I enjoyed this movie from start to finish! Chris Shimojima does a wonderful job with snapshot views of NYC and lines of travel that give us a glimpse into Alberto Buenaventura's free spirit and wanderlust. Anyone who has spent any amount of time living in NYC will delight in the visual tour of NY's neighborhoods, with local characters and communities that are distinct and vibrant. Alejandro Santoni, who could be a twin of Lin Manuel Miranda, depicted Buenaventura with gusto and charm, drawing you in to his nomadic drive and insatiable curiosity to meet people in places all over the world. His encounter with the equal in strength Marina Giovanni Caron, wittingly played by Julie Voshell, brings a twist to the tale, with unpredictable turns of events layered with slightly more predictable (but engaging) mutual attraction. It takes time throughout the film to figure out their mutual goals and drives, in the hunt for "Z", but it comes together and is highly entertaining. Along the way, they connect with characters from all over, with standout performances by David Pendleton (Darles Chickens) and Rami Margron (Oprah). Voshell shines in her role as Marina, with strength in both her delivery and facial expressions that match Santoni and regularly one up him, which is amusing and delightful to watch. Shout out to whoever decided to have Alberto's cell phone alarm ring daily with a reminder to "call Mom". It made me laugh every time and was one of the many humanizing moments in this grand adventure.
This film is a wonderful journey that shows the adventurous spirit of one man, the celebration of community, and the tour de force that is NY in all its glorious fullness.
This film is a wonderful journey that shows the adventurous spirit of one man, the celebration of community, and the tour de force that is NY in all its glorious fullness.