Blind Dating

Rating PG13 Formats DVD Genre comedy Starring Chris Pine, Eddie Kay Thomas, Anjali Jay Directed by James Keach Publisher 20th Century Fox External Links Official 20th Century Fox Website

When I first received this DVD, Blind Dating, my emotions were mixed. I looked at the cover and realized that some of the main characters are familiar from other movies. That excited me. After that initial thrill I read the back of the DVD, which confused me a little bit. I wasn’t sure if the main character, Danny, was blind in the sense that he was ignorant or that he was physically disabled. Blind was used for both descriptions. After taking what I could from merely looking at the cover I decided that this movie would be categorized as a quirky comedy. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the movie was in fact, a charming comedy with a little unconventional romance added in to the mix.

The director James Keach presents a refreshingly funny story, not to mention some major man candy in Blind Dating. I know the term man candy might scream ninth grader but Chris Pine, who plays the main character Danny, is a beautiful specimen. It also helps that he can act, very well. The other characters are just as fun to watch as the entire movie is. Although there is underlying romance in this movie, it is hard to think of this movie as sappy and unrealistic. It is an original story that is a definite must see.

Danny is a very smart, very attractive, and very blind man. He was born blind and has learned to adjust. Although Danny is very independent he longs for some sort of relationship. One wouldn’t think that this would be too difficult a task for him since he is gorgeous and intelligent. All the women surrounding him are crazy about him. His therapist, played by Jane Seymour, cannot seem to keep her clothes on any time he is around her, literally.

He desperately wants a relationship and to be able to see. He is in the running for an experimental surgery that would make him be able to regain his vision slightly. While at the doctor’s office for a meeting about the miracle surgery he meets the new woman receptionist. He falls for her but soon realizes that their two very different cultures clash tremendously. He needs to prove to her that love is clearly not blind.

Chris Pine is once again, fabulous as Danny. He plays the part of a man struggling with a serious disability very well and with extreme charm. Although his character accepts the fact that his is blind, Pine doesn’t always present him with a happy-go-lucky air to him. There are parts where Danny is very frustrated with his condition and Pine demonstrates his feelings well.

Even though Chris Pine was an absolute delight to watch, it would be ludicrous for me to completely forget about the other wonderful characters. His brother Larry, played by Eddie Kaye Thomas was really amusing to watch. He is constantly trying to get Danny to go on a “date” with one of his “girls”. It is never actually said in the movie but Larry’s limo business is more along the lines of an escort service. Thomas plays Larry perfect: part loving brother and part wise guy.

Anjali Jay who plays Danny’s love interest, Leeza, is ridiculously cute. Her acting is a little forced but she makes up for it by being extremely likable and very caring. She is a woman from middle-eastern descent and shows the movie business that an actress does not have to be the stereotypical American beauty to be successful.

All of the characters were amazing in this movie. I just really want to point out Jane Seymour as Danny’s crazy therapist. I never knew how much talent this woman had. I always think of her as Dr. Quinn, medicine woman but she’s actually pretty cool. She plays pretty much the same character she did in Wedding Crashers. She is just as insane but much more likable. The characters range from genuinely kind to absolutely absurd. All of the men and women that acted in this film deserve recognition and to be used more than they are in Hollywood because they are all phenomenal.

As for the extras there was a featurette, deleted scenes, and a theatrical trailer. The featurette was a great extension of an even greater film. All of the people that are in the movie seem like they are just as entertaining as their characters were. It seemed as though they had an awesome time making the movie which came through in the story. The deleted scenes were just funny little tid bits that weren’t crucial for understanding the movie but were still hilarious to watch. I couldn’t say enough good things about this movie. I found myself smiling throughout the entire thing and wouldn’t want it any other way. It was a pleasure to watch and I would suggest it to anyone. Even if romance-comedies aren’t your thing, Chris Pine might be. So watch it and like it.