'How to Date Billy Walsh' Review: Prime Video's rom-com falls flat and fizzles with cliche love triangle plot
YORK, ENGLAND: Arriving on Prime Video on April 5, 'How to Date Billy Walsh' isn't your standard teen rom-com. It's a coming-of-age story that focuses on the ultimate test of a friendship surviving a crush gone crazy.
In the movie, we meet Archie (Sebastian Croft), a teenager harboring a secret crush on his best friend, Amelia Brown (Charithra Chandran). On the other hand, there is Billy Walsh (Tanner Buchanan), who sweeps into town, stealing Amelia's attention and leaving Archie heartbroken.
Packed with a cast of comedic heavyweights like Kunal Nayyar, Nick Frost, and Guz Khan, 'How to Date Billy Walsh' promises witty banter, awkward encounters, and a whole lot of laughter.
Archie's quest to win Amelia's heart takes him on a journey of self-discovery, navigating the complexities of friendship, love, and maybe even a little teenage rebellion.
A crush shakes the bond between two best friends in 'How to Date Billy Walsh'
Archie and Amelia have been best friends forever, practically they were born in the same hospital, in the room. Archie, though, has a secret: he's totally crushing on Amelia.
Just as he builds up the nerve to tell her, a new American student named Billy Walsh arrives and steals the show. Amelia becomes smitten with Billy, leaving Archie feeling heartbroken and lonely.
Desperate to win Amelia back, Archie hatches some wacky plans to sabotage Billy's chances.
Unfortunately, his crazy schemes backfire, making things even worse and pushing Amelia closer to Billy. Their once-strong friendship, built on years of shared secrets and inside jokes, is put to the test by this unexpected love triangle.
However, 'How to Date Billy Walsh' feels flat in being a good rom-com movie. Gen Z fun feels forced and some bully characters only manage to cringe viewers.
What sets this rom-com movie apart is the bond between the two best friends, Archie and Amelia, and the value of their friendship. The movie excels when it leans into absurdity and goofiness.
‘How to Date Billy Walsh' turns out average predictable rom-com
'How to Date Billy Walsh' tries something different by telling the story entirely from Archie's perspective.
This might be a new take for some viewers, but it can also mean the jokes rely a lot on British humor that might not land for everyone. There are also some scenes that drag on a bit, leaving you waiting for the punchline.
While the actors are charming, Amelia's character doesn't get as fleshed out as Archie's.
Overall, 'How to Date Billy Walsh' isn't a bad movie, but it might not be your new favorite rom-com either. If you enjoy British humor and don't mind a predictable plot, it's worth checking out.
Individual performances take charge over the storyline in ‘How to Date Billy Walsh'
The cast of 'How To Date Billy Walsh' elevates the material to new heights. Despite limited attention, Charithra Chandran shines as Amelia, perfectly capturing the chaotic emotions of a teenager struck by love.
Sebastian Croft delivers a performance quite different from his recent role in 'Heartstopper'. Here, he radiates energy and dynamism as the lovelorn Archie.
Their contrasting styles make them an excellent on-screen pair, perfectly suited for this lighthearted rom-com.
Tanner Buchanan subverts expectations as Billy Walsh. He ditches the typical 'jock' persona, offering a refreshingly down-to-earth portrayal.
The film's self-awareness is further emphasized by the use of fourth-wall breaking, which is surprisingly well-executed and adds to the overall enjoyment.
'How To Date Billy Walsh' embraces the familiar rom-com formula but infuses it with wit, self-awareness, and a touch of slapstick. The charming cast brings the story to life, making this movie a good option for a fun night with friends!
'How to Date Billy Walsh' is available to stream on Prime Video
