Miss December

Miss December is a dark comedy and romance film released in 2011, a production directed by Derek Lindeman and starring an interesting ensemble of actors, including Corbin Bernsen, Gilbert Gottfried, and Brian O'Halloran.

The central character of the story is the unassuming and hopelessly romantic Josh (Jensen Bucher), a local barista and amateur playwright who is trying to get his life together. Bergenfield, New Jersey may not seem like the most happening place, but for Josh, it is a stage of dreams and aspirations. Josh’s dreams, however, have been on hold for some time as he is traumatized by the unexpected disappearance of his girlfriend exactly one year ago.

This traumatic event haunts Josh's life and borrows heavily from his ability to move on. He's living in the past, obsessing about why she left, where she is now, and whether she's even alive. His best friend Ted (Brian O'Halloran), despite his own set of problems, tries to get Josh to move on and quit dwelling over what now seems like a lovesick memory.

The story takes a surprising, darkly comedic turn when Josh meets up with his co-worker, the mysterious Calvin (Tom McClane), who publishes an underground magazine featuring women each month. Calvin's magazine is notorious for its strange tradition - every girl who graces its December issue mysteriously disappears, thus earning the magazine's name: "The Calendar Girl Killer."

Calvin uses his charismatic personality to draw Josh into the magazine's controversial world, promising him that it'll help him get over his lost love. While Josh isn't entirely sold on the idea, he can't help but get pulled into the charismatic and intense aura of Calvin. Meanwhile, Corbin Bernsen plays the cynical police detective, who is hot on the trail of the uncaught killer, adding some suspenseful elements to the narrative.

Simultaneously, the film introduces an eccentric radio host: Arnie (Gilbert Gottfried). Known for his over-the-top humor and outrageous opinions, Arnie is a regular feature in almost every scene and offers comic relief throughout the narrative. His radio show serves as a narrative device advancing the plot and connecting the different threads of the story together.

Miss December is a tonally distinct film, blurring the lines between a dark comedy and a love story. It refuses to box itself as a particular genre and shows that romance can exist in even the darkest of narratives. It talks about love, loss, obsession, and the lengths to which people go to overcome their heartbreaks. There's a sense of drama and intensity that the film brings to the table while dealing with the subject matter with a touch of the absurd.

Director Lindeman’s approach to Miss December is unique as it cleverly binds comedy and romance in the shroud of a thriller. He aptly captures the dynamics of human relationships and poses serious questions about love, obsession, and heartbreak. The film gets you involved in the characters' lives and keeps you on the edge concerning what happens next, thanks to the mysterious circumstances depicted with a touch of humor.

Mr. Bernsen as the witty detective, Mr. O’Halloran as the supportive best friend, and Mr. Gottfried as the outrageous radio host do a fantastic job in their respective roles. Their performances lend a natural charm to their characters and add depth to the whole narrative.

The movie has quite an interesting screenplay, with several twists and turns that make it unpredictable. Miss December maintains a constant playfulness while navigating through serious and heartbreaking stories, which makes the film enjoyable despite its potentially grim subject matter.

In conclusion, Miss December is a film filled with complex dynamics, suspense, comedy, and an ever-present sense of romantic drama. With a unique storyline and interesting characters, this film is truly a roller coaster ride of emotions. With convincing performances by the lead actors, the film strikes a balance between humans' darker aspects and their search for companionship and understanding. Miss December is an entrancing hybrid of genres that engages the audience from start to finish.