All For Melissa

All For Melissa is a captivating 2007 romantic comedy drama directed by Gerard Elmore. The film stars Milan Tresnak, Lew Lappert, and Jane Benney in leading roles and takes place in the picturesque setting of Hawaii.

The story revolves around Jared Rogers (Milan Tresnak), a young, aspiring filmmaker who finds himself stuck in a rut. Jared's passion for filmmaking is made apparent from the beginning of the film. His dreams and aspirations of making it big in Hollywood have been suppressed by the harsh realities of the competitive movie industry. Despite the repeated attempts and persistent struggle, his career hasn't taken off in the way he had hoped.

In an attempt to escape the desolation of his stalled career and seeking a much-needed change, Jared decides to relocate to the stunning landscapes of Hawaii. The depiction of Hawaii is beautiful and authentic, with the backdrop playing an influential role in setting the tone for the rest of the movie.

In Hawaii, Jared meets and falls in love with the stunning Melissa (Jane Benney), stirring up emotions he had kept suppressed due to his career struggles. Melissa is enchanting, full of life, and appears to be the complete antithesis of the life Jared leads. Jared quickly finds himself smitten by Melissa's allure and beauty. He believes that in Melissa, he has found not just love but a muse who can spark his creative juices, which have been stagnant for a while back in Hollywood.

However, there's one obstacle to Jared's blossoming love: Melissa is highly spiritual and strongly believes in astrology. She makes crucial life decisions based on the movement and alignment of stars, turning to them for guidance. This deeply-held belief of Melissa's pose an unanticipated challenge for Jared, who does not share those convictions.

Meanwhile, Jared befriends an older, eccentric man on the island, named Wiggs (Lew Lappert). Wiggs, a local in the beach house community, is full of positivity and local Hawaiian wisdom. He becomes a mentor of sorts to Jared, dispensing advice that is both profound and comical. The bond between Jared and Wiggs forms a significant subplot, and Lew Lappert's portrayal of Wiggs provides comic relief in the film.

As Jared becomes more entranced with Melissa, he hatches a plan to win her love by producing a film to match her destiny - as revealed by the stars she so deeply believes in. He base his movie on a supposed prophecy that Melissa blindly follows. He believes that this could be the chance that he was waiting for -a project that would not only revive his dormant career but would also bring him closer to Melissa.

All For Melissa skillfully presents the tug-of-war within Jared as he deals with the dilemma of love and professional ambition. The film offers an amusing and heartwarming take on romance, sprinkled with a healthy dose of comedy. Also, the film showcases the captivating beauty of Hawaii and its culture, which becomes an integral part of the story.

The performances by Milan Tresnak, Jane Benney, and Lew Lappert are commendable, and their relatable characters draw us into the story. The cinematography beautifully captures the stunning Hawaiian landscapes, and the soundtrack complements the island setting quite well, enhancing the overall movie experience.

This movie is an excellent pick for those who enjoy a good romantic drama sprinkled with comedy. It perfectly portrays the quintessential struggle of balancing personal life with professional ambitions, while also exploring themes such as faith, destiny, and the lengths one can go to for love.

From the sunny locales of Hawaii to star-crossed love, and the struggle faced by an aspiring filmmaker, All For Melissa is filled with romance, humor, human emotions, and the power of dreams. The film aims to touch one's heart while also triggering their laughter and leaving them with a positive, optimistic outlook.