I think it is probably quite difficult to make a movie that has a simple, much-used plot (follow my dream or not?) and make an enjoyable story out of it. The movie also creates a believable and likable--and most importantly--ethical young man for the title role, which is definitely rare in today's films. I don't require movies to be about good characters--most of my favorite movies aren't about them--but I like knowing some people can still make movies about such people.
Oh yeah! You really hit the nail on the head. This is an emotional, beautiful, superbly-crafted movie, Deceptively simple is so right.
There are two things on my mind right now: that some of the observations on IMDB are so wrong-headed, and that I adore this movie for its unique gifts.
There are several themes in this movie that get a unique treatment since it is, more than anything, a story about character rather than plot.
Johnny has so defined himself as a nice guy: in his sports analysis, his politeness, his treatment of others. This is the linchpin of the movie and brings up some important questions.
Are you always doing someone a favor by being nice, or can it really hurt them? What does it mean to be true to yourself when part of that is selflessness? What kind of promise is a promise to give up a dream?
Every scene of this movie through the dialogue and portayal is rife these and other themes. Johnny's 'promises' become a major theme before the film is a third of the way through. He promised to get her the bag, to not wear the baseball cap, to wear a suit to the interview, that if he wasn't earning $50K by the time he turned 25.... literary zeugma indeed.
Now about the criticism I hear most often:
Is it predictable? Every drama from the Oresteia on down is about a central question... In this case, will he take the job? It is never in doubt what the ending is about. it is called Writing for the Ending. It creates dramatic impetus. So in this movie, yes, we know the conclusion will be essentially he will or won't take the job.
But there is no way to know that the job interview will never happen at all. Or that we will see a scene with the father, see him use the arguments that Uncle Terry (who he openly despises) gave him, that those arguments would be so easily shot down, or that he won't hook up with Brooke before leaving New York. At the point he leaves Brooke, he is fully expecting to go on the interview.
The ending could have been he he goes on the interview or that he is not offered the job, or any number of things. Even when he goes back to Claire, he continues trying to salvage their relationship which is not at all a given or that she would counter, "what about my dreams?"
Furthermore, there is no closure to his relationship to Brooke; it ends with hopefulness, but nothing definite. Just the fact that he repeats back what Uncle Terry said is a surprise after he called Uncle Terry a scumbag.
Is it a comedy? Well, it's not a tragedy. There are a couple of funny moments with Terry, but if anything it is a comedy of character.
Despite a couple of lighthearted moments, it's a drama played with seriousness. Even the comedy is done within character and consistency, like when Uncle Terry never answers a question with a straight answer. Not a big deal is made of this, nobody calls him on it, but it is humorous. "Did you do something with Claire's purse?" Followed by, "You left the purse in the car?" Instead of answering the question.
Yes, it is a romantic movie, which is not a surprise even before you step in the theatre. That is 99% of movies. But this one shines for those who are open to the idea that stories can be more than plots, and that great writing does not hit you over the head with its themes until you are black and blue.