Kisses and Caroms

Kisses and Caroms is a 2006 romantic comedy-drama film that revolves around two best friends who decide to turn their passion for billiards into a scheme to help them get laid. The film stars Nicole Rayburn as Tara and Drew Wicks as Pickle, who embark on a journey of self-discovery and romance with the help of their newfound obsession with pool.

The movie begins with Tara and Pickle living typical bachelor lives in Los Angeles. Tara is an aspiring actress who hasn't had much luck in her career, while Pickle is a struggling musician who's just broken up with his long-term girlfriend. After a particularly rough night out on the town, the two decide to team up and use their pool-playing skills to score with women.

Their plan works, and soon the two are playing pool with all sorts of ladies, from strippers to housewives. However, things start to get complicated when both Tara and Pickle start to develop feelings for each other, but they're afraid to jeopardize their friendship by admitting it. Along the way, they also encounter a cast of eccentric characters, including a pool-playing guru (played by Nikki Stanzione) and a wise-cracking taxi driver.

As Tara and Pickle navigate their way through the ups and downs of their relationship, they also have to confront their own personal demons. Tara struggles with her insecurities as an actress and her fear of being alone, while Pickle must come to terms with his feelings for Tara and his own musical aspirations. Through it all, the two friends learn to rely on each other and discover that true love might be right in front of them.

Kisses and Caroms is a unique take on the classic romantic comedy genre. While it does have its fair share of cheesy moments, the film also has a raw and authentic feel to it. The characters are flawed and relatable, and their struggles feel genuine. The film also manages to balance the comedic moments with more serious themes, such as friendship, self-discovery, and the pursuit of happiness.

One of the strongest aspects of the film is its portrayal of the pool-playing subculture. The film features several scenes of Tara and Pickle playing pool, and the shots are impressively choreographed. The movie also takes the time to showcase the different styles and personalities of the pool players they meet along the way. Additionally, the film's soundtrack is a highlight, featuring indie rock tunes by bands like The Dandy Warhols and The Von Bondies.

On the downside, the movie's pacing can feel a bit slow at times. While the character development is important, some scenes drag on for longer than necessary. Additionally, some of the supporting characters, such as the wise-cracking taxi driver, can feel like caricatures and detract from the more serious themes of the film.

Overall, Kisses and Caroms is a solid indie film that's worth checking out for fans of the romantic comedy genre. The movie's unique take on the pool-playing subculture and its relatable characters make it a standout in the genre. Nicole Rayburn and Drew Wicks give strong performances as Tara and Pickle, and the film's message about the importance of friendship and self-discovery is both heartwarming and inspiring.