One Small Hitch

One Small Hitch is a delightful romantic comedy from 2013 directed by John Burgess and starring Shane McRae, Aubrey Dollar, and Daniel J. Travanti. This movie is a lighthearted, feel-good delight that explores the depth of friendship, love, and an unexpected fake engagement.

The film revolves around the main characters - Josh Shiffman (Shane McRae), and Molly Mahoney (Aubrey Dollar). Josh and Molly are lifelong friends from Chicago who've known each other ever since they were kids. Their relationship evolves as they journey from childhood acquaintances to the highs and lows of adulthood.

Josh is an ad-guy living in sunny Los Angeles, flourishing in his career, while Molly, a free-spirited woman, works in her father's retail business in Chicago grappled by her own dreams and dilemmas. On a trip back home, Josh learns that his father Max (Daniel J. Travanti) is dealing with a serious heart condition. To lessen the heartache for his ailing father, Josh concocts a plan: he decides to introduce Molly Mahoney as his fiancé.

Molly, against better judgment, decides to play along, mainly to ease Max's worries, and what unfolds is a chaotic blend of mistaken identities, hilarious misunderstandings, and a whirlpool of emotions. As they navigate the perils of their faux relationship, both Josh and Molly learn about each other, of love and relationships, in ways they hadn't imagined.

Their faux relationship forces them to confront their inner fears about romance and commitment. Amidst all this chaos rings the question - Can two best friends fall in love? Can they escape the confines of their platonic relationship, admitting their feelings for each other? Or will they get engulfed in the web of their own lies, losing each other forever? In essence, the movie is a journey of discovery, self-recognition, and the realization of love.

Under the superb direction of John Burgess, the film beautifully portrays the sparks, subtlety, and delicate awkwardness of budding love. Furthermore, Burgess effectively invests in building strong and relatable characters, both individually and in their relationship with each other. Their interactions are crisp and funny, bearing the hallmark of classic romantic comedies.

Shane McRae, as Josh Shiffman, plays his part incredibly well. He captures the essence of his character - a young, successful man, dealing with personal dilemmas and an unexpected faux engagement remarkably. He is charming, relatable, and has a knack for comedy. Aubrey Dollar, as the independent, quirky, and nurturing Molly, shines in her portrayal of the confused feelings her character bears - both comfortably platonic and awfully amorous, for her best friend.

The chemistry between McRae and Dollar is palpable, lending authenticity to their complex relationship. Every look exchanged, every unspoken word adds another layer to their twisted relationship, making their characters more believable and engaging. The supporting cast, including Daniel J. Travanti as Max, lightens the mood and adds depth to the narrative every time they appear on screen.

One Small Hitch, with its blend of heartfelt emotion, humor, and romance, is an appealing exploration of friendships that bloom into love. Regardless of its deceptive simplicity, the film offers a fresh perspective on relationships, making it enjoyable to watch.

The movie is also visually appealing, with the charm of Chicago forming a beautiful backdrop for Josh and Molly's predominant love-hate relationship. The city's hustle and bustle enhance the complexity and unpredictability of their lives and love.

In terms of audience reach, One Small Hitch appeals to a range of viewers. It is a heart-warmer for romance lovers, a beautiful story for those seeking a feel-good film, and a hilarious adventure for fans of comedy. With a runtime just shy of two hours, it's an engaging movie that is well worth the investment of time.

To sum it up, One Small Hitch is a heartwarming, funny, and romantic tale of two best friends navigating the twisty road to love. It is a beautifully flawed tale of love, unmasked by a lie, and fueled by laughter and endless charm. This film will keep you entertained from beginning to end, and leave you contemplating on the essence of love, friendship, and the fine line that blurs the two.