It took receiving a Google Alert on my name to see that my 2022 review of the time travel romance Press Play was recently quoted and cited on the media site ComicBook.com. Staff Writer Allison Schonter wrote a piece about Press Play giving love to its at-the-time budding star (and now gilded Marvel Cinematic Universe hero) Lewis Pullman and the movie’s excellent soundtrack.
Read MoreFreelancer and fellow film critic friend Ben Silverio and his Chicago-based podcast co-host Ansel Burch invited me back for my second stint as a month-long guest on Time 2 Party podcast. They specialize in time travel films. Last time in the fall of 2024, I went romantic with Somewhere in Time. This time around, I move it up the more present era with the vastly underseen 2022 Hawaii-set romantic drama Press Play starring Clara Rugaard, Lewis Pullman, and a stellar soundtrack!
Read MorePress Play rightfully roots for our approachable lovers. She’s not a superficial stunner, he’s not an empty stud, and both actors are believably playing their ages, breaking a trend for the usual “summer of young love” subgenre. Clara Rugaard plays this woman, challenged by emotional loss, with a mature strength beyond what is too often the default setting of weepy helplessness. Not to be outmatched, Lewis Pullman balances her with an understated, yet effectual charisma.
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