Film: “Things Like This”

Storyline: When two guys with the same name start falling in love it seems like everything has aligned for them to be together. But is fate ever exactly how you expect it to be? (from IMDB)

What worked for me. First, the film features a heavyset as the romantic lead, and not in a self-deprecating, “haha-look-at-me-eating-my-feelings” way. This guy is confident and charming. He’s not just the lead’s quirky best friend—he is the love story. He gets to be himself without making his weight his character flaw. Even better, the emotional hook—two adults slowly realizing they were each other’s first kiss at summer camp—is sweet.

What didn’t work for me. Unfortunately, I didn’t think the acting was very good. That may come down to the fact that our larger man is also the director of the film—his first directing credit. There was no one to suggest approaching a line, a scene, an action differently on another take. A little objective direction would have helped polish that up to make this movie shine better.

All the acting wasn’t bad. In fact, there were three short monologues that were delivered by supporting cast that I thought were excellent. And that gets to Talisman’s strength—his writing. In addition to this film being his first directing credit, it was also his first writing credit. The scenes where Portia Anthony, Charlie Tehan, and Jackie each delivered their soliloquies convinced me that Talisman should keep writing for us.

Final thoughts. Look, if you’re a bigger guy like me who has let his weight be his character flaw, see this movie. It’s a reminder that everybody, and every body, is worthy of taking the lead.

🎬 Title: Things Like This
📅 Released: 2025
🕒 Runtime: 99 minutes
🎭 Genre: Romantic Comedy 🏳️‍🌈
🎬 Director: Max Talisman
🖋️ Writer: Max Talisman
🎥 Cinematography: Matthew Clegg
✂️ Editing: Stefanie Visser
🎵 Music: Charles Humenry
🏢 Production Companies: Malibu, Bro Productions; Opposite Field Pictures
📺 Distributor: MPX Releasing
🇺🇸 Country: United States
🗣️ Language: English
🔞 Rating: NR

Main Cast: Joey Pollari, Max Talisman, Jackie Cruz