Although its characters fall for each other at the drop of a pin, director Kristin Fairweather’s romantic comedy doesn’t charm so easily. A feel-good movie at its heart, Calling for Love attempts to create a compelling relationship using a forced-proximity romantic trope and panoply of more modern scenarios and devices: namely, the podcasting scene.
Podcaster Sam Sanders (Karissa Lee Staples) hosts a music-themed podcast she pours her heart and soul into. But it seems her dreams of taking her passion further could be cut short when her boss states that its numbers are down and, without warning, ushers her into guest hosting a more mainstream program. It’s a show that Sam couldn’t be less enthused about: a podcast that reunites lost loves.
When mechanic Jake Hanson (Tajh Bellow) calls, hoping to find a woman whose car he fixed, Sam tries to force her pessimistic views onto him (our first glimpse into the derisive, unlikable nature of her character). Despite Sam’s obvious cynicism, numbers skyrocket and listeners adore the romance of Jumpstart Jake and Breakdown Becky (You can tell from the various shots of random people wearing headphones and grinning).
This first episode sets Sam and Jake on a path to produce a whole series all about the mechanic’s attempt to find his dream girl. What he may find, however, is that she was right in front of him all along. While their journey pushes them closer together, viewers will cringe to learn that, just as much as Sam is cynical, Jake is shallow. Combined with the actors’ lack of chemistry, this dynamic makes for an implausible romance.
Without this natural connection, viewers must buy into the developing relationship simply based on new circumstances. He laughs at one of her jokes. They learn they share taste in one musical artist. Further weighed down by a flat, forced, and unflattering comparison between the two female love interests, this point-by-point plot progression is simply not enough to convince.
Ultimately, this rom-com doesn’t satisfy the craving for either romance or comedy. Calling for Love isn’t a film designed for those who love realistic love stories, to be sure; but it is even too saccharine for those wanting to settle in for some brainless fun. Not recommended.