The Greatest Showman#649 - 1 piece of praise
"Los Angeles Times" – 95
"As the story concludes, Love Crazy leaves the audience pondering: Is this all déjà vu? Have we been through this before? Was it heart-wrenching? Does it endure forever? Can a moth-to-flame love leave lasting traces? In the final scene, Renly Hall's penetrating gaze says it all."
"The Hollywood Reporter" – 100
"For just $250,000, this movie stands tall, outshining films with budgets exceeding $100 million. It's true, sincere, delicate, moving, with a depth that lingers long after. Renly Hall, Jennifer Lawrence, and Felicity Jones deliver the best performances of the year."
"US Weekly" – 100
"'Love Crazy' conveys the simplest truth: love can make you tremble and devastate you. It's no one's fault; it's simply life. Renly Hall confirms his status as a leader of Generation Y acting—unshakable!"
"Empire" – 90
"Renly Hall is astounding! Sundance cheered for him, and believe me, so will you. His performance captures the hearts of every audience member, never letting go by the end."
"The Wall Street Journal" – 85
"A throwback story told in a familiar and light way, Derek Doremus shows exceptional directorial skill, both on stage and behind the scenes. Renly Hall shines brightly on screen, turning a simple story into something full of sorrow and wonder."
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The compliments keep pouring in, a constant wave of praise. While such recognition has long been anticipated, Sundance's affirmation serves as a prime example. Yet, when reading these unified voices of praise, the shock is undeniable. From Buried Alive to Fast & Furious 5, and now Love Crazy, Renly has triumphed with three consecutive hits. Add Pacific War to the mix, and since his public debut, Renly has achieved the "Big Four" feat.
Looking at the sources of these comments—top-tier authoritative media outlets—it becomes crystal clear: Renly Hall has successfully earned the love and support of the mainstream media. This is no small achievement.
In Hollywood, it's common for an actor to star in an outstanding independent film, securing an Oscar nomination and the adoration of critics. There have been many such actors in the last five years alone, like Gabourey Sidibe and Mo'Nique in Precious, Ellen Page in Juno, Saoirse Ronan in Atonement, Ryan Gosling in Half Nelson, Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls, Abigail Breslin in Little Miss Sunshine, and Amy Adams in Junebug.
And more recently, Jesse Eisenberg from The Social Network, Jennifer Lawrence from Winter's Bone, Hailee Steinfeld from True Grit, and Renly Hall from Buried Alive have followed similar paths.
Each year, a few newcomers emerge, often overlooked unless recognized by the Oscars or the awards season. Many of these stars, unfortunately, fade quickly. Some find continued work in independent films, but they often remain forgotten, with careers that ebb and flow.
Even winning an Oscar doesn't guarantee long-lasting success, let alone a nomination. Early in the year, the attention surrounding first-time Oscar nominees like Jesse Eisenberg has largely fizzled. Hailee Steinfeld has disappeared from the spotlight, and while Jennifer Lawrence has appeared in two major films—X-Men: First Class and The Hunger Games—her future remains uncertain.
But Renly? Only Renly. First, Fast & Furious 5 was a resounding success, and then Love Crazy garnered even more attention. Not to mention his roles in Anti-Cancer Me and the upcoming Transcendence. Renly's career trajectory has been challenging, but it's undeniably solid.
Not only mainstream media but also niche independent outlets have showered Renly with praise.
Indieire, a prestigious online platform founded by independent filmmakers, has dubbed Love Crazy the equivalent of Blue Valentine this year. According to them, director Derek Doremus has captured the intricacies of a love story—from budding romance to eventual dissolution—with a focus on relationship dynamics that adds immense depth to the performances of Renly Hall and Felicity Jones.
"Village Voice" – 80
"A fun indie movie that starts light-hearted but deepens as the characters face tests. This is not Blue Valentine, but Love Crazy, featuring two actors giving Oscar-worthy performances."
"Film Salon" – 83
"If you've experienced the fragility and power of love, you'll resonate deeply with Love Crazy."
Time-Out – 78
"Love Crazy is an intimate and delicate film—too real and too cruel for some. But once you are moved by it, its raw fragility will win you over."
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From mainstream media to independent outlets, Love Crazy has received universal praise. It's clear that Renly's acting achievements are not overshadowed by his roles in commercial films. From Buried Alive to Love Crazy, and soon Anti-Cancer Me, Renly's dedication to his craft shines through each performance.
In Fast & Furious 5, Renly's character captivated audiences, adding charm and courage to a series previously criticized for its lack of nuanced acting. His presence has quietly altered the dynamics of the franchise, which highlights his strategic importance.
Beyond the media's admiration, audience enthusiasm has pushed Renly to new heights.
The New York Post, representing the voice of the masses, commented: "Renly Hall's handsome face, his clear eyes, every movement, every smile, is enough to satisfy every female viewer—and even the male audience. His portrayal of a nerdy, goofy, but tender man melts hearts. Don't you want a relationship with Renly Hall?"
This lighthearted comment, despite being the lowest-rated review at 73, reflects the audience's collective yearning for Love Crazy. The premiere saw massive crowds, and by the second day, additional screenings were being added. The demand for Love Crazy was so overwhelming that extra sessions were scheduled, with the number of screenings increasing from four per day to seven. This surge in popularity left people wondering if Love Crazy was on its way to winning the People's Choice Award.