John Patrick Shanley (best known for writing Moonstruck) adapted this from his stage play. It revolves around neighboring farmers (Emily Blunt and Jamie Dornan) who have had a thorny flirtatious relationship since they were wee. The impetus to seal their affections is exacerbated when his father (Christopher Walken) decides to sell the farm to his American nephew (Jon Hamm). It’s clear from the outset that they’ll be together, so the only challenge is filling 90 minutes with sufficient enchanting setbacks to make getting there worth it. Dornan creates a sweetly awkward performance, while Blunt has the more stolid role. On top of the predictable love story, Shanley (who also directed) has heaped Irish accents everywhere (literally and figuratively), including plenty of greenery and scenery. Naturally, we’re supposed to enjoy the couple’s frustrations leading up to the big kiss, but other than their decisive encounter in her house, there’s not enough charm in the writing to make it special.
(2.5 / 5)