The Tao of Steve review

certificate_15

THE TAO OF STEVE

The Tao of Steve is an indie comedy that examines much the same theme as the recent box office hit What Women Want - the eternal difficulty men face in understanding the opposite sex. The Steve of the title is McQueen, seen by a bunch of thirtysomething acolytes in Santa Monica as He Who Must Be Copied - the All-American guy who women cannot resist. While this movie won't capture a smattering of the box office of the Gibson/Hunt vehicle, it does have more than its fair share of smart lines and observations to keep the audience amused enough throughout.

It's 10 year reunion time at Santa Monica college, and naturally enough, the participants are gossiping about how everyone looks and whether their careers are deemed successful or not. Everyone seems shocked at the sight of Dex (Donal Logue), the college Lothario who in his heyday could bed any woman he wanted: he's turned into a fat, dope-smoking, part-time kindergarten teacher. But he still appears to be bedding the same number of women: so what's his secret? This is basically the premise of the whole movie, as we follow Dex expounding his theory on seducing the ladies.

And it's a pretty simple theory. After gorging himself on every Eastern philosophy handbook going and watching The Great Escape until he knows all the lines, Dex has devised a three point plan which he claims is infallible. Firstly, never express interest in sleeping with a woman: once she knows you want sex with her it's an instant turn- off. Secondly, do something 'excellent' in her presence. Anything at all, just make sure that you do it really well. Finally, just when you have sparked her interest, feign complete ambivalence towards her - that way she's bound to start chasing you. According to the world of Dex, following these three points is a virtual guarantee of success and judging by the number of women he continues to sleep with, who's to say he's wrong?

Cupid, that's who. Predictably enough, the film tests Dex's resolve by introducing him to a woman who represents more than a one night stand to him. Syd (Greer Goodman) is a theatre designer in town for a few days for the reunion, and Dex becomes instantly smitten with her. Will his legendary resolve be able to hold up against the forces of love?