun movie.

Funny and fresh comedy

[LetwitJr · 8/10 · 9 September 2013]

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.

Root For The Stars

[billygoat1071 · 7/10 · 18 August 2014]

What If asks a basic question if a friendship between a boy and a girl could lead their relationship to something romantic. It isn't an idea that we haven't heard before, of course, but for some reason the movie does feel a lot fresh. It offers one thing that we don't always see in a romantic film lately: an ultimately likable on screen couple. They may not be a typical stale supermodel looking pair, the uniqueness it highlights to these characters are their personalities and their problems. It may not make their personal situations any complex, but it still is a memorable little romcom that shines through its humor and performances.

The film is best when it only settles with its two leads starting to build their connection into friendship until it gets serious. What makes this love story so genuine is their conversations as friends pouring out their honest views toward something, like love or their lives. Following its central plot would make the clichés visible, but by just looking through the world of these characters is what helps it show its own color. It also sells well when they reveal each of their issues, it sometimes takes them as one of its jokes, but whenever it gets compellingly heavy, it usually resolve those situations too easy. It's probably because it wanted to focus more on its sweetness, but it does still deserve some depth at the unthinkable fate of the "friendzone".

The depth is instead placed on the actors. There is an undeniable charm to be found in Daniel Radcliffe, even though his character is struck with a cynical side personality and Zoe Kazan brings much of the soul to the connection of every person her character jumps right into. Both of them spark a strangely admirable chemistry that makes the witty screen writing sound more lively. It just embraces the awkwardness of their desires. The direction makes it real simple, though it does pull off a little hipster-y animation when it shows their abstract feelings, but most of the time it just let it linger at the very meaningful moments.

The most important thing What If needs is gumption at portraying how doomed the both are from ending up with each other, but it still is a worth a watch for its often delightful environment. Its strongest appeal is just the two stars tagging you along in their world of an uncertain luck. Not sure what kind of people would leave the theater having sudden thoughts of word magnets and art-driven animation, or nachos and Fool's Gold Loaf, but to be sure this film has its distinction as a romantic comedy. Overall, it's all pretty nice.

One of the better RomComs

[tmf084 · 7/10 · 27 September 2014]

It doesn't use an original idea nor does it stay clear from the usual RomCom tropes and the plot is sort of predictable. But even though it has all the ingredients for a derivative flick it feels fresh and is quite entertaining. Mainly it's because of Radcliffe and Kazan, the more original dialogues and by staying clear from slapstick comedy. Also the story by itself feels convincing as a whole and the characters stay consistent and relatable for the most part. Though, by the end you also recognize that they slandered a lot of potential by going the usual RomCom route. It could have been better by doing a few things differently, which I'm not going to name here to avoid spoilers.

Bottom line, if you like RomComs then you will probably like this one. If you don't like the genre at all you may still find this one bearable enough to sit through it next to someone.

Clichéd and too familiar but entertaining and sweet

[aaskillz69 · 6/10 · 25 September 2014]

"I will look, if you'll look"

-Chantry

It's been a long while since i first heard of the this film, it was more than a year ago when it premiered at Toronto. God damn it's been a year and this year's edition is already gone. It's the biggest film festival of the year, of all the pictures that were there i have now seen a massive fifty, which tells a lot about the Festival's quality (since most were good). Though more than done a year ago, the film has only been recently released with a nice warm embrace from critics and audiences. I didn't expect one of the year's best but still hoped it would be a worthy romantic comedy.

What If is Directed by Michael Dowse and it stars Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Rafe Spall, Megan Park, Adam Driver, Jemima Rooper and Sarah Gadon. "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?"

Well What If does end up being a worthy romantic comedy i guess. This meaning that's entertaining and charming enough to be worth a watch, no questions asked but i don't really know if it can be much more. I did have an overall good time with it, the movie has enough laughs and the stars are quite brilliant too, the thing though is that i felt as though i had already seen it. This is a fine time at the movies but it does feel way too predictable and overly familiar.

It makes me sad not to really like this feature because, you know, i actually really wanted to. Mainly because of the two leads who are quite charismatic and have a good on screen chemistry, but also because it's so clear that the film's intentions are good and that made me overlook some flagrant flaws. And the movie has many of those.

I'm having a battle within me right now, a battle between my cynical and cold side who thinks (and rightfully so) that this picture is way too familiar and foreseeable and the other side of me who was quite entertained and charmed by these characters and performances. In the end i think i met somewhere in the middle. Because albeit this is always an enjoyable film to be watching, i did get some moments where i couldn't help but to roll my eyes. It's full of clichés and it's a shame. Full of sub-plots (and the premise too) and supporting characters that felt way too conventional and plain. I mean really the supporting characters though amusing, are little more than card board pieces in the movie's screenplay.

So yeah the film is basically saved by it's two lead performances from Potter Daniel Radcliffe and Ruby Sparks Zoe Kazan. I really liked both here and i thought they were also good together on screen. Radcliffe plays his characters well, never makes him too weird or annoying, he gets the right tone of his character. Zoe Kazan is just so cute...i mean how could you not like her. Big blue eyes, i had already liked her in the better and more original Ruby Sparks and she once again charms the screen.

What If is undeniably a pleasant movie going experience but unfortunately it does fall short from being much more than that. The two lead performances and a screenplay that ha some funny gags in it, elevate a material that's overall not that great and was made with an approach that wasn't really that inventive. Still i had a good time and i would feel a bit guilty giving a negative score to a film that didn't impress but didn't leave a bad taste in my mouth either.

Rating:C+

I loved this movie

[danwrod-2 · 9/10 · 12 July 2014]

What a great movie to see as an escape from the mindless explosions in so many "Hollywood" movies. The characters were great. It was very funny! And it was touching. It would probably be in the "chick flick" category, but that's an unfortunate way to pigeonhole this movie. Spoiler alert!!! (I just want to be on the safe side.) I would classify this movie as an updated version of When Harry Met Sally. Daniel Radcliffe is excellent, as is the rest of the cast. We went to a sneak preview a few days ago and I was kind of shocked to read that it was made last year(2013) and "might have a Valentine 2014 release". What the heck happened? I am glad it has a release date for next month(8-2014) I am going to spread the word via Facebook and texts. Great movie.

Prosperous Casting with a quite nice story

[Aktham_Tashtush · 7/10 · 23 February 2015]

it clearly appears that Daniel Radcliffe has completely got out of the harry potter's net so easy , i reckon it was only a year ago when he was just recognized as Harry, he's so freaking talented i'v seen him in Horn ,, gosh ... his reactions when he's irritated in the scene is priceless .. anyhow , the movie is great with new idea in romance, the comedy is fair but still when the romance presented it heightened the whole movie to a deeper level. the plot goes complicated more and more then things just get easy to be predicted until the end which is nice if i might say. casting Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan and Adam Driver was prosperous, changing the rhythm of the scenes from funny to sad to funny to awkward to funny to romantic .. and so on was amazing directing and amazing writing . Hope to see more of these movies with a bit more comedy tho ;) especially for Mr.Radcliffe .

Lighthearted Rom-com

[retta_narwen · 8/10 · 18 March 2021]

Watched this one rainy afternoon and really enjoyed it. The dialogue was fast paced and made me laugh. I thought casting was great with the two leads very well suited. Was a great charming film that had a feel good factor

Can a man and a woman be friends? Especially if one of the two had a romantic interest in the other from the start?

[Amari-Sali · 15 August 2014]

Though I often complain about Zoe Kazan's work since Ruby Sparks, I only complain and critique because I care. But with her being paired with the great Daniel Radcliffe, I felt reassured that this movie would be good. But with the idea being that this movie was about a guy putting himself in the fictional "friend zone" I must admit I was worried. To see if the worries were justified, look below.

Characters & Story

After being cheated on, Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) has taken a long break away from dating, but upon Allan (Adam Driver), his only friend, getting him to go to his house party, he ends up meeting Adam's cousin Chantry (Zoe Kazan). A girl who he awkwardly falls for as they have weird little off and on conversations throughout the night. But when he learns Chantry has a boyfriend, named Ben (Rafe Spall), he seems pretty much done with her.

However, with a chance meeting at a movie theater he tries to be friends with her and tame his feelings. But as he gets closer to her his feelings don't abate at all. If anything, they intensify to the point Allan and his girlfriend Nicole (Mackenzie Davis) try to present ways for them to maybe be together. Though with Chantry being with Ben for 5 years, and Ben seeming like he is mentally preparing to propose to Chantry, will Wallace accept friendship is the most he may get out of his relationship with Chantry, or will fate have mercy on him?

Praise

There are two main highlights when it comes to the film: The story's dialog which doesn't seem overdone a la Juno, nor like a most romantic comedies, and the fact that the characters take their time to get to know each other. Starting with character chemistry, in the film we see 3 relationships: Allan and Nicole's, which shows your usual romance movie plot where they fall in love at first sight, fight, come back together, and etc; Ben and Chantry's which is comfortable, cute, and committed; and then there is Chantry's relationship with Wallace which, at first, presents that rarely shown idea that men and women can be friends.

And through their friendship you get some very entertaining dialog which almost seems like "the best of" when it comes to conversations you might have had. Be it random topics like how did they come up with the name "Cool Whip," thoughts about going to the movies by yourself, and just jabbing each other, their relationship seems to more so follow a real life natural development than the proverbial love at first sight method we see in Allan and Nicole. Which, of course, is complicated because Wallace has feelings for Chantry. Leading to a compelling story, I'm sure many have experienced dealing with, of how to deal with someone you care about, who is of the gender you like/ prefer. Also, can you maintain a sense of friendship, or is trying to be friends with someone of your sexual preference essentially impossible? Especially when your friendship is tested and you are put in intimate situations.

Criticism

Leading to the criticism which deals with the film abandoning exploring the complications of being friends with someone of your sexual preference, and even taking a break from what felt like a genuine story, so it could quickly rush the idea that there is a chance that these two could get together. Which, for me, ruined most of what the movie presented for it really did taint everything. For while it was obvious throughout the movie that Wallace's feelings may never go away, a part of me was really hoping that he'd learn to just be happy for Chantry and either date her sister Dalia (Megan Park), get back with his ex, or maybe just be satisfied being the father figure to his nephew Felix (Lucius Hoyos). But I guess as much as this film does try to stand out, it is easier to wrap things up in your usual romance film formula than even stand out a little and make it seem that being friends is really a possibility at all.

Overall: TV Viewing

Through the first half to three-quarters of the film, I was unsure whether to label this as worth seeing or not. But with Wallace deciding to do a grand romantic gesture, and then the dialog becoming like a generic romance movie, I no longer had a tough decision. For with Wallace deciding to end his quiet suffering and try to make a happy ending for himself/ the movie, all the appeal of this movie seeming different was instantly loss. So the saving grace, overall, was the fact that even after the grand gesture, and going generic for a little while, the film got back the dialog which made it interesting in the first half. And while I may not have personally liked where the story went, it doesn't mean this is a bad movie. Hence why the TV Viewing label. Its dialog and story make you feel the film has potential to stand out and not be like almost every romance movie out there, and even though it falters and leads you to think it will end up just like every romance movie, it rebounds just enough for a decent finish.

When Harry Potter met Sally

[baz-b · 6/10 · 14 August 2014]

I would like to say that I went to see the preview of this film with an open mind, but in reality I expected it to be predictable and clichéd. In actual fact, whilst it was somewhat predictable (it's a rom-com, you can take a good guess at the ending from the opening scene!)... it was actually not entirely what I expected.

Daniel Radcliffe plays the lead role in this film that seeks to find whether men and women can be platonic friends. The woman in question is played by Zoe Kazan. The film is set between Toronto and Dublin - yes Toronto, which usually impersonates various US cities in movies with limited budgets actually gets to play itself for once!

Stewing over a recent breakup, Wallace (Radcliffe) works at a textbook company while living in his sister's attic (an improvement over the cupboard under the stairs, at least). He's primed for romance when he encounters Chantry (Kazan), spewing whimsy and animated sketches in her wake. Sparks fly only to be put out when Chantry mentions her boyfriend and asks if they can just be friends.

In one of the early scenes of 'What If,' Wallace moves word magnets around a fridge, spelling out, 'love is stupid.' Most romantic comedies would stop there so the leading man could reflect somberly on the words. Instead, Wallace adds, 'stupid monkeys dancing in a slapstick hurricane.' This sets the theme for the entire film, awkward conversations making bad jokes at the wrong time.

It is the characters of Wallace and Chantry that not only save this film from being yet another generic rom-com, but that lift it far beyond the confines of the genre so that you almost forget that we're going to end up where we always do with these types of stories.

However, it's telling just how soon after the credits roll that you forget about 'What If'. Engaging all the way through, and a wonderful showcase for its two stars, but perhaps that bit of subtext would have given this film more of a shelf life. I was almost at one point expecting them to just remain friends, but that is far too risky for a movie of this derivative, and so an improbably convenient happy ending is duly manufactured.

Whilst I expected to be annoyed by this film for being dull, predictable and clichéd, it was not actually so bad. In fact, the most annoying thing is that the title of the 'What If' film contains neither a question mark, nor an ellipsis ('What If... someone made a rom-com that didn't strictly adhere to formula?).

Overall verdict: 'What If' breathes life into the tired rom-com formula through its whimsical script and quirky cast. In UK cinemas 20 August 2014.

Welcome to the friend-zone.

[CharlieGreenCG · 9/10 · 6 August 2014]

Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan) meet at a mutual friend's party and instantly bond with one another. Chemistry between them is flawless and spontaneous – but she has a boyfriend, which leaves recently heart-broken Wallace in the 'friend-zone'.

Containing much witty dialogue, quirky references and probably redefining the entire term awkward – 'What If' seems firm and fresh in style, yet is typically conventional in story, hindering on the exact narrative of Harry Met Sally actually ...

Lead star Daniel Radcliffe, seems as if he is still trying to get to grips with genre post HP and distancing himself after trying a mixture of features; Woman in Black, Kill Your Darlings, and upcoming horrors; Horns and Frankenstein. Nonetheless, he seems concrete in his first Rom- Com performance and we want to see more.

Also interesting to see him play a Brit in an American/Canadian film, rather than putting on an accent like a baffled Hugh Grant we are used to in this Richard Curtis-esqe movie. We see great potential ahead of him and are going to go ahead and call it that Dan' will win an Academy award before 2018 is out.

Alongside Radcliffe stars Zoe Kazan in an equally exceptional performance (her best yet), and co-starring upcoming Star Wars actor Adam Driver for even more humour – the film is solid. A film coming from the director of both Goon and Fubur, set our expectations low, but it impressed and entertained by taking and old story and remixing it with an indie feel.

'What If' arrives in UK cinemas on the 20th August 2014.

Amusing yet cliche

[dibrahim-73015 · 6/10 · 30 September 2020]

Good topic is being ruined by a cliched end. We see an approach to cheating in a relationship yet it is poorly written. If you're expecting to see characters' psychological development as things happen along the movie, you're at the wrong place. This movie is based on dialogues including sarcastic jokes, and some glances of main characters to each other. The comedy part of the movie is quite amusing; although, there are some scenes that has no suspense, you just know what is going to happen exactly!

A film full of annoying people

[darren-153-890810 · 3/10 · 28 April 2015]

A rating of 6.8 suggests that is almost a decent film. When quite frankly it isn't. Its not as bad as Leap Year (worst film ever made) but its not fit to be mentioned in the same Breath as 500 Days of Summer.

It tries way to hard to be quirky and cool which just makes it look childish. The kitchen scene, annoying. Woman falling backwards on the stairs. Annoying.

Daniel Radclife is actually the best thing in this film. He's dry English sense of humour works. The girl is sweet and is also OK. But as for the supporting cast, every single one of them is annoying.

Rafe Spall is usually very funny (I Give it a Year & X&Y) But he is so bad in this with a woeful American accent that every time he was on screen I wanted to turn it off. The scene in the meeting when his phone rings and he picks it up. Stupid on so many levels. Annoying.

It doesn't challenge any stereotypes what so ever, with the predictable ending suggesting that indeed, men and woman can not be friends. To quote a line from the film 'Grow up, not all men want to sleep with every woman they get on with'.

If you're a teenager you'll probably like it. I guess its aimed at that market. Although my 34 year old single flatmate recommended it speaks volumes, as I hate every film she's told me to watch. I should have known better.

Disappointing

[Gordon-11 · 23 October 2016]

This film tells the story of a man who is mending his broken heart after finding out his ex-girlfriend cheating on him. He meets a lovely lady with a boyfriend. They want to stay as friends but they both want more than just friends.

It sounds like a promising story, but I find the resultant film boring and annoying. The dialog and the plot made my eyes roll in exasperation so many times because they are so stupid and unbelievable. Am I really supposed o be entertained by the mean and horrible supporting characters, called Allan and Nicole? Or is it that interesting to see the two people in the spotlight just meandering their way through their life? I watched the whole film and it did not get better. I was so disappointed by this film, and could not wait for it to end.

What If is ultimately a perfectly decent piece of fluff that thinks it's more subversive than it actually is.

[eminkl · 6/10 · 17 April 2020]

Aug 28, 2019 To me, it started as a date movie, and then ended up being entirely different, something more. What If Dowse does not seem like a complete fanatic for the mushy gushy romance that Hollywood is infamous and criticized for. He doesn't particularly love the idea of a rainy Saturday evening with warm coffee in bed and Meg Ryan on TV. And maybe that's why, that's the only reason why this film works. I am going to skip way ahead now and give you an example of a scene that basically comes at the end of the film. No spoilers, but there is a scenario in the film where even someone "outsider" as the director Michael Dowse from this world, has to drop all his guards and give in to that ultimate date movie scene. And even though he tries with incredible slow camera work and other parlor tricks, he fails to conjure the audience as any other Hugh Grant film would and does. Danielle Radcliff as Wallace and Zoe Kazan as Chantry are the only ones driving the scene to home for us. Another reason why the film succeeds is the safe and secure fall of the film, after Dowse pushes it away from being starry eyed. And this push lands on a pillow whose origin is from that very awkward feeling of running away and bumping into crass slapstick humor. And holding that side of the line is Adam Driver and Mackenzie Davis as a raunchy couple outdoing themselves in each scenario leading our lead couple into trouble- that silence in the car is the highlight of the film. They are the textbook supporting cast of the romcom genre, their goofiness sculpts into a deep prosperous enlightening theme. What If is the most spookiest name I have ever heard of a film especially considering the fact that, to this day, I don't get the title, at all.

Not a typical date night movie, but still a good date movie. Much better than any Katherine Heigl rom-com.

[cosmo_tiger · 6/10 · 23 November 2014]

"If it's too simple you've got no reason to try and if you've got no reason to try you don't." Wallace (Radcliffe) has just come out of a relationship and is forced to go to a party with his best friend and roommate. When he is there he meets his roommate's cousin Chantry (Kazan) and the two immediately hit it off. At the end of the night Chantry gives him her number and then rushes in to see her boyfriend. Wallace decides to stay "just friends" with her but that doesn't really go has planned. I am not a huge fan of romantic comedies. I will admit that some are funny and aren't terrible to watch but for the most part they are just generic and full of fluff. Those movies are needed but they just aren't for me. This one is one of the rare exceptions where a romantic comedy actually contains something more than just surface feelings. This one feels more real and isn't the typical boy meets girl and they live happily ever after formula. This movie is more along the lines of 500 Days Of Summer, Spectacular Now or Gigantic. This is one of the few romantic comedies that I can recommend. Overall, not a typical date night movie, but still a good date movie. Much better than any Katherine Heigl rom-com. I give this a B.

A kinda fun little story

[willcundallreview · 6/10 · 17 October 2015]

The F Word also called What If is a romantic comedy about a man named Wallace who can't quite decide when friendship ends and love starts and that puts him at odds with the already in a relationship Chantry. The story follows both as they continue their friendship but you forever see that chemistry throughout and I mean you really want him to say something to her. The movie is a satisfactory watch, it is far from great but it still walks down a well trodden line at least with some quirkiness and some fun characters too. The movie can feel a little too niche at times but manages I feel to make itself fun and bubbly and manages also to add in enough romance within the laughs to not make it over the top going for laughs.

Daniel Radcliffe plays Wallace and he does an OK job but I did feel he can be just a little shaky at times. Ever since Harry Potter I have always wanted Radcliffe to do well and really find something that can bring him to a different phase of his career away from the wizarding world, this isn't it but it gives us signs that he is well on his way to having a great career in his post teenage years. Chantry is played by Zoe Kazan who does the same kind of job that Radcliffe does, neither really eclipse each other and that is good because the chemistry runs well through that, we see enough of both characters lives and emotions and it makes them more accessible to us on a connecting level. I liked the addition of Rafe Spall as the partner of Chantry, he gives a funny performance and mixes things up well, I felt he was going to be a little funnier at first but all in all he is still a well made character and played well by Spall too.

Michael Dowse directs and I can't say he does a fine job but he still manages to create something alright, I wasn't too keen at times in the way he makes the movie look but he at least gets the pacing right. The movie is written well and even won a Canada Screen Award for best screenplay, I wouldn't say the script is anything special or new but it does run along nicely as a piece and really tries hard to make something work between all involved. The movie can in it's style seem a little too entwined with the modern day "Hipster" society through such things as Chantry and her friends knitting, Wallace and his friend Allan (Adam Driver) looking through antique shops and the general use of alternative and indie music although the feeling does not take anything from this as a movie.

As Rom-Coms go this doesn't stack up all that well with other one's, in fact it is basically the same as many others although this movie does at least try to be original in its humour and that I can credit it for. The laughs aren't massive in this I have to also add although I think many people will see this as charming comedy rather than the laugh out loud type, they talk about faeces a lot for some reason but it still feels charming though. So in the end this movie is one that probably won't rank high on many peoples lists of great romantic comedies but that doesn't mean it isn't worth a watch, it's actually not a bad movie at all and if you're the kind of movie viewer who is a hopeless romantic or just loves romance, this is pretty fun.

What If this was called The F Word?

[questl-18592 · 8/10 · 26 January 2020]

This is a wonderfully fun rom com featuring Radcliffe and Kazan as a pair of quirky and charming friends dancing around their attractions to each other.

Really, in a lot of ways it's a run of the mill rom-com, it doesn't deviate from the standard formula all that much. What elevates it is the performances of Radcliffe and Kazan. Their chemistry and just the enjoyment of seeing them interact and talk makes this better than average to me.

'What If' is still enjoyable and packs quite a few laughs. I just don't think it's going to be remembered as the great romantic comedy.

[bryank-04844 · 6/10 · 15 August 2015]

I was very excited to see this new romantic comedy 'What If', starring Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, and Adam Driver. I even might have mentioned that it had one of the funniest trailers I had seen in a while, which you can see below. 'What If' answers or at least tries to answer that age old question, "Can a man and a woman just be friends?" This concept is definitely not new and has been seen many times before, specifically in the hit comedy 'When Harry Met Sally', which starred a young Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan.

This Rom-com does nothing new and is a generic paint-by-the-numbers romantic comedy. However, the script, characters, and great performances by the impressive actors, casts a magic and charming spell on its audience, that you'll leave the theater mostly satisfied, even though Radcliffe has no wand in this film. But the usual tropes and jokes of a romantic comedy fill 'What If' up, which was formally titled 'The F Word'.

Radcliffe plays a young man named Wallace, who we meet sitting on top of his sister's house in Canada, gazing up at the universe, deciding on whether or not to delete the last message from an ex girlfriend from over a year ago. He does indeed delete the contact and the message, thus signifying that he is finally ready to move on with his life. He finally steps out and attends a party, thrown by his best bud Allan (Adam Driver), where he meets Chantry (Zoe Kazan), as they discuss all sorts of fun things at the party and immediately hit it off.

He walks her home, and while she is getting his number to hang out again, she nonchalantly mentions that she has a boyfriend. But Wallace, being the stand up nice guy he is, seems okay with it and the two start to hang out strictly as Platonic friends. Chantry even invites Wallace over for dinner to meet her boyfriend Ben (Rafe Spall), a young handsome man who works for the United Nations. Ben's job sends him out of the country for six months, leaving Chantry and Wallace to hang out more often than before, thus growing closer to one another, but never acknowledging or acting on their attraction for one another.

But as we've seen many times before, someone has to tell the other how they feel at some point, and we do see the consequences of that. In an awkward but genuine scene when Allan leaves Wallace and Chantry alone on the beach without clothes and vehicle, they are forced to sleep in the same sleeping bag. In what Allan though would lead to them finally talking about their feelings for one another, it ended up in their first fight. And we get to see all sides of a friendship, whether it be the highs or the lows.

Radcliffe is amazing here as Wallace, as he gives it his all as an emotional mess from a bad breakup, but trying to ease into the world of love and dating again. He plays it very well. Kazan as always is great, and the two have great emotional chemistry, but the physical chemistry just wasn't there. And of course Adam Driver is perfect as he always is, and is similar to his character on HBO's 'Girls'.

I only wish that the film would have ended 10 minutes earlier and didn't have the perfect cookie cutter ending, because while this romantic comedy had the all of the ingredients for a run-of-the-mill Rom-com, I had hoped it would have taken a better approach to its ending, rather than hitting us over the head with a bag of hammers to make us feel happy. That being said, 'What If' is still enjoyable and packs quite a few laughs. I just don't think it's going to be remembered as the great romantic comedy of the year.

What if ... there were actually good romantic comedies?

[kosmasp · 8/10 · 22 October 2014]

You might wanna overlook a few bumps along the road and rate them higher, because they are so rare. That's what if happens, as it does in this case. I think a 7 out of 10 would have been a more accurate rating, if there were more romantic comedies that would have at least some class and some sass and ... well something at all.

As it is , What if is one of the better one, not only in recent years and shows a different side to the artist formerly known as Mr. Potter. He's actually pretty good in this, which can be attributed to the dialog and script in general. It's obvious where the movie leads and it almost seems unfair to some of the other characters. Some clichés will happen (they always do), but overall this is a very nice and decent affair (no pun intended)

Formulaic

[davidantzelevitch · 6/10 · 22 May 2021]

Good chemistry between the leads and cute story, but a bit formulaic to give anything higher than a 6.

The New "When Harry Met Sally" (Raging Film Review)

[scottjohnson7896 · 8/10 · 17 August 2014]

What If (also known in some places as The F Word) is a film about the place that many--if not all of us--have been put: the oh-so-dreaded friend zone. What If is essentially When Harry Met Sally put in the modern age: can two people be strictly friends while one carries on a long term relationship while the other is deeply in love with their best friend. Luckily, the movie steers away from all of the unrealistic tropes given to us in some recent rom- coms and offers up wonderful and realist look at an issue that plagues us all.

Wallace, played by Daniel Radcliffe, has given up on romance. He has finally started to move on from his last girlfriend, but he is still a bit miserable. At a party hosted by his pal Allan (Adam Driver) he creates an instant bond with Chantry (Zoe Kazan), and after chatting all evening, he walks her home only to have the bombshell dropped that she is in a relationship. I don't know about you, but this situation is all too familiar. He gets her number, but since he felt that there was more of a connection than just friendship, he tosses it. Some time passes, and as fate would have it, they find each other again and decide to be friends because he is lonely and she is tired of always being "that girl with the boyfriend." They strike up a strong friendship, but obviously Wallace wants and hopes it will go somewhere else.

So we follow their friendship through many events that people can relate to. Does he tell her how she feels and have her feel like he's a scumbag with ulterior motives? Does he try to break them up? He is trapped. To make it worse, Chanty's boyfriend, Ben, is an incredibly likable and successful person who Chanty is happy to be with. He does not cheat, lie, or anything that would give Chanty a reason to leave him. This dynamic helps elevate the film from other commonly known character situations because it isn't about one guy being a "bad guy" and us yelling at the girl to leave him for the other, it is about both guys being "good" and having her decide between who she really wants.

Radcliffe and Kazan are marvelous in this, with the former continuing to shed his Harry Potter typecasting and the latter achieving the most "adorkable" performance of 2014. Their chemistry is luminous. One hopes that they are actually good friends now because their performances would surely go to waste if they weren't. Radcliffe has done a good job at distancing himself from the wand and glasses, and with more roles like this he will surely be an actor to be reckoned with. Kazan, on the other hand, has the most difficult role in this film; her performance is both lovable and a bit sad to watch because we see her juggling her love for Ben but also the budding emotions that she may or may not be growing for Wallace. With the help of the humorous and real script, their characters come to life off the screen, and they just seem like real people dealing with a real problem and real feelings.

Supporting them is a funny and lovable cast of crazy and hilarious friends, coworkers, and siblings. Adam Driver, who can be seen in the upcoming Star Wars film, plays a wild and oddly romantic fellow who finds love too, but his love is a little more bizarre and shared by his partner, played by Mackenzie Davis, and they both watch Wallace struggle with his feelings and dilemma concerning Chantry. Rafe Spall, who plays Ben, is likable too, though we do not exactly want him in the picture. The only thing that really keeps us hating him is the fact that we don't want him and Chantry together, which as I said before, helps make the movie a little more original.

In the end, What If is a delightful and honest film about an area that no person wants to be in: the friend zone. It raises questions about love, friendship, and who we are meant to be with, while also dealing with some of the harsh truths that come into play when there is a relationship like this one. Kazan and Radcliffe are utterly delightful in their performances as well, helping make this one of the best romantic comedies to come out all year. So, if you've ever found yourself in a situation like the one in the movie, love Radcliffe, rom- coms, Kazan, or a great chemistry, or if you just want to see a movie that does not involve space or mutants, then What If will surely leave you delighted.

For more reviews, check out ragingfilm.com

Tchrawno?

[allonsytoutdesuit · 6/10 · 6 December 2021]

Was this film funded by Tourism Canada? Lol. I swear, the entire time I thought I was watching what was essentially a video postcard. They really went out of their way to get as many landscapes in as they could and the word Toronto was either mentioned of seen at least 10 times. Otherwise a pretty mediocre romcom with some non-sensical scenes thrown in, (like why was the sister an evil witch for no reason? We're talking serious mental illness-like behavior and it's never mentioned how mean and rude she is. Also unlikely her friends would be friends with her. If you're in quarantine and have seen everything on Netflix, give this one a go.

Good way to wile away a couple of hours on a flight

[agmoldham · 5/10 · 22 December 2014]

I watched this movie on a flight and found it pretty enjoyable. It's fairly staple Rom Com script.

Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Cazan) become best friends, but do they want more than to be just friends. Chantry has a long term boyfriend Ben who she is very close to, so it seems they will remain just good friends regardless of whether Wallace wants more.

This is pretty much by the numbers rom com storyline. They've been churning these out for years and will continue to do so. It seemed pretty unlikely that Wallace and Chantry would have been best friends and the relationship between them doesn't really ring true. It's pretty watchable though and a good way to pass a couple of hours.