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GRADE: A-
DVD • At the intersection of science fiction and romantic comedy stands "Safety Not Guaranteed," a thoughtful and lively comedy-drama that embodies the best of both genres. Darius ("Parks and Recreation's" Aubrey Plaza) is a dour Gen Y magazine intern who draws the assignment to join one of the magazine's full-time reporters (Jake M. Johnson, from "New Girl") and a nerdy fellow intern (Karan Soni) to check out a classified ad seeking a companion for time travel. At first blush, the man placing the ad, Kenneth (Mark Duplass), seems like a nutcase — but as she digs deeper, Darius discovers he's a kindred soul seeking to undo the past mistakes of his life. With Derek Connelly's warm, witty script (which won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at this year's Sundance Film Festival), director Colin Trevorrow employs a low-key approach and delightful performances by Plaza and Duplass to tell this gentle, moving story of finding love at the least-expected time.
Sean P. Means —
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