Praise from the Press
“Such a novel film … extremely entertaining and enlightening…. ”
– Debbie Elias, Behind the Lens, Adrenaline Radio
“Ovid and the Art of Love couldn’t have come at a better time...Its social and political commentary will resonate with audiences ... Corbin Bleu (High School Musical, Dancing with the Stars) is charming as he breathes life into modern-day Ovid and finds his purpose in the urban streets of Detroit.“
– Mercedes Vizcaino, Don’t Suck My Collagen
“...the ideas and exploits of the poet leap from the page to vivid life on the streets of Detroit — the social imbalances and political tensions of which are intended to reflect those of Rome under the reign of the emperor Augustus (John Savage). Wisely, the film doesn’t strain for ill-fitting Trump-era parallels, instead cultivating a vaguer, more timeless sense of youthful chafing against adult order.”
– Variety
“It's a confident conceit that works, because when biopics entertain you with a unique approach like this one, the wild anachronisms only make the film pop more.”
– RogerEbert.com
“Filled with dichotomy and intrigue … Corbin Bleu was perfectly cast as the young poet Ovid. His journey becomes one of hope intertwined with the politics of Rome.”
– Mark Sugiyama, Eclectic Arts
“Our struggles with love and relationships just resonate. The same problems that people had in the Roman era we continue to struggle with today…. You rarely see in films today [such] adult conversation about love and relationships. We get caught up in movie tropes, but this movie does not do that, and that’s why I think it is so compelling and why I strongly recommend it.”
– Chris Gore, Film Threat
“The comedic focus on everyday absurdities that are constant from the ancient world up to now makes it fun. Watch this one with your quarantine buddies and you’ll certainly have a lot to talk about when you’re done.”
– FF2 Media
“Corbin Bleu masterfully transforms into the poet Ovid, whose work has been cherished for over 2,000 years, while John Savage gives an electrifying performance as Augustus, Ovid’s conflicted nemesis.”
– Vimooz
“Though Detroit may seem like an unusual backdrop for a classic story of government intrigue, politicking, and romance, the urban setting works … attracting an aware, woke audience who are almost certainly overdue for discovery of the charms of a 2000 year old poet.”
– Picture This Post
“[Ovid and the Art of Love is] is a reminder that the voice of even one person daring to take a stand can make a difference in monumental ways.”
– Asha Dahya, Girl Talk HQ
“Writer/director Esme von Hoffman has taken the risk of trying to blend the customs and costumes of Ancient Rome with the vibe of 21st century America … giving viewers a sometimes quirky, sometimes humorous, and sometimes brutal film that is unlike most of the fare on today’s big screens.”
– Theatre Byte