In July

It never ceases to amaze me how much mileage there is left in the road trip and romantic comedy genres when they're blessed with a little creativity--and the eccentrically dark chocolate German bonbon In July is nothing if not clever and resourceful. Writer-director Fatih Akin boldly casts Moritz Bleibtreu (Lola's boyfriend from Run Lola Run) as a socially insecure square who learns to take life by the horns while spontaneously following one pretty girl to Istanbul and falling in love with another (his traveling companion) who is already smitten with him. Of course, dozens of personal complications, traveling misfortunes, and international mishaps arise along the way. Akin demonstrates an innate flair for subtle absurdity and lunatic twists in this endlessly enjoyable movie that turns clichés on their ears thanks to the director's oddball execution and several winning, vivacious performances popping with unique personality. Recommended. (R. Blackwelder)