Name: Retro Film Review: Lucky Break (Paperback Romance, 1994)
Item: Lucky Break
Rating: 40
Author: @drax

(source:tmdb.org)

One of the reasons why the entire genre of "romantic comedies" got such negative reputation among critics might be found within the protagonists in those films. Too often the very people the audience is supposed to identify with and root for happen to behave in incredibly stupid manner, usually in order to deprive themselves from almost certain romantic bliss. This is the problem shared by Lucky Break a.k.a. Paperback Romance, 1994 Australian romantic comedy directed by Ben Lewin.

Protagonist of the film is Sophie (played by Gia Carides), romance novels writer whose work serves as a compensation for the lack of romance in her private life. As a child, Sophie was partially crippled by polio and that impediment left her too insecure to have relationships with opposite sex. Instead she writes saucy romance novels, sometimes reading out loud steamiest passages. One day she does it in the middle of library and gets noticed by Edward "Eddie" Mercer (played by Anthony La Paglia), jewel dealer. Eddie and Sophie are attracted to each other, but there are plenty of obstacles for their happiness - Eddie is engaged to rich and beautiful Gloria (played by Rebecca Gibney), he is also under criminal investigation by police detective Borodinoff (played by Jacek Koman) and, last but not least, considered to be unobtainable for Sophie. Luckily, she breaks leg and thus can feign temporary injury in place of permanent disability, thus collecting strength to express her true feelings for Eddie.

Lucky Break is more interesting because of its cast than because of its somewhat unusual premise. Anthony La Paglia, best known for the roles of Italian American thugs in Hollywood films, feels quite comfortable as romantic comedy hero. Gia Carides gives plenty of charm and intelligence to the role of Sophie. On the other hand, Rebecca Gibney, best known as the protagonist of Halifax f.p. television films, is completely wasted in thankless role of protagonist's fiancée. Same goes for crime subplot, which only takes away time that could have been better used for lampooning the entire genre of romance novels - something that Ben Lewin probably had in mind but failed to do in this film. The major problem is again in Lewin's inability to convince audience that La Paglia's and Carides' character would have any difficulties in recognising mutual attraction. The acting makes Lucky Break watchable, but can't compensate for the lack of humour.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on December 22nd 2003)