Remember Yesterday movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Remember Yesterday

This romantic tale opens on digital platforms on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2023.

RATING: PG

LENGTH: 77 minutes

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ever think you’d get a second chance? Ever think you’d get two? Jenny Hill was a BIG star…in her hometown, but she gave it all up. Could she get a second chance at love and theatre…20 years later? When diner owner Jenny Hill’s childhood sweetheart returns home to direct a new film project, her once-stable life is turned upside down. She finds herself face to face with the possibility of a second chance at the life she had once longed for; performing on stage and being in love. But is that what’s been missing in her life? Confusion, misdirection, and an old secret come to life…Will that put an end to Jenny’s fairy tale?

REMEMBER YESTERDAY was written and directed by actor turned first-time filmmaker J.R. Rodriguez, and produced by Jonathan Landau (The Devil’s Stomping Ground). The romantic comedy stars Jana Allen and Adrian Monte in breakout performances. The rom-com has already won the “Multi-Dimension” award from the Independent Film Festival.

THINGS I LIKED:

The movie takes place in Wilmington, North Carolina where a lot of the local talent was used. I hadn’t seen any of the actors in anything before but some of them had some natural talent.
I always get a kick out of movies that show how movies are made. I think it would be super fun to be a location scout for movies. Free travel, right?
Some of the characters are entertaining.
We get to see some of the charms of small-town living and it makes you wonder what it would be like to live in a small town where everyone knows everyone.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

There are some stiff acting and dialogue moments.
One of the running gags that are supposed to be funny is how drunk everyone gets all of the time. Not funny.
There’s a scene in a bar where a pianist plays the same notes over and over again. She proudly announces she’s drunk, so maybe that’s why, eh?
The conversation among the young dancers about controlling men was just awkward.
Unfortunately, I didn’t feel much genuine chemistry between the two leads.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

A guy constantly bums money off of his sister.
A LOT of people get drunk. Lots of talk of booze, bar scenes, and conversations about alcohol.
Talk of infidelity
Some profanity.
Two of the characters are gay, which sparks quite a few conversations among the characters.
We see a shirtless man.
A woman flips the bird.

THEMES:

Second chances
Family responsibilities
Small-town life
Living and giving up on your dreams
Previous romantic relationships
Fear and courage
Divorce

FUNNY LINES:

“I’m not a drunk; I’m an explorer. Booze intensifies the exploration.” – Darrell Hill (Rick Forrester)
“Your secret is safe with me.” – Jenny “What? What secret?” – Darrell (Rick Forrester) “That you have a heart, Moron.” – Jenny (Jana Allen)