Alex & the List

Alex & The List is an American romantic comedy film, directed by Harris Goldberg, from a screenplay by Goldberg and Kristen D'Alessio. It stars Jennifer Morrison, Patrick Fugit, and Karen Gillan.

The film was released on May 4, 2018, by Gravitas Ventures.

Cast

• Jennifer Morrison as Katherine Stern
• Patrick Fugit as Alex
• Karen Gillan as Lily
• Julie Gonzalo as Lara
• Eddie Kaye Thomas as Dave
• JoBeth Williams as Mrs. Stern
• Bob Gunton as Mr. Stern
• Michael Nouri as Rabbi Baskin
• Lesley-Anne Down as Victoria
• Gilles Marini as Dr. Antonio Rosenblatt
• Dana Powell as Holly
• Evan Arnold as Doctor
• Aaron Staton as Michael
• Victoria Tennant as Barbara

Production

In May 2013, it was announced Jennifer Morrison, Patrick Fugit, Karen Gillan, Aaron Staton, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Giles Marini, JoBeth Williams, and Victoria Tennant, joined the cast of the film, with Harris Goldberg, directing from a screenplay written by himself and Kristen D'Alessio, the two will also produce the film, while Goose's List will produce and finance the film. Production began that same day.^[1][2]

Plot

Alex, a lovable, unassuming dog trainer is in love with a great woman - Katherine - smart, talented, from a good family. Katherine adores Alex's quirky sense of humor, honesty and capacity to listen. Having decided to pop the question, Alex is blindsided when Katherine produces a detailed list of well-thought-out "improvements" she feels will tweak Alex on their way to becoming the ideal couple. Alex instinctively rejects the suggestion that he needs to change anything. But with the threat of a new competitor, Alex decides to "do the list." Guided by a coterie of friends that include: Dave, Alex's loyal childhood buddy, best female friend Lily, her husband Michael, and their 8-year-old son, Nicky, Alex's journey has him reconsider and question his beliefs, values and world.^[3]

—Harris Goldberg/Kristen D'Alessio

Reviews

Co-writer/director Harris Goldberg may be trying to subvert the romantic comedy norm with “Alex & The List,” presenting a slightly repellent premise and a collection of unlikable characters. There should be kindness, but it’s lacking throughout the picture, which might’ve had a shot at a more refined psychological inspection with another filmmaker, but Goldberg wants a sitcom. “Alex & The List” doesn’t have laughs, it inspires confusion instead, collecting a community of abrasive personalities to help color what turns out to be moronic empowerment tale where the lead character is dumbed down to such a degree, it’s almost difficult to believe he’s capable of standing upright without falling over. Warm fuzzies and heartening acts of independence are not found in this frustrating comedy.^[4] (3/10 stars)

—Brian Orndorf, May 10, 2018

The film is so slow and oddly paced that not a single joke lands. There are moments when the script attempts to push boundaries with edgy "cultural" humor, but it's just painful. The twiddling acoustic score that sounds like a generic public-domain tune doesn't help. The cast, which also includes Karen Gillan, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Aaron Staton, JoBeth Williams and Bob Gunton, just can't get out from under the somnambulant, stereotypical sludge.^[5] (not rated)

—Katie Walsh May 2, 2018

Very enjoyable and odd movie. It won't go where you think it does, but it did take us on a great trip. Some excellent comedic moments and some deep questions too.^[6] (4/5 stars)

—Scott Lynn on June 3, 2018

...this film was a complete mess with terrible chemistry between the 2 leads and an even worse story that went on and on for almost and i mean almost 2 hours. The overall concept could have worked if there was a bit of an effort but instead we got this and it's not good.^[7] (3/10 stars)

—adonis98-743-186503 on May 4, 2018

Release

The film was released on May 4, 2018, by Gravitas Ventures.^[8][9]

References

External links

• Alex & the List on IMDb