Movie Review: "Book of Love" (2022)

 

Ever had high hopes for a movie only to have them crash and burn faster than a soufflé in an earthquake? Welcome to the world of "Book of Love," a bilingual romantic comedy that teases you with a clever premise but ultimately leaves you longing for more.

Directed and co-written by Mexican filmmaker Analeine Cal y Mayor, "Book of Love" tries to charm its way into your heart but stumbles over its own budget constraints, making it look and sound more like a high school production than a polished film. Sure, it’s sweet and well-intentioned, but like a cake that hasn’t risen, it falls flat.

The story follows Henry Copper, played by Sam Claflin, a London novelist whose latest book, “The Sensible Heart,” is such a colossal flop that it manages to draw a whopping three people to his book reading. Things take a surprising turn when Henry discovers his book is a bestseller in Mexico, thanks to the translator, Maria Rodriguez (Verónica Echegui), who rewrote it as a steamy romance novel. This twist transforms Henry from a literary nobody into an unlikely sex symbol.

Now, picture this: Henry, the quintessential awkward Brit who wouldn’t know passion if it hit him with a cricket bat, is suddenly the object of every Mexican woman’s fantasy. It’s a setup ripe for comedy gold. Sadly, the script, penned by Cal y Mayor and David Quantick, fails to fully exploit this humorous potential, leaving us with a few chuckles instead of belly laughs.

Claflin and Echegui, despite their individual charms, share about as much chemistry as oil and water. Their on-screen dynamic feels more forced than a toddler into a tuxedo. Henry’s bumbling fish-out-of-water antics do provide some light-hearted moments, especially when his paltry Spanish skills and corduroy blazer (seriously, in Mexico?) come into play. But the film rushes past the initial hilarity, diving headfirst into a predictable and uninspired romance.

And let’s talk about the supporting cast: stock characters that make cardboard cutouts seem deep. We have the uptight Brit, the feisty single mom, the flaky ex-husband, and the flamboyantly gay book publisher—all ticking boxes rather than creating memorable moments. Lucy Punch as Henry’s rude and demanding publicist brings some energy, but it's not enough to save the sinking ship.

The film does have its moments. Echegui brings a spark of life to the screen, particularly in her interactions with her young son, Diego (Ruy Gaytan). One scene, where Henry uses a pocket dictionary to console Diego, offers a glimpse of genuine heart and character development. It’s a shame these moments are rare, buried under layers of rom-com clichés.

In true rom-com fashion, the finale features a grand declaration of love on stage and a comically absurd brawl with Maria’s jealous ex. If you've seen one public proclamation of love, you’ve seen them all. And trust me, you’ve read this book before—countless times.

So, if you're in the mood for a bilingual romantic comedy that feels like a lukewarm cup of tea—comforting but not exactly thrilling—then "Book of Love" might be worth a watch. Just don't expect it to sweep you off your feet.