Ah, February. Time for some lame romantic comedies and other doldrums offerings from the movie industry. Or so we have come to expect.
However, this year’s lead romantic comedy manages to be good, if not quite original.
“He’s Just Not That Into You” has a blunt, if slightly awkward, title, that really only describes one of the several storylines in this look at relationships in the 21st century.
Okay, I admit my soft spot for romantic comedies and these “relationship” films. It reminds of movies like “St. Elmo’s Fire” and similar films I grew up with. This movie follows the same basic plots but with just enough innovation took keep it interesting.
The title plot goes to Gig (Ginnifer Goodwin), a young girl who can’t seem to figure out why guys don’t caller her back. Then she meets Alex (Justin Long), who gives her frank advice on the man’s point of view on dating.
The other plots involve a couple (Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck) that has been together for seven happy years until the idea of marriage comes between them; a young realtor (Kevin Connolly) who is in love with a yoga instructor (Scarlett Johansson) who toys with his affections, but is really interested in Ben (Bradley Cooper), who is married to his college sweetheart (Jennifer Connelly). Throw in to the mix is Drew Barrymore, executive producer, who plays one of the girls who has a lot of angst over the multi-media world of dating in the new millennium.
It is all been done before, plot-wise, and on the surface, you wouldn’t expect to be impressed. I know I didn’t, but this turned out to be surprisingly good. You really get involved in the characters’ lives and hope everything works out. Of course, nothing surprising happens. Nevertheless, even that doesn’t damper the feel well, date movie vibe you get watching it.
About the only surprise acting-wise is with Affleck. After a long string of bringing down movies with some placid performances that put off moviegoers, Affleck actually comes across as likable in this film. Maybe it is because of the minimal screen time or the fact that he was paired with Aniston, who just makes any scene better, but you’re almost surprised that it is Affleck in the role.
I would recommend this movie as a great date movie with Valentines Day coming, however I will warn you. If you are in one of these situations, you might just have to face facts and put your relationship to the test.
(Originally Published by the Myrtle Beach Herald)
