A new spin on a classic love story, Imagine Me ‘ You begins with the wedding of Heck (Matthew Goode) and Rachel (Coyote Ugly’s Piper Perabo with an impressive British accent), as they begin a journey toward a happy ending — but not necessarily with each other.
During the reception, Rachel shares a spark with Luce (Lena Headey), the florist, leaving Rachel wondering at the possibility of love at first sight — and lesbianism. After six long years with Heck, she finds herself yearning for a more passionate relationship, and after spending more time with Luce, Rachel feels happier and more fulfilled than she has felt in years.
Intermittent sexual innuendos ease the potentially awkward tone as Rachel travels the road of sexual discovery, including one memorable scene where Rachel rents a lesbian adult video just as her mother walks into the video store. The film’s giddy tongue-in-cheek comedy comes from the interesting range of characters — from the almost too-perfect Heck, to Luce’s cynical and surprisingly open mother. The actors, each nailing their characters, hold their own in the many unexpected comedic scenes.
Perhaps the film’s only downfall is the drastic switch from a hilarious comedy to a slightly depressing drama. As Rachel tries to decide between Heck and Luce, the movie suffers from her misery. In place of clever stabs at each other, the characters leave the jokes behind to focus on bringing Rachel up from her slump. Even their hilarious sex-crazed best friend changes from a chauvinist pig to an advocate for honor and virtue.
Stuck between hurting two people she deeply cares for, Rachel must decide whose happiness she can place before her own. Imagine Me and You ponders the many questions of how to handle true love, if and when you finally find it. Grade: B