Mala wielka milosc (2008) Online

This story of (un)expected love coming to life is set in Warsaw and Los Angeles and is about the rocky-turned-romantic relationship between Ian, a commitment-phobic American and Joanna, a Polish university student who is pregnant with his baby.

I know what I look forward to when I rent a romantic comedy. The genre switches gears between romance and slapstick and its viewing enjoyment is due to a pleasant mix of sweet and silly. If I should complain that the plot of this urban fairy tale is too easy to predict, I wouldn't be wrong in saying so. Within minutes, we know what will happen, so don't count on too much suspense. I must admit, at first, I was really put off by 'Expecting Love', only later I realized my expectations were getting in the way of enjoying the spectacle.

The strength of the genre and the key to its popularity is the coupling of comedy and drama, in Karwowski's feature these elements work well. This undemanding flick is lighthearted, charming and touching. It might offer cliché, simplified emotions, as well as not too much insight into the mysteries of love but that's exactly what puts a smile on your face. One must add that this warm pleasantness occasionally feels slightly forced (for instance in the final sequence) and there are also moments where it attempts to play too much on your emotions, such as the ultrasound scene, but I can overlook that.

The actors are appealing and give good performance so we are instantly fond of the lovers. In this glossy story of love going wrong, and then going right, Ian, an embezzler of hearts discovers that Joanna may be the woman of his dreams and his romantic destiny is in Poland. Although Joshua Leonard generates a credible character, the transformation from selfish, cynical career man to responsible husband and father failed to convince me.

Overall, an entertaining yet sincere movie. Predictable and sentimental, yes, but enjoyable nonetheless, for both him and her. You won't be sorry.

This film could be classified into a group which one might call 'good laughs with significant moral: to go'.

Throughout this flick grins are guaranteed and any didactic tone is barely palpable but for one scene when it was a bit irritating. The ultrasound scene, well, was just too lofty and lacked some of that down to earth approach as in the corresponding scene in Juno.

The main lead make a cute couple and both give convincing performances, no questions there. Joanna's and Ian's 'ups and downs' introduce the problem of cultural identity in today's crazy realm of globalization where one could expect that any culture-clash bash should be a fading memory. My only gripe is about Joanna's sudden transformation from responsible pregnant gal to bike riding and partying airhead! Her gay chum – Marcus – who takes care of female best-friend in crisis - is hilarious but the character should be less conventional.

A 'pro' worth mentioning: cinematography – definitely a visual pleasure, great shots of Calif. landscapes and it's high time we got to see Poland's DULL and GRAY capitol in such lively colors.

This story is not just laughs, flowers, tears turning to kisses, incident leading to love… it gives an opportunity to drop one or two XS & XL questions. The part when Joanna tries to convince Ian that faced with an itty bitty surprise they both should … take responsibility (and the oath) struck me as absurd at first – but then one starts to wonder... Nice and easy, and gave me a bit of worthwhile afterthought.

I gotta admit; the movie does need some work, but overall not a bad movie. As for the comment coming from UK, you found "cheeky jokes" at Poles funny? Well, I didn't; it is obvious that the British always poke fun at Poles, but everyone pokes fun at British people too, so don't forget that.

Also, that comment about "getting rid of the problem" when he was the father of the baby, what the hell are you talking about? Do you know anything about values, morals and ethics. Your idea for a movie is obviously dumb and senseless, so do not bash on this movie, since it is definitely worth watching.

I watched this with my wife and even she had to acknowledge the shortcomings of this run-of-the-mill romantic comedy.

Pros first: - Hollywood does worse romantic comedies that make more money - Location choice is OK, and cast somewhat convincing - some good quid-pro-quo situations - cheeky pokes at Poland and the Poles, as seen by a foreigner in Poland

Cons... Now where do I start? - Continuity errors. They call a taxi, it's afternoon, it's pitch black in the car ; better: it's night by the window, they leave the building it's daylight, guy goes for takeaway more than 2 miles from his hotel, - Non believable events such as: person recently had surgery moves around in the hospital bed like a puppy, pregnant girl jumps over fences and rides a bicycle

As for the rest of the story, which I cannot describe in too much details, it basically tells the story of a wealth US superficial yuppie who got a Polish girl pregnant and comes to Poland to be with her (instead of getting rid of the matter).

Could have been better written, but shooting is nice, although even in the category 'romantic comedies' it certainly does not deserve (talking for you ladies there) more than half your attention, and would be a complete waste of money buying it on DVD or paying for a seat. Background TV for very busy audiences only.