NOTE: This is a reprint of my review from the Sundance Film Festival. Results opens on May 29th.
The Results are decidedly mixed in Andrew Bujalski's new rom-com, a film about fitness gurus who can't find a way to be as in tune with their emotions as they are with their bodies. Compared to some of his "mumblecore" efforts, or the oddball indie comedy Computer Chess, Bujalski is going for more of a light, mainstream approach but the long-winded love story being told will leave you exhausted long before it ever takes shape.Cobie Smulders stars as the aggressively angry Kat, a fitness trainer at the Power 4 Life gym. When we first meet her she's doing what she loves most, running, only to encounter a client and harass them over late payments. Not that it was necessary since the gym is actually owned by Trevor (Guy Pearce), a veteran fitness instructor who fully embraces the physical and spiritual teachings he lays on his clients. Achieving one's goals and a continued path to self-improvement, "actualization", are what he champions but when it comes to his personal life that's something he hasn't had the same measure of success at.
It's pretty clear that something is up between Trevor and Kat, a tension that extends beyond their professional relationship. Things get more complicated with the arrival of Danny (Kevin Corrigan), a chubby, lazy loser who just inherited a substantial fortune. But he's still lonely and heartbroken after a bad break-up, and comes to Power 4 Life looking to whip himself into shape. "I want to learn how to take a punch", he says, but what he really desires is some company. Against Trevor's better judgement Kat becomes Danny's trainer, only to stumble into an awkward romantic encounter fueled by too much weed and alcohol. It becomes clear that Danny is more interested in watching Kat work-out (the squats are his obvious favorite) than doing any work himself.
Bujalski never seems to have a handle on how he wants to construct this awkward little love triangle between Danny, Kat, and Trevor. While there are some breezy, individually funny interactions between the trio there's rarely any forward thrust to the story. Montages of Danny's ill-fated training sessions are cleverly weaved throughout, but quickly begin to overstay their welcome much like the frequent discussions about health and fitness. Perhaps due to his inexperience with this kind of lightweight material, Bujalski seems unsure whether to fully commit to the romantic angle or go with something more experimental.
In the end it's the muscular performances from his cast that reap the greatest rewards. Cobie Smulders is fit and funny as Kat, who hides her aversion to emotional connection behind a wall of sarcasm and physical violence. Pearce is so dedicated to the role of Trevor we see him literally twisting into yoga knots. Corrigan, always so good at playing nervous, unlikable characters, brings a bit of sweetness to a role that could have been tough to pull off. Danny's not a bad guy, but his attitude that money can buy happiness is pretty douchey. Results is not without charms, but its scattered look at physical and romantic wellness suggests a stricter regiment may be in order.
Rating: 2.5 out of 5
