“The Pickup Artist” is a independent feature romantic comedy written, directed, produced, and starring Alvaro Orlando. If they name seems familiar that is because Orlando is known for being the winner of VH1’s hit dating series “Pick Up Artist” back in 2007. Now he is a real-life dating and relationship coach and a filmmaker.
In the “Pickup Artist”, Orlando plays Drew, who we immediately see as someone down on his luck when it comes to relationships. Just as he is getting ready to propose, he gets dumped. The experience leaves his questioning everything he thinks he knows about relationships. Now he must enter the unpredictable and unforgiving world of modern dating, where finding real love feels a very complicated.
In the film, Drew’s best friend is played by Andrew Lewis Caldwell, who introduces Drew to Havok, a dating guru, who Drew admires for seemingly understanding attraction, confidence, and people’s behavior more than others. But as the film progresses, Drew struggles between what he is told he should do versus being his genuine self.
The Relatability Of ‘The Pickup Artist’
Orlando’s life experience especially being centered around relationships really shines in the film. He taps into a time and a place that a lot us experience at one point in our lives. Connecting with people can be really hard, but in retrospect can be really funny. Many of us have cringy stories that play so much better as memories rather than the real-life moments. The film shares these moments as we go through Drew’s journey. Orlando does a great job making them funny and uncomfortable, but not over the top.
The rest of the cast compliments him and showcases different relationships that he is already juggling. Whether its a best friend, a guru, a love interest, or even an ex. Orlando’s film is not afraid to slow down at times and allow those connections to shine. I feel like too many times we see these moments cut short by a filmmaker desperate for a laugh or a moment that can be played again and again.
Verdict: A Genuine Connection
There are so many times “The Pickup Artist” could have gone left and sacrificed character development for a chuckle. But the film does a great job at feeling relatable. Genuine connections is something worth exploring and “The Pickup Artist” does just that. Orlando shines as the lead with understanding the vulnerable state of Drew as be battles to figure out connections.
Overall this could be a film that not only provides entertainment but also a way to start conversations with friends and family about the way to connect with others.
Reviews