Zen and the Art of Lechery

FANFAIR

DONAL LOGUE MASTERS THE TAO OF STEVE

Jenniphr Goodman’s directorial debut, The Tao of Steve, tells the story of Dex, a truly postmodern ladies’ man, triumphantly played by Donal Logue, who won the best-actor award at Sundance this year. Dex is a libidinous thirtysomething who studies the moves of three icons of cool— Steve McQueen, Steve McGarrett, and Steve Austin. Channeling their mojo, he develops a philosophy which allows him to seduce any woman with astonishing ease. His success is all the more astonishing given that Dex is an overweight, underambitious, Santa Fe kindergarten teacher with a penchant for Frisbee golf. While the film’s funnier moments hinge ~ on Dex’s various exploits and “Taoist” teachings (prepare to hear some of the dialogue uttered by frat boys), the story primarily revolves around his relationship with Syd, a woman completely unimpressed by his charms who eventually challenges him to grow up. The plot does veer into familiar romantic-comedy territory, but Goodman and co-screenwriter Duncan North—who based the script on some of his own life experiences—ultimately create an insightful variation of the “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” genre, with a breakout performance by Logue that will make him a hero to slacker Casanovas everywhere. (Rating: ★★)

KRISTA SMITH