‘Too Much Love’ Netflix Movie Review - A Turkish Delight or a Recipe for Heartburn?

Let me preface this review with a disclaimer: if you're expecting a traditional romantic comedy where love conquers all with a sprinkle of Hollywood magic, you're in for a rude awakening. "Too Much Love," or as it's known in its native Turkish, "Çok Ask," isn't your run-of-the-mill love story. It's more like a rollercoaster ride through the tangled web of romance, ambition, and the questionable world of pirated movies.

Directed by Kıvanç Baruönü, "Çok Ask" follows the escapades of Coskun, a young man whose main hustle involves selling bootlegged films. But don't let the shady business fool you; Coskun is a man with dreams, and they revolve around two things: his unyielding passion for cinema and his unrequited love for Ayla, played by the talented Büşra Pekin.

From the get-go, "Too Much Love" doesn't tiptoe around the complexities of relationships. Coskun's pursuit of Ayla is like watching a cat trying to catch a laser pointer; it's amusing, frustrating, and ultimately futile. Hasan Can Kaya as Coskun delivers a performance that oscillates between endearing and exasperating, capturing the essence of a lovestruck dreamer stumbling through life.

But let's talk about the elephant in the room: the plot. Or should I say, the lack thereof? "Çok Ask" feels like it's trying to juggle too many balls at once, and inevitably, some of them come crashing down. The narrative jumps from one subplot to another like a hyperactive squirrel on caffeine, leaving you wondering if you accidentally switched channels halfway through.

Sure, there are moments of brilliance scattered throughout the film. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, capturing the bustling streets of Istanbul with an intimacy that makes you feel like you're right there, dodging traffic alongside Coskun. And the soundtrack? Let's just say it's the kind of music that makes you want to dance one moment and sob into your pillow the next.

But for every moment of brilliance, there's a scene that makes you scratch your head in bewilderment. Subplots - like the overly dramatic confrontation in a crowded bazaar that feels straight out of a telenovela - come and go faster than you can say "What the heck just happened?", leaving you feeling more disoriented than a drunk at a funhouse.

And let's talk about the dialogue. Oh boy, where do I even begin? It's like the writers raided the bargain bin at the cheesiest lines emporium and decided to throw them all into the script. I'm talking cringe-worthy one-liners that'll have you squirming in your seat faster than a kid who's been caught with their hand in the cookie jar. Seriously, if I hear one more "Are you from Tennessee? Because you're the only ten I see," I might just throw myself out of the nearest window.

Despite its flaws, "Too Much Love" isn't without its charms. There's a raw authenticity to the film that's hard to ignore, a sense of earnestness that shines through even in its most absurd moments. And for all its faults, you can't deny that it's entertaining in its own peculiar way.

In the end, "Too Much Love" is a bit like that guilty pleasure snack you know you shouldn't indulge in but can't resist anyway. It's messy, it's chaotic, and it's definitely not going to win any awards for cinematic excellence. But hey, sometimes you just want to switch off your brain and enjoy the ride, cheesy dialogue and all. So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare yourself for a love story that's equal parts hilarious and head-scratching. Just don't say I didn't warn you.

Final Score - [5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times