TheLove Birdsis the new film from the director of the critically acclaimedTheBig Sick,Michael Showalter.The Love Birds was supposed to be released in theaters nationwide in March but due to COVID-19, it is currently streaming on Netflix.

This romantic comedyhasa clich driven plot that is saved by its two stars. The second film of Showalters career reunites theleadfromThe Big Sick,KumailNanjiani,who is best known for his starring role in the ensemble cast of HBOsSilicon Valley.Nanijianisco-starinthe filmis Issa Rae best known for her role in HBOsInsecurenowon its fourth season.

Aplot centeringon the crumbling relationship between Jibran,played byNanijiani,andLeilani played by Rae.During their breakup, theybecomewitnesses to a murder and assume they will be the prime suspects sincebothare sighted at the sceneof the crime. Being people of color, they feel that their story will not be believed by the police and seek to clear their names.

While the plot isrelatively standardandhas been beaten to death, the two leads elevate this film with their comic timing of playing off eachotherscharacter.The chemistrybetween the actors comes off asifthey areabelievablereal-lifecouple.

One of the best scenes in the film is the scene where they are about to be tortured to find out what information they have. The interaction between both leadsiscomicaland they work welloffeachothersquips.

Another scene that works very well is when they think a cop has spotted them as suspects and are relieved that the police officer is just racially profiling them as he stares.

Classic cinema is loaded with examples of great back and forth between couples in peril,such as Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner inRomancing the Stoneand Harrison Ford and Karen Allen inRaiders of the LostArk.

Inmany ways,this couple is very reminiscent of many of these earlier portrayals. One aspect that stands out from many of thosepreviouscouples is this team is very balanced in decisionmaking rather than the male always making thedecisions. Thebest aspect of the film is how it shows that even though two people in a relationship can genuinely care about each other, there can be aspects of their lives that create a dividethatcan be difficult to overcome.

The opening is sweet and realistic as a setup to the peril they will find themselves in. Much of the plot will be just goingto this point to find this outbut the leads make the somewhat predictable ridefun.

So, while no heavy lifting is involved in any semblance of an original plot, I didfindthe leads made this an enjoyable film worth watching.

Rating: 3 out of 5stars

MichaelCuviellomay be reached atp[emailprotected]

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IN REVIEW: 'The Love Birds' short on plot long on chemistry - The Prospector