Bad Date Chronicles

Bad Date Chronicles is a refreshing and lighthearted romance-comedy film released in 2017, directed by the gifted Steven R. Monroe, and showcasing the acting prowess of Merritt Patterson, Justin Kelly, and Lanie McAuley.

In the pursuit of true love, the film's main characters, Leigh (Merritt Patterson) and Conner (Justin Kelly), embark on a unique journey. Leigh, a blog owner known for recounting her unfortunate dating escapades, meets Conner, who works at a dating mix-up business. The paradoxical nature of their jobs creates an entertaining and cheeky rift. Their work requires innovative approaches to maintaining equilibrium while dealing with an increasing assortment of worst-first-date stories from their readers and clientele.

Leigh and Conner first cross paths when Conner, unsuspecting of Leigh's line of work, becomes one of the poor souls whom Leigh mockingly features on her popular blog, "Bad Date Chronicles." Leigh is witty, stylish, ambitious, and possesses a variety of skills that make her successful in her field. On the flip side, Conner is charming and considerate, with a meticulous and cool demeanor that creates an interesting contrast to Leigh's boisterous and outgoing character.

What follows next is an unusual blend of sassy banter, unexpected alliances and interactions that pull at the heartstrings, all made more charming by the appealing on-screen chemistry between Patterson and Kelly. Leigh and Conner find themselves in a unique position when they become friends after their disastrous first date and decide to turn their erstwhile miserable dating experiences into something more meaningful and fun. They team up to create a dual-blog project, showcasing the worst and best of their dating escapades while also providing advice on navigating the tumultuous dating scene.

Additional spice is thrown into this already interesting mix with the characters of Julia (Giles Panton) and Izzy (Lanie McAuley), who add sub-plots that fuel the main narrative and contribute significantly to the storyline's pace and excitement.

The film presents the common struggles of modern dating in a lighthearted way, hitting home with viewers who are all too familiar with its ups and downs—especially those who have engaged in online dating. Bad Date Chronicles also examines various sociocultural aspects of the current dating scene, such as the influence of social media and the often unrealistic expectations generated from it.

While the film falls under the genre of romance-comedy, it's more than just a simple love story. It depicts personal growth, moving forward from past mistakes, and learning not to take life too seriously, reminding us that laughter can be the best medicine. It’s about two people who find common ground in their disastrous romantic pursuits, their unique camaraderie changing the direction of their lives in ways they didn't anticipate.

Bad Date Chronicles' comedy is deeply rooted in its relatability, and its romantic aspect is truthfully and delightfully rendered—providing a refreshing change from the stereotypical, overly glamorous depiction of love often seen in romantic films. The comedic elements are not overly contrived but naturally flow from character interactions, situational humor, and cleverly designed dialogues that make the narrative more engaging.

Well-shot in picturesque Vancouver, British Columbia, the movie’s cinematography adds another captivating layer of enjoyment to the film. It creates a breathtaking visual backdrop to the story that subtly complements the narrative's changing emotional tones, enhancing the overall film experience.

Bad Date Chronicles stands out with its ability to offer a light, entertaining, and amusing take on the complexities of modern dating. Given its relatable theme, strong performances, and an engaging narrative that strikes a balance between comedy and romance, this 2017 film serves as a delightful watch for anyone looking for an easy-going movie experience.