I’ve always said I like to state my biases before I review something, so I have to admit I consider Romantic Comedies one of the lowest forms of cinema there is next to slasher films. The typical romantic comedy is usually riddled with clichés and involves unrealistic people reacting to unrealistic situations in unrealistic ways (as opposed to super hero movies of course :-)). I think it is more the unoriginality of them that I find so offensive as, despite my distaste for the genre, some of my favorite films fall into that category. Movies such as ‘500 Days of Summer’, ‘Love Actually’, and “When Harry Met Sally’ are all well written and inspiring works of cinema. Given my openness to respect those films, I tend to blame the producers of the genre itself rather than my fickle tastes. So, needless to say, I approached ‘Sleeping With Other People’ with much trepidation. Reluctantly I confess, that for what it was, I was pleasantly surprised by the wit and execution of this film written and directed by Leslye Headland.
The success of any romantic comedy relies on the likability of the two leads. We have to have a fondness for them and want to see them get together. Sometimes the genre goes for sheer star power and attractiveness (a la Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson), which usually means a stale and uninspired story follows. Other times, as the case with this film, two characters who are just plain likable are given witty dialogue and realistic problems that many people can understand and relate to. One would be hard pressed to find two more likable comedic actors than Jason Sudakis and Alison Brie. Each is engaging and witty on their own and they bring that to the chemistry crested between the two of them.
Jake (Jason Sudakis) and Lainey (Alison Brie) lost their virginity to each other in their college dorm. They go their separate ways until after 12 years of dysfunctional relationships, they run into each other again at a sex addicts meeting. The chemistry is still there and they find a solace in being able to be open with each other about each other’s issues. Even though they both feel attraction for each other, they realize how much sex has ruined their relationships, so they decide to just remain friends. This proves easier said than done as they become closer to each other than most of their relationships and they are the first they turn to when things go wrong.
Like with “When Harry Met Sally” (seemingly the standard by which all romantic comedies are judged), the friendship goes through ups and downs while all the while being there for each other. The attraction is always evident and acknowledged, even if it is not acted upon. Without giving away too much of the plot, there are some surprising twists, but ultimately it is a romantic comedy and eventually the resolution finds its way back to comforting romantic clichés.
There are a lot of cliches in this film, no doubt about it, but a combination of Jake and Laney’s likeability combined with honest and witty dialogue makes up for any other faults the film may have. Strong supporting performances by Adam Brody and Amanda Peet as their respective competing love interests gives this film everything it needs to be an enjoyable time at the movies. Sure, this has everything you would expect from a romantic comedy (or dread depending on your perspective), but the humor is sharp enough to entertain anyone and Jason Sudakis has enough appeal and comedic timing to keep even the most jaded anti-romantic engaged.
This is a small quiet film that will not make much splash at the box office, but it is a great change of pace and will probably be a great date night movie at home, unless you are like me and have to see it in the theatre. Rated-R, but with surprisingly little nudity. Mostly for strong and candid dialogue. I recommend.
I give this *** stars
No comments:
Post a Comment