As a girl who once fell in love with a guy just because he had a framed "Annie Hall" poster in his dorm room, when I say that Alex Holdridge's new film "In Search of a Midnight Kiss" is a Woody Allen-style romance, it's a compliment of the highest order. One part Tinseltown love letter, one part commentary on modern, missed connection-filled society, this beautifully-shot indie charms with its blunt, refreshing honesty.

In a humiliating opening scene that gives "American Pie" a run for its money, Wilson, an almost 30 writer with no career or relationship prospects, is caught masturbating by his best friend (there's a lot I'm not telling you, but I don't want to spoil the surprise). This indirectly leads him to post a personal ad on Craig's List looking for a date for New Year's Eve...ergo the film's title. The pretty girl who responds, a wannabe actress named Vivian, seems totally nuts—and incredibly awesome.

But here's what makes this movie worth seeing: Wilson and Vivian do not embark on a whirlwind romance with the streets of downtown L.A. providing a gritty but visually-stunning black and white backdrop. They act like real people. It's awkward at first. There are some strained attempts at flirting. They get into (and survive!) their first fight. And all the while you find yourself rooting for this pair of lovers who feel like two of your own friends who have been set up on an ill-advised blind date. What can I say? I hate New Year's Eve, and I loved this movie.

"In Search of a Midnight Kiss" opens the Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles on Wednesday night (look for it in theaters starting 8/22). The film will be presented at the restored Orpheum Theater, and an exclusive audience Q&A with Holdridge and principal cast will follow the screening.

- Caroline Stanley

Worried that your limited attention span can't stomach a 99-minute feature? Mark your calendars for L.A. Shorts Fest on the 15th."A Day's Work," an award-winning film that played Gen Art's film festival is among the flicks in this bite-sized line up!

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