Directed by : Alice Wu

Love is messy and horrible and selfish... and bold.


Spoilers ahead.. 

Ellie Chu (Leah Lewis), a shy introvert Chinese American high school girl reluctantly begins to help out a jock, Paul Munsky (Daniel Diemer) who loves a popular girl of the class Aster Flores (Alexxis Lemire) through letters. But Paul ain't aware, Ellie herself has got feelings for Aster. 

Even though its a different kind of love triangle with gay angle involved, the premise still gives feels of a cliched routine rom-com but that isn't the case, we get a really good enjoyable movie. Lovely animation story at starting credits to pull you in instantly and then Ellie Chu's narration throughout with her daily routine life and the unusual friendship that develops with Paul. They both make for a great pair, both helping out each other on what they don't know about wooing a girl. 

There are  fun moments when Paul gets impatient and Ellie finds ways to rescue situation everytime, specially the dining scene where Aster and Paul talk to each other through text despite sitting in front of each other, with Paul pretending texting which is ofcourse done by Ellie watching from outside in car knowing Paul is gonna mess up. 

The use of various quotes like chapters of movie is done well too including the final quote with Ellie's own take on 'Love'. And I loved that 'Ek Villain' scene where Ellie is making remarks on how guy's speed always matches with a running train. How Paul tries to do same and fails at end scene was funny too. I also loved every scene of Paul hanging out with Ellie's father. And Paul helping out Ellie first in dress choice for the school stage act and then later on guiding her to sing the song with guitar when the piano was ruined by some of her daily bullying gang.

Leah Lewis and Daniel Diemer are both perfectly casted and deliver great performances. Alexxis Lemire adds to the glamour and isn't limited to it as she gets plenty of scenes to shine mostly in the 2nd half of the movie. Specially enjoy the scene where she spends a day with Ellie. Also, all the scenes with Paul are awkwardly (in a comical way since Paul struggles to talk) fun to watch.

The ending is good in a way it doesn't try to say everything will work out, rather gives hope of it might. That guy who Aster is been forced to marry was the only one that irritates throughout the movie, but its tolerable as he gets very minimal screentime.  

The Half of It is definately worth a watch, a rom-com that rarely goes the cliche route, some interesting thoughts and emotional at times. More than the love, its the friendship between Ellie and Paul that stands out bringing a smile on your face. 

My Rating : 7/10