The Valet (2022) Movie Review

"The Valet": A Delightful Take on Culture-Clash Rom-Coms

"The Valet" is a charming romantic comedy directed by Richard Wong that centers around Antonio, played by Eugenio Derbez, who works as a valet and lives with his mother. Antonio is separated from his wife, but he views it as a temporary situation, whereas she has already moved on and is dating a wealthy realtor. After being caught in a tabloid picture with the famous movie star Olivia Allen, played by Samara Weaving, Antonio is offered a deal that could help him get back together with his wife - pretending to be Olivia's boyfriend. The movie deals with a range of issues, from class differences to gentrification and family values, making it much more than just a simple romantic comedy.

The film falls into the sub-genre of culture-clash romcoms, where two people from different backgrounds reconcile and merge their worlds. The two main characters have to pretend they are a couple for a while, making it a subcategory of romcoms. However, "The Valet" takes a unique approach that doesn't quite fit the traditional label. The movie's tone is light-hearted and loose, allowing for poignancy and depth to play out in the characters' interactions.

The director, Richard Wong, does an excellent job of capturing the material's necessary tone, which is essential in making the film entertaining. The movie's strength also comes from its talented cast, which includes the late Carmen Salinas as Antonio's mother. However, the script tries to do too much, loading the characters with sub-plots and sub-sub-plots, making the movie lose focus and momentum on occasion.

Antonio is offered a lot of money to be Olivia's boyfriend, and he accepts the gig, hoping the money will help him get his wife back. Olivia, who has a reputation for being difficult, reluctantly agrees to the plan. The two go out to lunch and attend the movie premiere together, and Antonio is a fish out of water in Olivia's world. Olivia has no people skills, making for awkward interactions, and Vincent's wife, played by Betsy Brandt, is convinced the relationship is a sham and hires a private detective to follow the couple around. Vincent has also hired a detective, and the two detectives end up working together, making their relationship arc one of the most interesting ones in the movie.

The comedic situation of a movie star pretending to date a valet doesn't yield many laughs, but the movie's comedic strength is in its characters' interactions. Some scenes, where Olivia and Antonio get to know each other, are reminiscent of "Notting Hill," where Julia Roberts' movie star hangs out with "real" people and revels in normalcy. Olivia meets Antonio's family, and they quickly accept her, making her feel like part of the family. The issue of "chemistry," romantic or otherwise, isn't on the table in "The Valet." Nobody is at risk of falling in love with the fake person in the fake scenario. However, something deeper does emerge, and it happens almost by stealth.

One of the most interesting things about "The Valet" is how it addresses issues of class and wealth. Antonio and his family are working-class, living in a modest apartment, struggling to make ends meet. Olivia, on the other hand, is a movie star with seemingly endless wealth and privilege. Yet, as the movie progresses, we see that wealth and privilege don't necessarily lead to happiness. Olivia is deeply unhappy, and her life is devoid of genuine connections and relationships. In contrast, Antonio's family, despite their financial struggles, is close-knit and supportive, with a strong sense of community and shared values.

The movie also touches on the issue of gentrification, as Olivia and her entourage are shown moving into a neighborhood and pushing out long-time residents. This is a subtle but important point, as it highlights the way that wealth and power can be used to displace and marginalize those who are less fortunate.

Overall, "The Valet" is an enjoyable movie that offers a fresh take on the romcom genre. While it can be uneven at times, with too many subplots and characters, the talented cast and witty writing keep things engaging. It's a movie that balances humor and heart, and it's worth checking out for anyone looking for a lighthearted and charming film.