Written and directed by Kurstin Moser and Ciara Naughton, spoiled, college-dropout Jenny thought she had her life figured out. But when fate turns her world upside down by reuniting her with her old classmate Darren, she’s forced to reconcile with her past and learn that things aren’t always the way they used to be. Starring: Jackie Romankow, Lee Keinan, Meredith Brown, Burke Hutchinson and Elizabeth Cady.
Anyone who grew up in the 2000s, mostly millennials, will clock within the first two seconds that The Way Things Used 2 B is based in that era. The camera angles, the set dressing, the music, it will hit that nostalgia button hard and fast. What Kurstin Moser and Ciara Naughton achieve with The Way Things Used 2 B is not just to try to flatly recreate the type of content we got in those days but to pay homage to it while adjusting its more unflattering side. Moser and Naughton tap into the wholesome, young romcom, Disney Channel Originals type feel while leaving behind the toxicity.
They manage to construct that familiar popular girl persona, as well as the sister rivalry, without making it feel mean or vapid, managing to entirely avoid overwhelming the atmosphere with the type of old-fashioned taunting or cruel behaviour you’d typically find in the era. Instead, quickly establishing that popular pedestal for Jenny’s (Jackie Romankow) backstory to then give her the space to step down from it and quietly grow into a new person. The writing on the whole is sweet and simple, crafting a light-hearted romance that flows naturally.
Building an organic tone is not an easy thing when you’re setting your film in the 2000s, which was such an era for melodrama and narcissism, but Moser and Naughton do it well. Part of that is the very convincing, young and slightly shy chemistry between Jackie Romankow and Lee Keinan. The budding connection that they build is strongly reminiscent of the era, especially with the classic romcom montages that the filmmakers add in. Romankow’s Jenny is the quintessential stuck up young woman who needs a reality check to find her softer side. While Keinan’s Darren is just the guy to do it, down to earth, a good teacher and it helps that he’s always had a crush on Jenny. It’s a very classic combo.
The Way Things Used 2 B is a great throwback to the 2000s, capturing the light-hearted, wholesome romances from back in the day. It’s cute and sweet, Kurstin Moser and Ciara Naughton did a great job of capturing the feel of the era while nicely avoiding its typical melodramatic, cringeworthy downfalls. Jackie Romankow and Lee Keinan make for an excellent pairing, their connection feels organic, their chemistry is casual but clear, and they create nostalgic characters. Romankow should also get bonus points for, in the early scenes, capturing that classic body language of young women in 2000s film and television, exaggerated and dramatic.
Lastly, bringing back some cheesy, cute 2000s vibes in film? Absolutely. Bringing back 2000s fashion to everyday life? Hard pass.
FilmCarnage.com 
Thank you so much for the review!!
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