A Lot Like Love
-Directed by: Nigel Cole
Starring:
Ashton Kutcher - Oliver
Amanda Peet - Emily
One of my main complaints about this film is that it's been done before. Of course, when it comes to romantic comedies that statement can be used a lot. This film's saving grace is that it's stars keep a formulaic script from ruining a movie going experience. It stars Ashton Kutcher as Oliver who meets a recently dumped Emily on a plane where they have sex, and begin a seven year off and on relationship. I'd be ok with them meeting, and re-meeting. It's happened before, but where I have the problem is that them having sex seems awfully pointless. Is sex the new conversation in movies these days? I feel like it forces the viewers to lose a certain sense of intelligence about this film, and doesn't really give a solid sense of connection to it's main characters.
Again though, I have to return to the fact that Kutcher and Peet give a certain light heartedness to the script that its awfully fun to watch. You can tell that these two got along by the easy byplay they have in scene after scene. With Kutcher's years in TV comedy, as well as other comedic film roles he is a good choice for something like this. You get to see him as more than just the bumbling buffoon. He shows that he's advanced far beyond that to the point where star vehicles should rise to meet his talent. For her part, Amanda Peet has stepped outside of just being the second fiddle in movies. She can carry the role of leading lady with a lightheartedness that's appealing. Like I said, I see her doing the same things Sandra Bullock has done with great success.
You need to know though that there's some pretty strong language in this film which is pushing the PG-13 rating a bit, as well as casual sex and drinking and smoking. That, coupled with the fact that this movie really isn't all that great, leads me not to recommend it. Just be patient, the really GOOD movies are coming soon.
-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
indigojenn@earthlink.net
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3 Comments
I have not seen this movie, as I am not a fan of Ashton Kutcher, I felt it's rating meant it was not appropriate, and it seems to treat sex rather casually. I see by your review that I was right about the last point. My concern is about the review, that it seems to say: I don't recommend it because of the casual and frequent sex and the extreme profanity, but it's still quite entertaining and funny. Sounds to me like a mixed message.
It does treat sex casually, and I apologize if I didn't make my point clear. I think if the sex in the movie hadn't been there it would have been a passably charming movie. I didn't like it, and I don't recommend it because of it's tastless handling of sex and the fact that it was, on occasion dumb. Hope that clears things up.
The title "A Lot Like Love" gives away what the world believes is love. Sex does not equal love. I think this movie is just one more way the world tries to put into our minds that Sex=Love/Happiness/Whatever. It doesn't. I would never support a movie that tries to tell me that.
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