That Burning Feeling x (dir. Jason James) x VIFF 2013.

James’ offbeat comedy about discovering oneself through your sexual history is a unique take on the boy meets girl story. Actor Paulo Costanzo plays a serial womanizer forced to revisit his one night stand relationships after contracting an STD. The unusual concept is anchored by Costanzo’s likeable performance and a charming all-star cast of misfits in Ingrid Haas, Tyler Labine, Emily Hampshire, and the hilarious John Cho.

Despite some welcome twists to the romantic comedy genre, That Burning Feeling has a few too many indie comedic sensibilities, being overly quirky, leading to a predictable third act misunderstanding. Ultimately, the sharp direction and acting (particularly, Cho’s maniacal villain) lift the limiting premise beyond the one-joke plot of the film.