Enthused Thursday: Celeste and Jesse Forever

     Ever since my fascination with Boy Wonder after seeing it at the Sedona Film Festival, I've always made sure to keep tabs on films that premiere at other festivals, as it's not uncommon to find a few diamonds in the rough. While it certainly is a bit of a challenge to see such films, they are some of the best ones, as they are unique and different. I think Celeste and Jesse Forever certainly could be one of those gems, from what I've seen of it so far. I talk about why this film stands out in it's genre, after the jump.
     Celeste and Jesse Forever is a film about two soul mates, who eventually separate and file for divorce. However, in the process, they also remain best friends, to a degree that is rather odd. It is certainly a unique story, and this bodes well along with other elements showcased in the trailer. 
     For starters, probably the most apparent aspect of the film is the fun and vibrant cast. The hilarious Saturday Night Live star Andy Samberg plays Jesse, one end of the oddly separated couple, and he can certainly promise a few laughs. It also looks like the film will be more serious, and I think it will be an interesting test for Samberg, to see if his acting chops can incite emotions other than hilarity.
     The Office's Rashida Jones plays Celeste, the evidently more concerned and damaged of the two, and I think a great performance can be expected from her as well. She seems to be spreading her wings and branching out from characters far too similar to Karen (her role on The Office), and I thought she was exceptional in Our Idiot Brother, and I'm hopeful she will deliver again in this film. 
     These two stars shine among a surprisingly extensive cast for such a small movie, one that features Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts, and Ari Graynor. I think this is the perfect film to be benefited by a quirky cast, and the two leads seem to have great chemistry, even from the trailer. In such a movie they would have to be, simply in order to make the premise believable.
     The film's plot does look to be what makes it great, influenced by other combining factors. It looks very unique, and actually seems to be great because of it's more dramatic tones, something that is approached all too wrong in many comedies. Many comedy films today try and inject drama oddly and awkwardly, advertising the film as a laugh-fest When audiences do eventually see it, it's hard not to feel force fed something you didn't ask for. 
     Thankfully, Celeste and Jesse Forever defines well that there is a contrast between the comedy and drama in the film, and recognizes that some of the best laughs come from films that are serious as they are funny. It's one of the first rom-com trailers that I've actually found myself invested in and interested to see how it plays out, which is rare in a genre used to clinging to cliches.  In any event, I hope I can catch a showing of Celeste and Jesse Forever, as it looks to be a unique treat.