Reel Views: Textuality is a cute look at modern communication

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We've all been there, juggling texting, blogging, tweeting and every other type of modern communication, but have you ever tried to balance all that on top of multiple relationships? Textuality, the 2011 flick from director Warren P. Sonoda, explores what happens when two people try to navigate love when it becomes inextricably linked to technology.

The film's plot centers on Simone, a blogger/artist who has casual ongoing relationships with four men concurrently, and Breslin, a BlackBerry addict who, in the wake of a major heartbreak, has become a player. The two meet when Breslin inadvertently hits Simone with his car, and he soon comes to realize that he may have feelings for her that go deeper than he thought. Simone also comes to understand her feelings for Breslin, but she faces conflicting emotions when the married man she's been chasing leaves his wife and becomes available.

Jason Lewis, who many will know as Smith Jerrod from Sex and the City, takes the lead role as Breslin. Aside from his smoldering good looks, Lewis gives an entertaining performance as a player turned love-struck gentleman. His comedic timing is spot on, and in his interactions with his costars Lewis proves his equal strengths as an individual and as part of an ensemble. Carly Pope, who played a key role in the 2007 comedy Young People Fucking, plays opposite Lewis as Simone and does a spectacular job. Pope proves that her comedic skills are as strong as ever as she keeps the laughs going for the entire flick. Lewis' witty, dry and sarcastic delivery is contrasted with Pope's equally strong performance during the movie's sweet and romantic moments.

Kristen Hager plays the role of Dani, one of Breslin's many women, and provides comedic support to Lewis and Pope. Eric McCormack plays Clive, the married man that Simone constantly chases, and proves he's still as hilarious as ever.

Textuality uses a plethora of visually interesting effects, the most rampant being a texting overlay, which nicely transitions one scene into the next. The flow of the flick is fitting for a rom-com, though the events that unfold are somewhat expected. This movie provides something more than the run-of-the-mill romantic comedy; it explores a much more modern relationship that is easier for this generation to relate to than many of its predecessors.

Though at its core Textuality is a romantic comedy packed with cliches and expected twists and turns, the flick is a thoroughly entertaining watch. Despite its obvious gearing towards women, this is one that guys might find bearable to sit through with their girlfriends. If girly chick flicks are your first choice, then this you will absolutely love this one, but even if rom-coms aren't high on your list give, it a chance anyway. You might just find that this is the exception to some of those rules.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars