‘Courtney’ Fits Romantic Comedy Mold

Writer-producer-director Paul Tarantino’s slight, pleasant “Courting Courtney” has a nice, easy style, and Tarantino (no relation to Quentin) has a nice, easy way with actors. But as romantic comedies go, it’s just not distinctive enough to break away from the pack. (That Tarantino managed to shoot it in one week for only $28,000, however, is certainly impressive, for it has a graceful look and much good-humored warmth.)

The problems with “Courting Courtney” afflict many a far more expensive production. It takes place in a void, meaning that its people’s problems are solely romantic; they apparently live in an otherwise perfect--or near-perfect world. The other drawback is that it’s overly talky and overly populated. Fewer characters and greater depth might have made “Courting Courtney” more than just another pleasant little movie best seen on cable or rented from the video store.

In any event, Eliza Coyle is a total charmer in the title role as a Burbank grade-school teacher approaching 30 and getting eager to find Mr. Right. Her best friend since high school (Dana Gould, very likable) has persuaded her to let him make a documentary about her dilemma. Not surprisingly, he’s been in love with her for years, and the whole point of the picture has to do with whether or not Courtney will figure out that Mr. Right might well be right under her nose.

A number of actors make good impressions, especially Sean Masterson as Courtney’s noncommittal lover and Taylor Negron as a phony, lecherous group therapist.

Note: Friday and Saturday evening performances feature appearances by several cast members.

* Unrated. Times guidelines: some language, adult situations and themes.

‘Courting Courtney’

Dana Gould: Nick

Eliza Coyle: Courtney

Taylor Negron: Dr. Phelps

David Bailey: Rollins

A Neil Mandt and Broken Twig Productions presentation of a Toasted Films production. Writer-director-producer Paul Tarantino. Producers Serge Rodnunsky & Hadeel Reda. Executive producer Chiqui Shatz. Visual consultant Larry Sheer. Editor Agita Fanucci. Running time: 1 hour, 24 minutes.

*

* Exclusively at the Mann Westwood, 1050 Gayley, Westwood, (310) 248-MANN (# 055) or (310) 777-FILM (# 055).