#kjapa

(DISCLAIMER: Potential spoilers ahead!!!)

This week we focus our attention to another romance drama, The Map that Leads to You, starring KJ Apa (known for his role in Riverdale) and Madelyn Cline (starred in Outer Banks). I honestly felt pretty good about their overall acting performance. These two definitely appeared to have a genuine connection on the screen, which led to a more compelling romance between the two. Some actors have a very fake relationship on screen (obviously), but overall I feel like Apa and Cline seemed to work well together.

Now it is my understanding that this movie was originally a book, which kind of makes me sad because I wish I had read it first. However, considering the plot of the movie, I would say that it is fairly unique. I do not recall many movies that I have watched where the main character goes overseas and falls in love with a stranger, only to have to leave him. Now, I understand that the "meeting someone new and having to move away" trope is common, but the flow of this plot made it seem slightly more unique than others.

For context, this movie takes place in Europe and follows a group of three friends. From what I can remember, they are post college graduates and have taken a Europe trip before they all have to start their "real" adult lives. The main character, Heather (Madelyn Cline), specifically has a big job lined up for her in New York when she gets back to the states. However, she meets this one guy, Jack (KJ Apa), on a train headed for Barcelona. From their first interaction, the two have many shared interests and seemingly get along well. Fast forward, Jack and his friend end up following the friend group for the next couple of days, sort of like a joint friend group hangout. Jack's friend and one of Heather's friends are also growing a relationship on their own time, but Jack and Heather slowly fall in love. Heather eventually decides that she is going to stay a little longer in Europe because she is not ready to leave Jack just yet. Her friends end up doing their own thing, leaving her to continue to develop her feelings for Jack. As usual, one thing leads to another and soon both of our main characters end up falling in love. Heather suggests that Jack should go with her since he does not really have a plan with his life, and he sort of freaks out on her, only to agree and go back to New York with her. However, this is where things get interesting. While in the airport, Jack leaves Heather hanging and never boards the flight with her, and ends up ghosting her entirely. As an audience member, you think about the total POS that Jack is, but we later learn that he has his own reasonings. Spoiler alert: Jack finds out he has cancer and does not want to bring Heather down and have to care for a sick person. Of course the ending it a little more on the cliché side. Obviously, they meet again and the movie ends with a dramatic monologue confessing their love for each other and then they kiss.

This movie did a good job of making you question Heather's sanity at times, or even Jacks'. However, the plot of the story was cute and it had a good message behind it. Although, I would still argue that Jack did not handle the situation correctly and could have totally avoided the conflict had he communicated his problems to Heather. But, I think the message here is that sometimes people go through different thought processes when faced with illness, or something life-changing.

Clearly being a fan of romantic movies, I would say that this movie rates fairly high on my scale. Was it somewhat predictable at times? Sure. But, I feel like there were not as many predictable moments, unlike others that I have watched before. With that being said, I would rank this movie an 8/10 when considering the romance/drama genre as a whole.

NEXT WEEK: Stay tuned for something a little more fitting for the month of October! I plan on throwing it back to my childhood days with a classic movie most of us have seen on Disney Chanel. As always, don't forget to comment any recommendations you have for me!

Channel the charm and edge of Riverdale’s favorite heartthrob with the Archie Andrews K.J. Apa Leather Jacket! Whether you're heading to Pop's Chock'lit Shoppe or just out with friends, this iconic jacket delivers that effortlessly cool, varsity rebel vibe seen on-screen. A must-have for every Riverdale fan!