Friday Movie Review – The Lesbian Themed Imagine Me And You

I admit it, I’m a sucker for the occasional romantic comedy, whether it be gay or straight themed. Some of my favorite weekends have been spent in part watching light romantic comedies. It’s a great way to decompress from a long week. For example, just last weekend I (again) watched one of my all time favorite actresses, Sandra Bullock and a leading male favorite, Ryan Reynolds, in a great vehicle for them, The Proposal. I also liked the romantic comedy, While You Were Sleeping starring Sandra, Bill Pullman and Peter Ghallagher.  How about the chemistry between Julia Roberts and Richard Gere in Pretty Woman? Wow!

I understand that all three movies I mentioned had “straight” romantic themes. Some “lesbians since birth” will poo poo the notion that those films would be of any interest to them. But, my contention is, if you like any of those actors at all and if you do, in fact, like romantic comedies, how can you not like those movies? Gay men reading this who admit to watching those movies (or who watch on the sly) know what I’m talking about!

It was with that mindset that I originally watched Imagine Me & You starring Piper Perabo, Lena Headey and Matthew Goode. I sat down to watch a romantic comedy and I came away feeling happy and not at all disappointed. It was a very well done movie especially given that director Ol Parker did not have any motion picture directing credits under his belt. That Imagine Me and You is lesbian themed, made it even more interesting to me. As most gay women can attest, well made, mainstream movies that feature us realistically are not all that common.

This flick was already on my list of my favorite gay themed movies in the movies tab on this site. I just wanted to review it and offer up my reasons for liking it for what it’s worth.

In brief, the plot synopsis is; Heck (Matthew Goode) and Rachel (Piper Perabo) get married. The florist for their wedding, Luce (Lena Headey) who is gay, and the bride meet during the days festivities. They feel an instant connection. Luce goes on about her business but Rachel pursues her first for friendship and then, as she becomes more aware of her feelings, for more.  I won’t spoil it for you but you can “Imagine” how it all ends.

Detractors of this movie – yes there are some – complain that Rachel gives up on her straight marriage too soon or that she didn’t try hard enough or that she should have presented alternatives to Heck. They want to turn what is a “Love at first sight” type of movie, a romantic comedy at that, into an angst filled drama. That’s not the point of the movie. It is what it is, and it is that very well!