‘My Sassy Girl’ (2008): Quirky Romantic Comedy starring Jesse Metcalfe

I didn’t really know much about this movie when I decided to rent it. What I did know is that Elisha Cuthbert (24) plays the titular moniker, and the film seems like it might be fun, plus I was so ready for something different. What I came away with was mixed emotions about this little gem. my sassy girl

My Sassy Girl (2008) Film Review

Charlie (Jesse Bradford) is a straight–laced, A+ college student whose parents hope he’ll become a manager for the Tiller Tractor Company. He’s right in the middle of achieving this when he meets Jordan (Cuthbert). She’s a free-spirit, who on this particular evening is quite tipsy. Raised to be a gentleman with principles, Charlie rescues Jordan from being hit by a train. With nothing to go by as to who the woman is or why she whispers “darling” right before fainting, Charlie is puzzled. Then he see her again, and the process (nearly) repeats.  

Such unconventional meetings lead Jordan and Charlie to begin dating. Eventually Charlie falls in love with Jordan, a sassy girl with opinions. But eventually their relationship begins to unravel, and Charlie has to wonder if his love is enough to sustain it or if he’ll have to give Jordan up.  

Watching My Sassy Girl, an initial reaction is to realize its quirky at best and outright weird at its worst. But there is an underlying quality that endears it. There are some especially special sequences but also several trite elements that lead this movie into cheap, cartoon segments. There’s a reason for these sections, but instead of being useful, they feel out of place giving everything the look of amateur film-making. (Plus, a few other scenes look or feel awkward.) 

Countering this is some moving sequences that prompt the viewer to continue hoping this would blossom into the charming romance it could be. Also, the end alone makes us glad to have stuck with it. Before Jordan’s crazed “hockey stick episode” ruins everything, the skating scene is beautiful; and pre-fainting, the dancing sequence fun.

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‘My Sassy Girl’ (2008): Quirky Romantic Comedy starring Jesse Metcalfe #Moviearchives #Movies Share on X

Sticking out like a sore thumb is the fact that Jordan is an alcoholic, no matter how you slice it. Though not for “traditional” reasons she still made the decision everyday to self destruct. Surprisingly enough aside from this, there isn’t a lot of material to be concerned with. My Sassy Girl is part dark comedy, and too unique to ignore (most the time). That said, while the sweet romance is charming, this does have to appeal to the right viewer. 

I don’t want to turn it off because most of its comedy is “real” meaning that watching it doesn’t make you feel as if you really shouldn’t find the situations funny; the last twenty or so minutes make the film worth seeing and you finally begin to understand Jordan’s attitude, and while it doesn’t excuse her at least there is sympathy. The story as we come to find out isn’t exceptional but is special. While I wish someone who sees the ultimate potential of My Sassy Girl made this (it’s based on a foreign film), I’m glad I did watch it.