These Ladies Like To Party..."How To Be Single"

How To Be Single (2016)

Rated R

Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Alison Brie, Anders Holm, Damon Wayans Jr., Nicholas Braun, Jake Lacy, Jason Mantzoukas,

Directed by Christian Ditter

The Story:

Alice (Johnson) has been dumped by her boyfriend (Braun), so she sets out to get over him with a new job, new friends, and a new attitude in New York City! Her circle of friends include Robin (Wilson), Meg (Mann), and Lucy (Brie) each with their own foibles and crises. Of course, in a town full of eligible bachelors, they ladies run into some interesting characters as well (Holm, Wayans Jr., Lacy, Mantzoukas). But, just when you think you know how these relationships are going to end, stick around, because you might be pleasantly surprised...or disappointed!

It's a tough line to balance an R rated comedy that wants to have both raunch and heart, and this film is no different.

Thankfully, it's a fantastic cast, so it's easy to laugh with, and at, their predicaments.

I won't spoil which couples work and which ones don't, because that's half the fun of the film is watching these characters learn to realize what is most important to them, and who do they want to spend their time with.

Another nice touch, as the film is focused on the ladies as the stars, the guys come off rather well, upending some cliches that often are standard with romantic comedy fare.

As usual, Jason Mantzoukas kills it in every scene he's in. I'm not sure if he'll ever be the lead in a comedy, but as long as they keep casting him as a supporting player, I'll always give that movie a chance!

It's a little long for a comedy, but not unbearably so. There's a bit of wandering in the narrative as well, which seems like a 2 birds with one stone killing could have made a few of the issues go away.


Final Grade: C+

You May Not "Love, Rosie"... But You'll Probably Like Her

Love, Rosie (2014)

Rated R

Starring Lily Collins, Sam Claflin

Directed by Christian Ditter

The Story:

Alex (Claflin) and Rosie (Collins) are best friends. Have been for years. One night, Alex finally kisses Rosie, but doesn't get the reaction he was hoping for. Fast forward through the years and watch as these two who should have always been together slowly begin to realize what mistakes they've made in their relationship. Is it too late for these two?

Don't take my lack of listing any other actors as a snub on their efforts.

However, this film centers around Alex and Rosie, and Collins and Claflin do their level best to make you like them both and empathize with their situations so very well.

I'd liken Claflin to "the next Hugh Grant"  as his portrayal mirrors much of the great work that Grant has done over the years, especially in the romantic comedy genre.

Otherwise, not too familiar with either of their work, which means yes, I'm one of the few people on Earth yet to see The Hunger Games.

Maybe someday.

And no, I've never read the book upon which the movie is based, so I cannot comment about the differences between the book or the movie.

Of course there are going to be differences, books and movies are different mediums.

;)

So if you're in need of a romantic comedy this upcoming Valentine's season, if you've not seen this one yet, it's a good place to start.

Final Grade: B-