Who would have known she'd disown me for one film?!?!
Dear Hollywood,
I took my *ahem* year old grandmother on a date last night. We decided to go to see a film, and knowing Grandma and her sentimental bend, I decided to purchase an adult ticket ($10) and a senior pass ($7) for the loosely plugged hit romantic comedy "How Do You Know?" No concessions were harmed in the viewing of this film. Had I purchased a $20 popcorn or 57 oz Coke, one or both would have flown at the screen towards the end of this putrid excuse for a comedy. As the super elderly couple in the front row stated, loudly, as the end credits ran down the screen, "That was a stupid movie." I didn't even mind the fact that they talked, loudly, through the entire film, as I KNEW I WAS NOT MISSING ANYTHING.
To say I am a little upset at the wasted potential of this film is an understatement. I've been a fan of Reese Witherspoon in past films in this genre, and had high hopes that her ethereal presence would make me like her character, Lisa, who was basically a shell of a woman with no path, no goals except to figure out which of the not so great male leads she would end up with at the conclusion of this stinker of a film. Paul Rudd has been a favorite of mine since his initial role in Clueless, to the point where I actually sat through "The Chateau" because of my love of his quirky smile and gorgeous green eyes. His portrayal of George, a lost soul going through a rough patch in his life, would have been endearing had he not been so annoying. Owen Wilson, as Matty, is his typical idiot self, and though I sometimes find him charming, in this film he was just a blank slate and a jackass. Jack Nicholson was completely misused in this film, with James L. Brooks directing him to basically be loud.
Even the supporting cast was wasted in this movie, with no snarky best friend for the leading lady, and a weird secretary/friend for George played by Kathryn Hahn, usually a comedic support superstar who I love to see do anything. Not so in this movie. Her character, an overly emotional pregnant woman with episodic rage, was trite and a bit too over the top for the context of the film. Yawn. Challenge this woman, for goodness sake!!
It felt like the cast was sleeping through this entire 2 hour 10 minute movie. If you are going to make a romantic comedy that is that long, please, for the love of all that is holy, give it some spark and at least throw in a romantic tune from Norah Jones or Sara Bareilles for the sentimental saps who will pay to see this movie again on DVD or on Netflix.
Please, Hollywood. Challenge us as your audience, and challenge these actors. Let's see their talents shine rather than tarnish their reputations. Direct them. Build worlds for us to experience. Take us on a journey. Let me live vicariously through these characters, not want to kill myself from disappointment. Thanks.
Sincerely,
Lauren
*Edited cause Grandma read it and got mad that I put her age.
