"Barefoot"

2014 * PG-13 * 1h 30m  Sometimes you just need a no-brainer, funny rom-com to lift your spirits. And this film fits that to a "T". I'll admit it, the writing is okay, the storyline is totally implausible, the acting is pretty good. But overall, it adds up to a delightful hour and a half of escapist movie viewing. Actually, the acting is quite decent, especially from Evan Rachel Wood and Scott Speedman, who have wonderful chemistry in the film 

Jay Wheeler (Speedman) comes from a wealthy family. However he's down on his luck and is on parole, working at a psychiatric hospital. When he gets invited to his brother's wedding, he wants to show his family that he's back on his feet. But who to take to the big event? One evening, he inadvertently helps a young patient Daisy (Wood) escape. Then he hatches a plan. Why not take her as his girlfriend. Well, Daisy is not exactly worldly--she's been raised in isolation practically her entire life. Which is the basis for most of the humor in the movie. 

It's a lot of fun watching the two of them in their various awkward situations. It's somewhat predictable, but is a blast nonetheless. And the addition of J.K. Simmons and Treat Williams round out a decent cast.  

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Prime Video.