Amy Adler
Dana (Analeigh Tipton of the darling Damsels in Distress movie) has just moved to Manhattan for her first major job in publishing. Fortunately, she has an old college friend and her husband to bunk with, while she looks for a place of her own. Not wanting to let any grass grow, the yoga-loving wife desires to matchmake immediately and introduce Dana to a mutual friend, Peter (Jake McDorman). But, first, our publishing gal has a day at work. Ugh, times ten. As she exits the elevator, another man is entering it, obviously taking his box of files. HE'S been fired and Dana is taking his place. The big boss introduces D then retreats to his "bunker office". Very miffed, the two employees in charge refuse to show her what to do and end up locking her out in the stairwell. Then, its time for the date with Peter. Ouch. Although they "sort of" like the looks of each other, Peter's cynical nature is all too clear and Dana ends up in tears, bolting from the scene. Can this truly be the start of a Manhattan Love Story? YES! As is typical, I am behind everyone else and just saw my first show. It's adorable and I want more, more, more. How I love the actors, especially Tipton, who was a real charmer in Damsels in Distress, a Whit Stilman film. Then, the setting is great, for there is no place like Manhattan on the planet. At least, the beautiful views this show sports. Add on the great costumes, script (a mixture of lines and streams of consciousness) and a lively direction. Therefore, PLEASE ABC! SAY IT Ain't SO! We romcom lovers NEED shows like this to maintain our sanity and zest for life!
napierslogs
The title alone gives the viewers three reasons to hate the show, but the two leads more than make it completely likable. In the acting world, model Analeigh Tipton made heads turn when she played the lovable babysitter in Crazy, Stupid, Love. She had this beautiful essence that allowed her to portray the innocent side of puppy love but also the naughty side as she attempted to explore her sexuality with an older man. I only know Jake McDorman from The Newsroom, but any actor that Aaron Sorkin is willing to take a chance on is fine by me. This show's hook is the internal monologue as both characters get to narrate their thoughts as they go about their day. It works on a simple comedy level, but it also works by connecting the audience to the leads instead of just falling in love with them. Tipton's Dana represents the insecure side of people. She's awkward, shy, a little lacking in confidence as she likes to avoid confrontation, but speaks up when she needs to. McDorman's Peter represents the cynical side of people. He knows what he likes, he's confident, secure, selfish and can be more than a little abrasive with his sarcastic thoughts and responses. It's not just that opposites attract, but that both Peter and Dana represent most viewers, and are both people that you could fall in love with. In just one episode Tipton and McDorman showed multiple sides to these characters and gave lovable but realistic qualities to both.The writing had a very quick and modern feel to it. Facebook jokes, economic instability references, and jabs at America's need to reward mediocrity. The jokes are clever and witty enough to make you smile. They also very efficiently introduced us to the supporting characters so we already have a good feel of the ensemble that can be developed. David is Peter's brother, a slightly more level-headed duplicate who is married to Amy, Dana's best friend, a less level-headed and no longer a duplicate of her.Another choice that I was happy with is that Dana is brand new to New York City. Living here for less than a week, she already has to face her romanticism and idealism slowly slipping away, and she's going to have to harden up if she's going to survive at all. Peter has already let New York's cynicism envelop him, but he truly likes Dana, and will have to find a way to let her keep some of her optimism and generous spirit to ensure that they both still enjoy true moments of love.I know we've had more than enough stories of love set in Manhattan, but this Manhattan Love Story is a beautiful experience. I can't wait to take more adventures into daily life with Dana and Peter. I encourage other viewers to do the same and find some sweet charm in this simple comedy.
ypuskinsan
After seeing the trailer for this show, i was sure this is another regular romcom like many others on TV. But being a romance freak that i am, i gave it a shot and watched it. And thank god i did.Pilot to this show is very promising. The awkward first date between two person in Manhattan and the self mumbling in their head was cute and adoring. I already love the lead female and her rather soft and yet firm attitude towards life. And the lead male, with his dreamy voice and laid back attitude like any other bachelor or playboy wanna be (though seen many times on TV) works well.But last of all thanks to the writer to this show for making a great script where a regular romance appears surprisingly new and refreshing.Awkward but cute, Cliché and yet interesting. Looking forward to the next episode.
cesarcastrolopez
I am a romantic, I am single and never have had a girlfriend, around 40 years old, is kind of sad, but I totally love the idea of being in love, in conclusion I am totally biased. This comedy has a lot of potential, I just fell in love with Dana, a character that is just lovely, the perfect woman to fell in love with, nice, beautiful and totally adorable. And Peter, well I kind of hate that guy for having Dana, but I think that is the idea of the male character in a romantic movie, I mean for a straight man at least. The script is solid and intelligent, at such point that I do not feel ashame to say that I like it a lot. Watch the show you will not regret it, preferably with you Significant other.