Jane Wants a Boyfriend (2015) Reviews

• Surprisingly accurate

  Nightshade852016-05-20

  "Yet another inaccurate and stupidly exaggerated feelgood movie about a person who is a bit into the spectrum" or so I thought to myself when I first heard about this movie. But in all honesty, Jane Wants a Boyfriend is something of a fresh breeze compared to all the other movies that have been made about people on the spectrum (Rainman not included - it's in a category by itself). The movie isn't flawless. Many parts of the movie and the main character felt phony, emotionally implausible and just not right. Especially the first 15 minutes or so of the movie. Maybe they took these shots first and it took a while for Krause to sink into her role? I don't know, but overall I think she did a pretty good job with Jane. Like the other movies on this topic though it is (sadly) rather patronizing and paternalistic - although not to the same extent as all the other movies such as the "There is no feelings in space" - which I really disliked because of extreme inaccuracies. But, Jane Wants a Boyfriend also does a lot of things right. Being a man diagnosed with Asperger's disorder myself makes it easier for me to identify with the characters in these kind of movies. I've seen and I've met a few people with autism and I think it's hard for "neurotypicals" to understand that this is disorder and not a personality! Some very accurate stuff in this movie includes: - Jane's facial expressions, body language, problems with tone of voice and lack of eye contact, etc. -Her preoccupation and high skills within a narrow range of interests. -Sensory over stimulation. -Social problems: Jane doesn't like crowds, parties, she has problems initiating social contact, problems with social chit chat and doesn't appear to have that many deep connections (relationships) other than to her immediate family. To sum things up: If you are after a romantic feelgood movie that touches on the subject of the social issues involved for someone on the autistic spectrum, then I would recommend this movie actually. It's decent! Actually it's a bit more than decent: it's good - but it could've been better! But if you are after a 100% accurate depiction of a true aspie character and their experiences with dating - keep looking!

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• Jane bags a boyfriend

  cekadah2016-04-09

  This wonderful little movie tells a marvelous story of a young girl 'Jane' suffering with Asperger syndrome and how her sister, who is often overly protective of Jane, yet a source of comfort for Jane. Jane meets an unattached man who is mostly directionless and he finds an intellectual and emotional connection in Jane. Janes sister 'Bianca' works as a bartender, is practicing for a part in "A Midsummers Nights Dream" in local theatre, and tries her best to be patient and helpful with her sister Jane. Jane both appreciates and resents this! Janes wants a private life but her condition overshadows this desire. What follows this scenario is a story of love, frustration, anger, and contentment. This is not a profound story and I think Director: William Sullivan and Writer: Jarret Kerr kept it like this because I believe the audience needed to find a connection with Jane - the person - and not Jane - the person with Asperger syndrome. This is also a lesson Bianca learns the hard way by setting her sister up on a date that doesn't go well. This is a sure fire first class movie for people seeking, not drama, but a simple look at life as it can be.

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• Inspiring film

  jallen-263112016-05-12

  Warm, endearing, inspiring are what I came away with. This was a wonderful story showing that persons with difficulties can have a happy and fulfilling life. The parents in the film need a good kick up the backside. I felt the way the parents were shown was a bit over the top, and I would hope there were no parents of this type raising a child with this type of difficulty. The elder sister is a better parent. The acting is very good. I very much enjoyed the way the story played out with the exception of the parents. The ending was a little abrupt, and could have gone a little farther. Overall, this film is heartwarming and well worth the cost of a ticket.

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• Delightful, sweet, engaging, great performances... a treat

  A_Different_Drummer2016-04-01

  Disclaimer: I caught this just after seeing Batman Vs. Superman, which depressed me. Not merely because it was a depressing film -- hey, it is not everyday you get to see Superman die -- but also because Hollywood had chosen to spend so much time and money on a such a dreary and chaotic work. So, you see, JANE WANTS A BOYFRIEND was an unexpected joy. Not merely a great little indie, but the perfect antidote to my superhero-induced trauma. Once more I began to think there was hope for mankind, and possibly even Hollywood as well. The movie -- that rare combination of good things that come together in the right time and the right place and entertain the daylights out of you. Tight script. Great casting. Krause is a jewel. She does things with her face that makes it seem as though it was made of rubber. And her timing is impeccable. One moment we are caught up in her subjective, confined, autistic world. And the next moment we see her objectively as the world sees her -- a bright spark of a woman, quirky and sweet, with a lot to offer and a sense of self-worth. Great performance! Dushku also surprised. She seems to have left behind her "edge" from her Buffy days and her BRING IT days, and instead has a "Natalie Portman vibe" which works perfectly in this film. She is empathetic, grounding, and engaging. The "sister" scenes work seamlessly. Director William Sullivan is worth keeping an eye on. PS - Love the "soup" monologue!

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• Really Enjoyed

  inamaycooper2016-04-01

  I really enjoyed this film. I feel that it was both well written and well acted. The writing and the acting share a common quality. The quality is lack of pretension. The writing deals with a real and increasingly common problem in an unpretentious way, and the acting does the same. Because of this, the film is engaging, endearing, and --most importantly-- moving. I learned from this film. I grew from this film, and, at the risk of being pretentious myself, I would say that I am a better person because of this film. It is indeed easy to lose touch with the normal emotional needs and abilities of people who are emotionally challenged. What hits me so hard is that this one problem can serve as powerful paradigm for all of the foolish insensitivity we may have to others because of our callous and simple-minded generalization and categorization of our fellow humans.

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