Film Review: 'What If' is well paced with a screenplay that sparkles in places

Director: Michael Dowse
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Zoe Kazan, Megan Park, Adam Driver, Rafe Spall, Mackenzie Davis
Rating: ***

What's it about: 

Heartbreak Boy meets In-A-Boring-Relationship Girl. There's instant chemistry but no push from either side to take it any further. For most of the film, they seem to be content being "just friends".

What's hot: 

Zoe Kazan is perfectly cast as the very indie Chantry as is Daniel Radcliffe as the confused but well-intentioned Wallace. Rafe Spall and Mackenzie Davis as the forever horny couple and the lead pair's best pals do wonderfully, too. The writing of the film is well paced and the screenplay sparkles in places. 

What's not: 

Somehow, it's difficult to believe that Daniel has grown out of Harry Potter. He seems as measured in expressions as before. He is as boring as he was in any film we've seen of his preceding this one. And that's not the script's fault. He becomes likeable only in the second half when you begin to hate Zoe's character a little bit. And that's not saying much. What is, however, is that the supporting characters seem so much more alive.

What to do: 

Watch it with a date/girlfriend or with a friend. They'll be more appreciative should you find yourself in a similar predicament.