[yasr_overall_rating]
A good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in.
Well I’m just saying this was a surprise right out of left field. Romantic Comedy is not my favorite of genres as it takes a lot for me to actually LOL. I’m one of those people that rolls their eyes at the people guffawing around me at the smallest comedic crack. I have to hand to the casting in this film which was filled with natural comedians that were just so quick with their dialogue and wit.
We meet Lainey (Alison Brie) as a college student intent on losing her virginity to her first love, Matthew (Adam Scott) And boy, oh boy, is he a borefest! Matthew is not answering his dormitory door…Enter Jake (Jason Sudeikis) whose humor and wittiness make this film. He is outstanding in with his one-liners and hilarious references that only the ‘80’s crowd would get. He takes Lainey out of a hairy situation and before the night is over they both have lost their virginity.
Fast-forward 12 years and we once again meet Lainey who is still in love with and having an affair with that “yawn” Matthew even though he is engaged. Jake, due to his cheating, cannot keep a woman in his life. Ahhh…it is blatantly obvious where this is going. But that’s okay because we know this movie formula and it’s fun to watch. Lainey and Jake meet once again at a sex-addiction support group. I mean, really, why not? A supermarket would not have been nearly as entertaining. As they reacquaint with each other they learn they have a lot in common including not being able to sustain a relationship because of their need to “sleep with other people.” They delve deep into their conversations, humor none the lacking, and explore why they cheat as they vow to be “only friends.” Yeah..we’ve all heard that before and at this point anyone can predict the outcome.
As they try to withstand a friends-only relationship there is definitely sexual undertones, which again does not make for a surprise ending. As time passes, they remain just friends as Lainey works on getting over Matthew. When Lainey is admitted into medical school in a different state, Jake accepts this and tries his hand at monogamy with Paula (Amanda Peet). Paula is wise and understands where Jake’s true heart lies. Predictable? Sure, but it is a nice solid film that is enjoyable and entertaining.
The supporting actors added spice and humor especially Xander (Jason Mantzoukas) and his wife Hannah (Andrea Savage) as the adorable couple that really want Jake and Lainey to be a couple. This film is serious and reflective at times but also an LOL film about relationships.
In select theaters including the Angelika Film Center and the AMC North Park in Dallas September 25th
