Watch Denise Calls Up
- PG-13
- 1995
- 1 hr 20 min
-
6.6 (1,433)
Denise Calls Up is a 1995 American romantic comedy-drama film that explores the complexity of modern-day relationships and the impact of technology on human interactions. The movie centers around a group of friends who are interconnected through a web of relationships, and who maintain their friendships via phone calls, emails, and messages. Denise, played by Caroleen Feeney, is the glue that holds the group together. She is a single woman who is obsessed with finding her perfect partner and spends her days online, searching for her soulmate. Her best friend Martin, played by Tim Daly, a sound engineer, is in a stagnant relationship with his girlfriend Sonya, who has just returned from a trip overseas.
Denise's efforts to find love through technology sets the tone for the movie. Her conversations with Martin, Sonya, and the rest of the group focus on the trials and tribulations of dating in the modern age. Denise and Martin have a unique relationship, flitting between friends and potentially something more. Sonya's arrival back from Europe adds to the dynamic, leading to interesting conversations about how relationships are different in each country.
As the group's relationships develop, they are faced with a dilemma: will their reliance on technology affect their ability to form lasting human connections? The film takes a deeper look into the role of technology in our lives and the impact it has on our social interactions, at times relying on it as a crutch to communication.
Denise Calls Up was ahead of its time, as it tackled the concept of dating in the digital age before it was trending. The film resonated with many people because it captured the essence of the awkwardness of modern dating while still harboring hope for human connection.
The movie uses a single location, Martin's apartment, adding to the intimacy of the film. The viewer feels involved in the conversations between the group, as if they too are in the room with them. It creates a sense of warmth and relatability between the audience and the characters.
While the movie is classified as a romantic comedy-drama, it is more about exploring the intricacies of human relationships rather than solely being a romantic story. It delves deep into the psyche of various characters, their fears, and anxieties related to relationships. Sonya, for example, is desperate to get engaged to Martin, despite being together for five years, which brings to light the societal pressure of moving up the relationship ladder.
The film's dialogue is smartly written, revealing the complexities of the characters' personalities and relationships. The cast's performances are genuine, elevating the script to a higher level. Caroleen Feeney's Denise is a standout, bringing an eccentric charm to the role while Tim Daly's Martin excels in portraying the relatable best friend.
The movie's direction by Hal Salwen is excellent as he builds tension through the conversations between the characters. Even though it takes place in one apartment, the film never feels monotomous.
In conclusion, Denise Calls Up is a unique and charming film that captures the intricacies of modern-day relationships and the roles technology has in connecting people. It provokes the audience to think about how technology is changing the way we communicate and the impact it has on our interactions. The movie has aged well and is as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. It is a must-watch for anyone looking for a lighthearted yet thought-provoking film.
Denise Calls Up is a 1995 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.