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Alex & the List
Alex & the List
Alex & the List
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Alex & The List
Theatrical release poster
Directed byHarris Goldberg
Written by
  • Harris Goldberg
  • Kristen D'Alessio
Produced byKristen D'Alessio
Starring
CinematographyDavid McFarland
Edited byRichard Nord
Music byRyan Shore
Production
companies
  • Goose's List
  • Signature Entertainment
Distributed byGravitas Ventures
Release date
  • May 4, 2018 (2018-05-04)
Running time
111 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Alex & The List is a 2018 American romantic comedy film, directed by Harris Goldberg, from a screenplay by Goldberg and Kristen D'Alessio. It stars Jennifer Morrison, Patrick Fugit, and Karen Gillan.

The film was released on May 4, 2018, by Gravitas Ventures.

Premise

[edit]

Alex receives a list of all the things his girlfriend Katherine wants him to change about himself on their way to becoming the ideal couple. Although he instinctively rejects the suggestion that he needs to change anything, he decides to do so after noticing the looming threat of a new competitor.

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

In May 2013, it was announced Jennifer Morrison, Patrick Fugit, Karen Gillan, Aaron Staton, Eddie Kaye Thomas, Giles Marini, JoBeth Williams, and Victoria Tennant, joined the cast of the film, with Harris Goldberg, directing from a screenplay written by himself and Kristen D'Alessio; the two would also produce the film, while Goose's List would produce and finance the film. Production began the same day.[1][2]

Release

[edit]

The film was released on May 4, 2018, by Gravitas Ventures.[3][4]

In April 2019, production company Signature Entertainment released the same film under the name Marriage Material on DVD.[5]

Critical reception

[edit]

Brian Orndorf from Blu-ray.com gave the film a "D", and wrote "A moronic empowerment tale where the lead character is dumbed down to such a degree, it's almost difficult to believe he's capable of standing upright without falling over."[6] Katie Walsh from Los Angeles Times wrote in her review "A great cast cannot save the dramatically inert and totally inept rom-com Alex & The List, which is short on both the rom and the com", and that the cast "just can’t get out from under the somnambulant, stereotypical sludge."[7]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Alex & the List

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alex & the List is a 2018 American romantic comedy film written and directed by , from a screenplay co-written with Kristen D'Alessio and Becca Johanson. The story follows (), a dog trainer preparing to propose to his girlfriend (), only to receive a list of behavioral changes she requires him to make before committing to marriage. As navigates these challenges, he encounters a romantic rival and enlists the support of his best friend (), leading to humorous and heartfelt situations. The film premiered at the Burbank International Film Festival on September 6, 2017, where it won for and Best Actress for , and received a in the United States on May 4, 2018. Running for 112 minutes, it features a supporting cast including as Katherine's father Mr. Stern and as the romantic rival Michael. Produced independently, Alex & the List explores themes of self-improvement and relationships with a lighthearted tone, though it received mixed reviews for its script and pacing. Critics noted the film's charming performances, particularly from Fugit and Gillan, but criticized its predictable plot and uneven humor, resulting in a 31% approval rating on based on 11 reviews. As of , it has found an audience on streaming platforms, available for free with ads on Prime Video and , or for rent or purchase on various services.

Overview

Plot

Alex, a devoted dog trainer, is eagerly planning to propose marriage to his girlfriend Katherine, a smart and ambitious woman whom he adores for her intelligence and warmth. On the night he intends to pop the question, Katherine instead hands him a list of specific changes she wants him to make, outlining areas where she believes he needs to grow for their relationship to move forward. Stunned by what he sees as an unreasonable demand, Alex initially rejects the list outright, insisting that true love should accept him as he is. Seeking guidance, he confides in his closest friends: Lily, his insightful best female friend; her pragmatic husband Michael; and Dave, his steadfast childhood companion, who all encourage him to reflect on the relationship's dynamics while offering varied perspectives on compromise. The plot intensifies when a suave and successful romantic rival begins pursuing , heightening Alex's sense of urgency and prompting him to reconsider the list as a pathway to demonstrating his commitment. With his friends' support, Alex embarks on tackling the tasks, navigating a series of humorous setbacks and incremental successes that test his resolve. Throughout his journey, the narrative arc traces Alex's evolution as he confronts challenges like enhancing his through rigorous training, advancing his career beyond his current unassuming role, and curbing certain social habits that Katherine finds grating. These efforts highlight the film's central thematic tension between pursuing self-improvement to strengthen a and preserving one's authentic self, blending lighthearted from Alex's awkward attempts with deeper reflections on relational authenticity and mutual compatibility. The story builds toward a climactic where Alex and Katherine must address whether these changes can bridge their differences or reveal fundamental incompatibilities.

Cast

Patrick Fugit stars as Alex Buckingham, the film's protagonist, a lovable dog trainer and aspiring kickboxer navigating personal growth through his relationship challenges. Jennifer Morrison plays Katherine Stern, Alex's girlfriend who creates a list of self-improvement suggestions for him, central to the narrative's premise. In supporting roles, portrays Lily, Alex's best friend and confidante who offers emotional guidance amid the list's scenarios. appears as Michael, Lily's husband who provides pragmatic advice to Alex. is cast as Dave, Alex's loyal but comedic buddy who adds humor to the group dynamic. Additional cast members include as Dr. Antonio Rosenblatt, serving as a romantic rival; as Mrs. Stern, a supporting maternal figure influencing family interactions; as Mr. Stern, Katherine's father; and in a minor role within Alex's . The ensemble emphasizes balanced rom-com support, with characters contributing to the film's relational and comedic elements without overshadowing the leads.

Production

Development

The project for Alex & the List was publicly announced on May 17, 2013, as an independent , with production commencing shortly thereafter under the The List. Goose's List LLC acquired and financed the , marking the start of efforts. directed the film and co-wrote the with Kristen D'Alessio, who also served as producer under her company Goose's List LLC. The original screenplay centered on relationship dynamics, drawing humor from self-improvement tropes as the tackles a list of personal changes to reconcile with his partner. Initial calls were held in 2013, with principal actors including , , and attached early in development. Pre-production wrapped quickly, with completed by late 2013 and underway, including composer Ryan Shore's score; the film was initially slated for a 2014 release. However, it experienced a five-year gap from announcement to its eventual premiere.

Filming

for Alex & the List took place from April 24 to June 24, 2013, spanning approximately two months in , . The independent production, handled by Goose's List, operated on a modest budget, emphasizing practical locations throughout the city's urban and suburban areas to authentically depict the of the , a dog trainer. The production filmed in settings like apartments and gyms that mirrored the character's .

Release

Distribution

Alex & the List was released in limited theatrical release and on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms in the United States on May 4, 2018, distributed by . The independent , filmed in 2013, faced a five-year delay before reaching audiences. Gravitas Ventures, a specializing in independent films, employed a targeted approach for Alex & the List, focusing on indie cinema circuits and major streaming platforms to reach romance-comedy enthusiasts. This model emphasized simultaneous limited theatrical and VOD availability rather than a , consistent with the company's VOD-centric operations for non-blockbuster titles. International distribution remained limited, with no significant wide rollout reported beyond . The film's box office performance was negligible, with an unreported domestic gross from its restricted screen count, underscoring the VOD-prioritized strategy over theatrical revenue goals. Marketing efforts highlighted the ensemble cast, including and , and the film's rom-com premise through official trailers released in April . To generate buzz, the movie screened at smaller festivals such as the Phoenix Film Festival in and the Burbank International Film Festival in 2017.

Home media

In the United States, Alex & the List was released on (VOD) by on May 4, 2018. The DVD and Blu-ray editions followed on July 3, 2018, distributed by the same company. For international markets, particularly the and select regions, the film was retitled Marriage Material and issued on DVD by . This alternate title shifted focus toward the film's themes of relationships and matrimony, diverging from the original's emphasis on a personal improvement list. As of November 2025, Alex & the List (under both titles) maintains a steady presence on digital platforms without major re-releases. It is available for free ad-supported streaming on and Xumo Play in the United States, and on in the . Purchase and rental options include Apple TV and at Home. Blu-ray availability remains limited to initial pressings and select retailers, with no widespread collector editions noted. The post-2020 growth in ad-supported streaming has enhanced accessibility through free trials on these services.

Reception

Critical reception

Alex & the List received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with aggregate scores reflecting limited enthusiasm for its execution as a . On , the film holds a 31% approval rating based on 11 reviews, indicating a generally unfavorable reception among professional critics. While user ratings on average 4.8 out of 10 from over 3,700 votes, professional critiques focused primarily on structural and tonal deficiencies rather than audience appeal. Critics frequently lambasted the film's script for its formulaic approach to the rom-com genre, particularly the trope of a transformative "" that fails to innovate or deliver genuine laughs. Brian Orndorf of Blu-ray.com awarded it a "D" grade, describing the narrative as a "moronic tale" with a "dumbed down" and a lack of chemistry that leaves the story feeling abrasive and confusing rather than endearing. Similarly, Katie Walsh in the criticized the absence of both romance and humor, calling it "dramatically inert and totally inept," with an unbelievable central love story, painful jokes, and a stereotypical that squanders its talented cast including and . These reviews underscored common complaints about underdeveloped characters and an inability to balance comedic elements with emotional depth, resulting in a plodding pace and generic tone. Despite the predominant negativity, some reviewers noted occasional strengths in the ensemble's light-hearted interactions. For instance, a review in The Prague Reporter praised the film's amicable vibe and engaging lead performance by Fugit, though it conceded the comedy rarely elevates beyond mild amusement. Positive mentions of supporting cast chemistry, such as contributions from Karen Gillan and others, appeared sparingly but highlighted moments where the film's breezy tone briefly shone through the formulaic plotting. Overall, the critical consensus positioned Alex & the List as a missed opportunity in the rom-com space, hampered by execution rather than intent.

Audience response

Audience reception to Alex & the List has been generally unfavorable, mirroring the film's critical consensus with low aggregate scores across major platforms. On , it holds an average rating of 4.8 out of 10, based on over 4,000 user votes as of November 2025. Similarly, reports an audience score of 31% from over 50 verified ratings, indicating a divide where some viewers found it mildly engaging while others deemed it forgettable. Viewers who appreciated the film often highlighted its relatable exploration of relationship dynamics and Karen Gillan's charismatic comedic performance, describing it as a light, "" indie rom-com with likable characters and occasional humorous lines. These positive sentiments emphasize the film's amicable tone and quirky premise, appealing to fans of low-stakes romantic comedies. However, common criticisms focus on the predictable plot and lack of narrative twists, with many audiences expressing over underdeveloped supporting characters, particularly the female roles, and a pacing that fails to sustain laughs or emotional depth. Online aggregators like reflect this with an average user score of 2.6 out of 5 from 583 ratings, where reviewers frequently call it "mildly amusing but ultimately unmemorable." In terms of lasting impact, the film has not achieved notable cultural legacy or awards recognition, experiencing steady but limited viewership on streaming services into the without developing a significant .

References

  1. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/alex_and_the_list
  2. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/releaseinfo/
  4. https://www.metacritic.com/movie/alex-the-list/
  5. https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/the-list-2015
  6. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/plotsummary/
  7. http://www.gate23films.com/media/alex-and-the-list/
  8. https://letterboxd.com/film/alex-the-list/
  9. https://watch.plex.tv/movie/alex-and-the-list
  10. https://screenrant.com/karen-gillan-roles-ranked/
  11. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/333676-alex-the-list/cast
  12. https://deadline.com/2013/05/harris-goldberg-puts-the-list-into-production-502800/
  13. https://filmmusicreporter.com/2013/11/09/ryan-shore-to-score-the-list/
  14. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/locations/
  15. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/companycredits/
  16. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/fullcredits/
  17. https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Alex-and-The-List
  18. https://www.filmindependent.org/blog/a-guide-to-independent-film-distribution-in-the-21st-century/
  19. https://www.the-numbers.com/market/distributor/Gravitas-Ventures
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2905082/releaseinfo
  21. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6c2dmfW64o
  22. https://www.apocalypselaterfilm.com/2000/07/phoenix-film-festival-2018.html
  23. https://www.firstshowing.net/2018/first-trailer-for-romantic-comedy-alex-the-list-with-karen-gillan/
  24. https://www.blu-ray.com/dvd/Alex-and-The-List-DVD/158368/
  25. https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a63633251/karen-gillan-marriage-material-prime-video/
  26. https://play.xumo.com/free-movies/alex-and-the-list/XM0RERRLV0AA03
  27. https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Alex-and-The-List-Blu-ray/196876/#Review
  28. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-capsule-alex-and-the-list-review-20180502-story.html
  29. https://www.praguereporter.com/home/2018/5/4/movie-review-alex-the-list-a-likeable-indie-comedy/
  30. https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/alex_and_the_list/reviews?type=user
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