Synopsis: In He’s Just Not That Into You, a variety of interconnecting story arcs focus on relationships, and how to read the signals people give each other in matters of dating and love.
Release Date: February 6, 2009 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Comedy, Romance
Film Review
Production
The world of dating is examined and torn apart in He’s Just Not That Into You, and not for the better of the viewer or the characters. The entire movie is spent showing what the women in the film are doing wrong, or how they are wronging others, and everyone comes across as a needy, desperate, and pathetic being. This is not a feel-good movie for the single girl or guy as it does not promote understanding one’s self but instead how to play a game with one another and hope you are the “exception, not the rule”.
Writing
The dialogue throughout He’s Just Not That Into You is catchy and full of humorous remarks that may cause the viewer to laugh for a moment. The script as a whole though does not provide any character with much of anything and everyone appears one-dimensional and self-centered for the duration. The story is really just tidbits of information on what happens when people date and the signals they give to each other but it does not even attempt to delve deeper into why they do the things they do; leaving the viewer completely unattached and baffled as to why anyone would really want to be with any of these characters.
Acting
The only performance worth mentioning in He’s Just Not That Into You is that of Ginnifer Goodwin as Gigi. Playing the most desperate of them all to find love and happiness she expresses the pain and frustration of dating with an undeniable sweetness. Her character is difficult to like, given the magnitude of her issues with how she handles relationships, but there is something Ginnifer brings to the role that helps you overlook the flaws and see the good inside Gigi. She becomes the saving grace of the film and her scenes a welcome relief.
Chemistry
In a large cast of characters, you would expect some would have a delightful chemistry. This is not the case. With all the coupling going on not one of them really appears to be at ease with the other or have that certain spark the viewer desires to see in a movie between love interests.
Comedy Factor
Any person who has ever dated will find a variety of comedic moments in He’s Just Not That Into You. The issue is that these moments are funny because you are laughing at someone and their predicament, not with them. It makes for a very shallow response.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Ken Kwapis
- Screenwriters: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein
- Cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Gigi), Kevin Connolly (Conor), Scarlett Johansson (Anna), Bradley Cooper (Ben), Justin Long (Alex), Ben Affleck (Neil), Jennifer Aniston (Beth), Jennifer Connelly (Janine), Busy Phillips (Kelli Ann), Drew Barrymore (Mary), Natasha Leggero (Amber)
- Editor(s): Cara Silverman
- Cinematographer: Cliff Eidelman
- Country Of Origin: USA, Germany
