Posted: 07/19/2011

Mark of Love

(2009)

by Caress Thirus

Oh, the weight those three fateful words bear. We use codes like “ILY” and “143” and symbols like hearts and arrows, but nothing ever comes close to the real thing. It’s life changing when someone we care about utters the words, “I love you”.

Mark Deacon is a guy who’s had a tough time in the field of love. He’s not a bad guy, but he has an issue when it comes to commitment. To him, relationships are like posters. You like them enough to bring home, and they’re nice to look at and show off for a while. Sooner or later, however, they need to be replaced. Mark is not the type of guy looking for a tattoo- or bumper-sticker-relationship.

The 2009 film by Brett Simmons, based on the play, “I Love You! …and You…and You,” finds the character Mark single once again. He decides to take up a new hobby, as he always does when he falls out of a relationship, and soon stumbles upon a flyer at work advertising a karate class. What ensues can only be explained as a crazy, eye-opening experience.

The film features independent actors who show some great talent. Bryan Price, who plays Mark Deacon, convinces the audience of his character’s authenticity. He’s awkward but funny, and surprisingly charming. There’s some great chemistry between him and the women he dates. The meetings and breakups are all interesting to watch, and though we don’t get to know them all very well, the characters in this film are not easy to forget. The casting was very well done.

While there’s a slightly amateur feel to the entire thing, Mark of Love is a funny movie with a refreshing and realistic sense of humor. There’s a bit of quirkiness and irony throughout that can provide viewers with a few additional giggles. The script is not jammed with clichés as so many romantic comedies are; instead, it’s rather clever, and the plot is so crazy but believable that one can’t help but find it funny. There’s a bit of a cheese factor, but what romantic comedy doesn’t have a few corny lines? The accompanying soundtrack is also cute and very appropriate.

Mark of Love is unpredictable, realistic, and overall very satisfying. The film reminds viewers that there are so many lessons one can learn by teaching, and that taking risks can be very rewarding. Mark of Love boasts a cool, full-circle storyline that almost anyone could enjoy.

Caress Thirus is a student at Roosevelt University and a film enthusiast.

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