Scrambled is a 2017 indie comedy film, directed by Johnny Vong and starring Kurt Yue and Chelsea Lee, amongst others. The premise of the movie is an unorthodox take on the rom-com genre- a story about two people who meet, hate each other, and then ultimately end up falling in love. The catch? Both the lead characters are battling their own personal issues, which result in them behaving irrationally throughout the film.
The core of the film is in the performance delivered by the lead duo. Kurt Yue plays the role of Lester, a middle-aged baker who has lost his passion for baking and is struggling to make ends meet. Chelsea Lee plays the role of Angela, a high-strung, type-A perfectionist who has recently been fired from her job as an executive in a tech firm. The movie starts with Lester getting out of a turbulent relationship and deciding to move back to his hometown to start his own bakery. He meets Angela in a coffee shop and the two get into a minor altercation over a chair, which plants the seeds of their dislike for each other.
The movie then follows their journey through a series of random and chaotic events. In one instance, Lester is forced to move into Angela's tiny apartment, after his car breaks down and he has nowhere else to go. The tension between the two is high, with Angela constantly nagging Lester about everything from his personal hygiene to his choice of music. Lester, on the other hand, is constantly pushing Angela's buttons by acting impulsively and often irrationally. In the midst of this chaos, the two end up forming an unlikely bond.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is the hidden vulnerability that both Lester and Angela display. The audience sees glimpses of their deepest fears and insecurities, which makes the eventual softening of their attitudes towards each other more believable. Lester, for instance, is shown to be struggling with his own self-worth and has lost any sense of creative drive that he once had. Angela, on the other hand, is coping with the pressure of perfectionism and is haunted by her own past failures. These personal struggles are what make the characters multidimensional and ultimately more relatable.
The supporting cast of Scrambled is also noteworthy, with actors like James Ray, Nicole Sullivan, and Brad Greenquist delivering strong performances. Another standout element of the movie is the use of humor. The movie has several genuinely funny scenes that are sure to have the audience chuckling. The humor is not of the slapstick variety but rather stems from the chemistry between the cast and the natural comedic timing of the actors.
Technically speaking, Scrambled is a well-made movie. The cinematography is impressive, with long, fluid shots that establish the setting and mood of the movie. The use of color is another aspect that is worth mentioning, with the movie leaning heavily on muted, earthy tones that help create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. The soundtrack of the movie is also noteworthy, with a mix of mellow, indie-folk tunes that complement the mood of the movie perfectly.
In conclusion, Scrambled is a movie that offers something fresh and different in the overcrowded rom-com genre. With strong performances, a relatable storyline, and surreal humor, this movie is perfect for a cozy night in. It offers an insightful look into the human condition and the power of connection, making it an enjoyable and heartwarming watch.
Scrambled is a 2017 animated movie with a runtime of 6 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.
