Qwerty (I) (2012) User Reviews

QWERTY - Words With Friends and Scrabble Lovers - A Must See

[seniorfilmcriticcritic · 10/10 · 22 April 2012]

Qwerty is a story about two people who start out living with low self- esteem, social acceptance,and love. The film shows how after meeting and developing a relationship, their love for each other helps both to develop and blossom.

Qwerty isn't just your run-of-the-mill love story, however, because each individual's personal growth is just as important as the actual relationship. Zoe's growth is shown when the insecure young woman gains enough confidence to enter the National Scrabble Championship. For Marty, the comfort begins to grow as he slowly starts to accept that Zoe doesn't so much need him as she simply really, really loves him. Pupkin and Hailey do a great job making their characters believable and likable.

Qwerty had its world premier at the Kansas City Film Festival where it was well received. I watched the film at the Dallas International Film Festival and enjoyed hearing the laughter generated because, yes, Qwerty is a comedy. Along with the strong character development the writer Juliet McDaniel gives the lead characters she complements this with minor characters who provide the backdrop for introducing humor in life's struggles.

Chicago lovers will enjoy the seeing sites from the windy city and may enjoy seeing the city sites on film. The film photography, editing, music, and directing is all top quality.

Qwerty is on a good run of film festivals. Catch it on the big screen at one of the festivals when you can. It would be great to see a distributer pick this quality independent film up for theater distribution.

Sweet and Unique

[guinevere-nell · 8/10 · 25 September 2013]

I really enjoyed getting to know the slightly nerdy, perhaps Seattle-esque, characters -- oddballs and yet quite normal, they seem not to have the inhibitions or superficiality of the people around them, who are pissing them both off, and who together they can garner the strength to tell off. Their love is sweet and it's a pleasure to watch as they blossom in its warmth, and overcome their internal demons.. ..I have no idea why this film would have (as it does at the moment) only 4.5 stars. All thge reviews here are positive and give it 8 or more starts, but apparently some who have rated it without providing a review for explanation did not like it. I would ignore the rating and give it a chance - it really is fun and different, and not at all your typical cheesy rom-com, though it is sweet and quite romantic, and both funny and a bit serious--in a true to life way.

An unorthodox charming quirky film

[savageluyamused · 9/10 · 26 April 2012]

Really loved this film. Not typical. Not predictable. Not any of the things that makes one usually roll their eyes at a romantic comedy. If I had to summarize it, I would say GENUINE. Realistic and not filled with fluff and ribbons and bows to tie it all up. Real people a real relationship and a really well told story. Great music throughout as well. Loved the characters, and the story unfolded in such a way that I found myself surprised and smiling for hours after seeing it. I thought the acting was terrific, and really enjoyed literally watching the characters develop as the movie unfolded. Zoe (Dana Pupkin) is captivating and Marty (Eric Hailey) was incredible. Numerous 'Dramedies" are speedy and filled with predictable elements- This will not just tug at your heartstrings, but has such astute observations about life, love and all that falls in between. Check this out, when and where you can-

Heart-felt film out of nowhere!

[fatsmokes · 9/10 · 5 September 2013]

Honestly, I was surprised to see that the overall rating of this film was a mere 4.7! This film has an original, heart-felt, solid, though somewhat predictable, story that keeps the viewer interested. The little-known cast perform wonderfully together to make the film realistic and make the viewer attached to them. Though technically a "romantic comedy", it does not have any of the mushy, stereotypical clichés, so much so that the viewer actually wants the two main characters to end up together instead of wanting to claw their eyes out. With some well-placed and well-written drama portions throughout the relationship, the characters grow and fight with each other, leaving the viewer to wonder if their relationship will last, right up to the climax of the film. A real treat!

Qwerty, a pleasant drive

[bertyhorne4 · 9/10 · 15 September 2013]

Qwerty was one of those movies which I had downloaded myself and watched rather asking someone to download for me. I watched this film just once and it really made me to sit up and write a review on it. I appreciate the makers of the movie and they had done a good job in delivering a subtle romantic thriller. The way the movie unfolds is quite awesome and the actors have performed really well, but the credits for the success of this movie goes to the hero and the heroine (Zoe & Marty). Although Marty is speaking lot of bad words in the film, he is still adorable and he has proved his excellence in acting, a long way to go brother. Now comes Zoe, she has carried the entire movie on her shoulders and has proved her mettle in emoting subtly. The sequences happening during Zoe's father's birthday has been well canned and the screenplay should have a special mention and overall the movie is enjoyable to the youth who are in their mid-twenties. I loved it, after watching the movie, I had a bad feeling of watching them online, these kind of movies should be praised and appreciated by watching them in theaters. I am sorry makers of Qwrety for doing so. To put it in two words, I would say "Thumbs UP" to the team behind Qwerty.

Unlikely love story with characters you'll root for!

[bleumimo · 10/10 · 24 January 2014]

In this incredible film, Zoe (played to perfection by Dana Pupkin) has a penchant for making words out of other words, and gleaning meaning from cryptic license plates. Unlikely to make human connections, she meets Marty (played equally well by Eric Hailey), a nearly homeless and soon-to-be unemployed recluse, in the underwear section of a Chicago department store, and they form a likely-to-fail relationship. While he makes her stronger, she makes him feel things he's obviously tucked away for years. Her new strength sends her to the National Scrabble Championships, but Marty's constitution starts to slip as he sees her devote herself to her passion for re-arranging letters. After you meet Zoe's family and peer into Marty's dark side, you'll root for these two lovable losers to stay together and stay out of Lake Michigan. It took me by surprise and unexpectedly moved me. Despite the obviously low budget and lack of stars, QWERTY proves the director's best work yet and a really beautiful love-letter to the city of Chicago and nerds all over the world. Definitely worth checking out!

Thoughts of suicide, love, and Scrabble

[cekadah · 9/10 · 12 April 2014]

Qwerty is cute, uplifting, depressing, inspiring, aggravating, and ultimately happy.

The inhibited and unsure Zoe meets borderline suicidal and angry Marty. Marty & Zoe discover their lives and likes are very alike and a romance develops. This love gives Zoe the courage to join a scrabble team and participate in competitive games. Marty on the other hand perceives this as an intrusion into their love/friendship and fears he will lose Zoe.

Dana Pupkin and Eric Hailey create the perfect couple and bring their roles to life. You will cheer for Marty when he stands up for Zoe - but when he feels alienated by the Scrabble games I thought this turn in their relationship was too fast. He supported her all along then suddenly feels left out. I had a problem with this element of the story. That's the reason for 9 stars.