33 reviews
This film was much better than I expected it would be - predictable, yes, but that was not unexpected. It's the love story - few are that original. I thought the characters were very well developed and likeable - you grew to really care about the wellbeing and happiness of the main character's. 'Camille's' friends offered a humourous edge whilst Monica herself played Camille brilliantly.
I also really liked the music, it was sort of like 'Save the last dance' in that way. Hiphop meets the Blues. This leads me onto my new point....Christian Kane. Wonderful voice. Just wonderful. I know him as Lindsey McDonald from the TV show 'Angel' - he's what first attracted me to this film. I never thought a long haired man could be so damn attractive (Long-hair, as a rule, is a no-no).
There were a lot of chemistry between the characters, thanks to Monica's and Christian's talents of acting.
I give it a high rating of 8/9 out of 10, losing marks for being quite cheesy - otherwise highly enjoyable.
See it!
I also really liked the music, it was sort of like 'Save the last dance' in that way. Hiphop meets the Blues. This leads me onto my new point....Christian Kane. Wonderful voice. Just wonderful. I know him as Lindsey McDonald from the TV show 'Angel' - he's what first attracted me to this film. I never thought a long haired man could be so damn attractive (Long-hair, as a rule, is a no-no).
There were a lot of chemistry between the characters, thanks to Monica's and Christian's talents of acting.
I give it a high rating of 8/9 out of 10, losing marks for being quite cheesy - otherwise highly enjoyable.
See it!
Love Song was a pleasant love story. It was easy to follow but predictable. That however, doesn't prevent you from relaxing with the family and enjoying this movie. The story line relates to a `spoken for' African/American girl from a wealthy background, who has had her whole life planned out. While celebrating her birthday with her two best friends she pulls into a gas station for fuel. A white guy fills her car, and for him it is love at first sight. She rejects his advances but their paths cross again later. She becomes torn between her obedience to the relationship she is in, her future, and her inner feelings about this white guy. Set in jazz land New Orleans, the score is great, with a mix of jazz, blues and soul. This movie is a good one for a quiet night at home or a rainy afternoon.
- thealexanders
- Jan 24, 2002
- Permalink
This movie is essentially an update of "Dirty Dancing." A girl from an upper-crust background defies her overprotective parents to be with a guy from the wrong side of the tracks whose interests -- and, more importantly, whose fine character -- match her own.
For a television movie, it was much better than average -- not quite as good as Dirty Dancing, but still worth watching more than once.
The only real flaw is that the female lead was not (IMHO) able to convincingly portray sexual attraction to the male lead (the opposite was not the case). I attribute this either to her being an inexperienced actress (her career is as a singer) or to being "shy" about being in even a screen romance with a man of a different race.
For a television movie, it was much better than average -- not quite as good as Dirty Dancing, but still worth watching more than once.
The only real flaw is that the female lead was not (IMHO) able to convincingly portray sexual attraction to the male lead (the opposite was not the case). I attribute this either to her being an inexperienced actress (her career is as a singer) or to being "shy" about being in even a screen romance with a man of a different race.
I first saw Love Song whilst searching You Tube for Christian Kane related videos- I admit it, I'm a fan. But when it comes to film I do look past whether or not I like a certain actor to judge if it is a good film or not. Love Song is a good film, so original and a great story. Monica had copped a lot of criticism for her performance but honestly, I couldn't see anything wrong with it. Christian Kane provided more than just the eye candy, his role was one which he could put a little more of himself into it, given his musical background. I thought all performances were solid and the story line was great. But whenever I ask people their opinion on Love Song I'm always given the same answer; 'It was good but there was just something about it I didn't like'. I feel the same way, and after watching it too many times it's apparent to me that this movies falls down in terms of directing. There were some scenes where the actors could have been coached better, in particular the scene in which Camille and Billy first kiss. The lead up to it came across very awkward, like the scene started too early. But the overall story line is what got me through, these days it's hard to find such an original story, everything is a remake or a comic book adaptation. It's good to know we have something to fall back on when we get sick and tired of another Transformers (that is if you're not sick of it already).
Amazing movie. Absolutely loved Christian Kane in this. So wish the movie was on DVD!! And that the soundtrack was for sale
- kris_kuecken
- Oct 1, 2018
- Permalink
"Waiting for Exhale" was a marvelous title to give a book about women (in this case, black women) waiting for the right man to mosy on their way, but it didn't seem to touch on anything that white women haven't been encountering in much the same way. This is probably what made it a best seller--the common ground women from different races tread in search of love and happiness. It's still the same for women from generations past, waiting to get got, hoping and, more than not, settling for something less than the dream. The young black college girls in the new movie "Love Song" seem to be suffering some of the same problem. One of them has no boyfriend; the second contends with the good sex and black-activist provocations of her lover; and the third has a fairy-princess future mapped out for her. Camille Livingston (singer Monica Arnold) doesn't know when she's got a good thing, but it's just not her thing. She wants to do what makes her parents happy--if only it made her just as happy. And it doesn't. She doesn't want to follow in the footsteps of her physician father; social work with inner-city girls from broken families is more to her liking. She has a med-student boyfriend who models himself after her father, but who doesn't really understand her needs or aspirations. And she doesn't have the courage to be honest with any of them about where she wants to go in her life.
It's the common problem of children who have been doted over too much. They don't feel they have any say in the matter of their lives when they reach adulthood, because their parents are too busy choosing one for them. And they become miserably obliging appendages of Mom and Dad, living and breathing dutifully for Poppy and Mommy's smiles and approbation. I guess the fact that black people can indulge themselves with this age-old theme may seem encouraging, but I don't think "Love Song" brings anything fresh to the formula. Director Julie Dash is too evenhanded about the romance when a dirty white-boy mechanic steps into the fray, and touches things in Camille that no one has before. You'd like it to fly, but Dash pretty much keeps it in the hangar. The dirty white boy washes up for his blues band sessions with top musicians in the New Orleans area. Christian Kane as Billy Ryan lets the fire in his eyes and singing (I'd swear it was Richard Marx standing in for him.) provide the necessary heat and momentum to move the story along. He plays Billy's interest in Camille with restraint and shrewdness. He's courtly, attentive, and available--like a paid escort. Not that I have anything against manners, deliberation, or cleaning up, but, in spirit, this movie comes across as a tentative, pasteurized version of "The Bodyguard." (And that movie was pretty tentative and sanitized itself.) I'm not sure it really has all that much passion for interracial interaction. It likes flirting with the idea as if it suspected that racial separatists were right, like the title of the movie should be "Flirting With Disaster."
I don't know how well black-and-white couples do when compared with same-race matches, but being of mixed racial background myself, I'd like to think they have a future. But "Love Song" is much too unsure of where it's going. What it needs is a healthy dose of raw courage and audacity about the subject, when what we get are the same juvenile MTV platitudes about following your heart. Maybe that's why Monica sings the closing song at such a low register. Perhaps she doesn't want anyone to notice that she doesn't believe the story's message for a second.
It's the common problem of children who have been doted over too much. They don't feel they have any say in the matter of their lives when they reach adulthood, because their parents are too busy choosing one for them. And they become miserably obliging appendages of Mom and Dad, living and breathing dutifully for Poppy and Mommy's smiles and approbation. I guess the fact that black people can indulge themselves with this age-old theme may seem encouraging, but I don't think "Love Song" brings anything fresh to the formula. Director Julie Dash is too evenhanded about the romance when a dirty white-boy mechanic steps into the fray, and touches things in Camille that no one has before. You'd like it to fly, but Dash pretty much keeps it in the hangar. The dirty white boy washes up for his blues band sessions with top musicians in the New Orleans area. Christian Kane as Billy Ryan lets the fire in his eyes and singing (I'd swear it was Richard Marx standing in for him.) provide the necessary heat and momentum to move the story along. He plays Billy's interest in Camille with restraint and shrewdness. He's courtly, attentive, and available--like a paid escort. Not that I have anything against manners, deliberation, or cleaning up, but, in spirit, this movie comes across as a tentative, pasteurized version of "The Bodyguard." (And that movie was pretty tentative and sanitized itself.) I'm not sure it really has all that much passion for interracial interaction. It likes flirting with the idea as if it suspected that racial separatists were right, like the title of the movie should be "Flirting With Disaster."
I don't know how well black-and-white couples do when compared with same-race matches, but being of mixed racial background myself, I'd like to think they have a future. But "Love Song" is much too unsure of where it's going. What it needs is a healthy dose of raw courage and audacity about the subject, when what we get are the same juvenile MTV platitudes about following your heart. Maybe that's why Monica sings the closing song at such a low register. Perhaps she doesn't want anyone to notice that she doesn't believe the story's message for a second.
- jcraftmaster
- Mar 30, 2016
- Permalink
I just recently saw Love Song this weekend. I enjoyed it to a point. I was all into it cause I became a huge fan of Christian Kane. He is one GORGEOUS man. His blue eyes just captivated me. I was hoping for a little more at the end but over all u have the basic girl who wants true love and finds it in a man people think she should not be with.
I like this movie so much that I have seen it about 5 times already. Kane's performance is just great (not forgetting he's gorgeous). The music and the theme song are very pretty and I enjoy the lack of violence in this movie.
- cpmelendez
- Dec 4, 2000
- Permalink
I admit it. I'm a total stereotype. I love the good-girl/bad-boy dynamic, and I can't seem to resist a sweaty, passionate musician. All in all, Love Song was the perfect escapist movie for a Friday night alone with the girls. Christian Kane is amazing, and I truly hope they use his incredible talents on Angel more than they have been. The (fake) New Orleans setting was perfect for the music-scene background of the story, and all of the songs were very well written and performed. The only problem I had with this movie was that Monica's acting was inconsistent. Most of the time she seemed to be just trying to wear the appropriate facial expression for the sentence she was saying. However, there were a few times when real emotion broke through, and I hope that if she chooses to continue acting she has more of those moments. Overall, I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys stories of finding yourself beneath your parents' pressures and dreams of finding Mr Right to sweep you off your feet around the next corner.
This film was an excellent and wholesome love story. It addressed race issues without being belligerent, coming of age issues without being predictable, and falling in love without being sappy. There were no unnecessary sex scenes, although there was plenty of chemistry between the two main characters. If you're tired of the same old physical sex love 'em and leave 'em story line, please rent this movie!
- godwhosees
- Sep 10, 2002
- Permalink
I am so glad that I am not the only one thinks this movie is really great. I was surprised at how well Monica did in an acting role,she really was good . Some moments were totally believable. And Christian Kane was great. He could not be more beautiful and his character shown through his gorgeous eyes. I really enjoyed it and have watched it several times! The rest of the cast was also very good and the story very interesting and entertaining. I do wish there had been a little more substance, (maybe if it was longer and some of the back stories had been developed) in some ways but mostly it was a great movie! I would tell anyone to watch this movie that likes a love story with a bit of an extra hint of drama. I can't say enough how much I loved it and have to say also Christian Kane is to hot! I think they both have futures as actors as well as singers. The music was very good and their voices matched so well. I give it a 10!
I started to watch this movie because of Christian Kane (lindsey on ANGEL) and originally thought it would be nothing more then fluff. And it wasn't. It was pure FLUFF!!! But in a god way! Both Monica and Christian did a good job of being innocent and sweet without making my bloodsugar level rise through the roof. The singing was excellent. I was never a fan of Monica's but I think her voice is beautiful and a good match with Christians (if he actually did his own singing, which I suspect he did). All in all an enjoyable movie.
With two amazing leads (Monica and Christian Kane), and some amazing music, this tv movie that normally would be cheesy and fluff has a real heart and true emotion.
The original songs in the movie are amazing when sung by these talented musicians. And the plot of a young girl, controlled by her family and desire to make them happy for so long, coming into her own strength and realizing what she wants is something different from what they want for her, is really beautiful and moves along nicely.
The interracial aspect was there somewhat, but seeing the relationship between the two leads move along and seeing their feelings grow is really amazing to watch.
If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy with some great music, this is a great movie to watch. (And not too bad for a girls night, as...Christian Kane? Not likely to disappoint any females in the audience ;) ) Definitely gets a 10 out of 10!
The original songs in the movie are amazing when sung by these talented musicians. And the plot of a young girl, controlled by her family and desire to make them happy for so long, coming into her own strength and realizing what she wants is something different from what they want for her, is really beautiful and moves along nicely.
The interracial aspect was there somewhat, but seeing the relationship between the two leads move along and seeing their feelings grow is really amazing to watch.
If you're in the mood for a romantic comedy with some great music, this is a great movie to watch. (And not too bad for a girls night, as...Christian Kane? Not likely to disappoint any females in the audience ;) ) Definitely gets a 10 out of 10!
- rosecarter
- Mar 14, 2004
- Permalink
Love Song is a breath of fresh air. I don't watch TV much because most of the movies have the same theme sex, more sex, and nudity. Even I could watch and enjoy Love Song because it was simple, clean, the characters were cool and straight up with each other. They were respectful of each others feelings. Thank you! Let's see a Love Song 2!
The characters were believable, charming, sincere, and respectful. The plot made you feel comfortable enough to watch without worrying that their clothes were going to come off any minute.
The parents in some scenes were cool! Camille's friends were totally cool and their relationships with each other were what I look for in friends. Someone that will be up front with me yet not expect me to live my life through their expectations of me.
The music was absolutely wonderful, the musicians were talking to me, Christian and Monica did a great job. Christian's songs needed to be longer (like Monica's finished version of the "Love Song" at the end). I realize this was to promote Monica but Christian is very talented too.
The writers did well! The actors did great! I look forward to more of the same kind of "Love Song" type movie.
The parents in some scenes were cool! Camille's friends were totally cool and their relationships with each other were what I look for in friends. Someone that will be up front with me yet not expect me to live my life through their expectations of me.
The music was absolutely wonderful, the musicians were talking to me, Christian and Monica did a great job. Christian's songs needed to be longer (like Monica's finished version of the "Love Song" at the end). I realize this was to promote Monica but Christian is very talented too.
The writers did well! The actors did great! I look forward to more of the same kind of "Love Song" type movie.
The movie was very energetic, you can see love being created out of thin air. I envy the characters, because really love should be made in situations similar to what you see. One word, Magical. Need I say more.
- Dreamwriter2
- Mar 11, 2002
- Permalink
Finally a movie that my children and I could watch as a family. It was very well done. The acting was great, especially Christian Kane. I predict that we will be seeing more of this young man. Monica was great also. I really enjoyed the story line. I hope there will be a Love Story 2.
I enjoyed watching this movie. The actors/actresses were excellent in their performance(especially Christian Kane and Monica.) What I found most interesting is the interracial relationship between two young people, especially in this day and time. I hope the producers/writers continue to do more stories of this type. My 11 year old son and my 7 year old daughter watched this movie, and they had many questions about interracial dating. The most important point that I expressed to them was, "Doesn't matter what the color a person may be or how poor/rich they are, It all depends on, respect, understanding and love one may have for you."
- ponytail32
- Dec 3, 2000
- Permalink
This MTV production tells the story of a rich black college girl meeting a drop-out attempting to make a living with his music.
Every second is predictable. Very predictable. However, if one thinks about it, the act of making love ends predictably yet we enjoy doing it. Because the actors are appealing, because the story telling is presented up close and personal, and because the tone or feel of the movie is so effectively smooth, I found LOVE SONG wonderfully enjoyable.
LOVE SONG reminded me of JASON'S LYRIC -- just take away the violence and grit, and replace it with smooth soul music. If a viewer ranked JASON'S LYRIC a "10," they might rank LOVE SONG a "7" or "8."
The most obvious give-away that this is a "made for TV" MTV production is that the ending credits whip bye at the speed of credits ending a network sit-com.
Every second is predictable. Very predictable. However, if one thinks about it, the act of making love ends predictably yet we enjoy doing it. Because the actors are appealing, because the story telling is presented up close and personal, and because the tone or feel of the movie is so effectively smooth, I found LOVE SONG wonderfully enjoyable.
LOVE SONG reminded me of JASON'S LYRIC -- just take away the violence and grit, and replace it with smooth soul music. If a viewer ranked JASON'S LYRIC a "10," they might rank LOVE SONG a "7" or "8."
The most obvious give-away that this is a "made for TV" MTV production is that the ending credits whip bye at the speed of credits ending a network sit-com.
My comments are simple. This movie was wonderful and was such because of the new up and coming actor Christian Kane. It was put on by MTV so, you know it had to be at the very least entertaining . However, it was one of the best movies I have seen. Christian Kane is a wonderful actor and he has it all. He is so good looking, a great actor, awesome singer, and a sweetie. If you have not seen this movie check your TV guide and watch it! It is worth it. The basic story line is the classic rich girl/poor boy with the added enjoyment of some fabulous blues music! I give this movie a 10 out of 10!
- dablonde23
- Dec 3, 2000
- Permalink
Like many people, I thought that the movie would be pure fluff. But I watched it because I am an idealistic person at heart. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a good story, the acting could have been better but that's true of many movies. Believe it or not, It is possible to fall in love with someone in a week's time especially when you are already open to the idea of making a change in your life. It is definitely possible when the object of your affection is someone with whom you feel mutual trust, respect, admiration , attraction and support. It also helps matters when the object of your affection is Christian Kane. He is undeniably sexy. I have seen the movie 3 times and I'm not the target audience. I'm 33 years old and married but I understand the true message of the movie-Follow your heart. Even if others don't agree with you, you have to do what makes you happy. Too many of us try to do things to please others and we never find fulfillment in our own lives because we don't spend enough time and energy doing what makes us happy. People should not be bothered by the interracial aspect of the movie. Camille did not fall in love with Billy because he was rich or white, she fell in love with him because they had shared interests, he understood her, he listened to her and he supported her goals. Isn't that what we all look for in a mate? That's why the movie is universally appealing. It's something that we can all relate to.
- lorentayhall
- Jan 27, 2001
- Permalink
Love song was wonderful. I mean who ever wrote and directed this movie deserves a lot of credit. I would kill to see this movie over and over again. Love song was a very emotional movie and, may i add beautiful. And, OH MY GOD! Monica, was just brilliant, She played her role excellent. The music itself was very nice in the movie. To be honest, when i first saw Love song, I cried during the entire time of the movie, It was just that emotional (LAUGH). The movie was basically about, A young Black and, independent woman who finds herself head over hills with a musician, gas pumping guy, Which by the way her father did not approved, who then found herself in the middle of settling down and, In a new beginning of living life. But who then refuses to settle down and just live life and follow her heart. You should see it, I know for a fact that you will love it.
- jay_n_miami
- Aug 8, 2005
- Permalink
I did not see this movie at the time of its release,.
I was not a MTV channel watcher.
I didn't know of its existence, I wish I had because I would have definitely bought the VHS tape of it, which I hear from those that have it that it is a much better quality than the video shares of it that are posted to youtube.
I have the dvd from the "Julia Dash Collection" but it too is pretty blurry in spots and not high quality.
Christian Kane was awesome in this, he is the reason I checked it out in the first place.
Sorry to say that Monica, wasn't the best person to be chosen for the leading lady part.
We could have defintely used a lady with more acting experience, but overall it turned out to be a great story.
I do recommend you give it a watch.
I was not a MTV channel watcher.
I didn't know of its existence, I wish I had because I would have definitely bought the VHS tape of it, which I hear from those that have it that it is a much better quality than the video shares of it that are posted to youtube.
I have the dvd from the "Julia Dash Collection" but it too is pretty blurry in spots and not high quality.
Christian Kane was awesome in this, he is the reason I checked it out in the first place.
Sorry to say that Monica, wasn't the best person to be chosen for the leading lady part.
We could have defintely used a lady with more acting experience, but overall it turned out to be a great story.
I do recommend you give it a watch.
- jimmiemary
- Feb 17, 2024
- Permalink