Synopsis: Ally Darling embarks on a quest to find the best “ex” of her life, by any means necessary, when she reads a magazine article warning that people who have had 20 or more relationships have missed their chance at true love.
Release Date: September 30, 2011 MPAA Rating: PG-13
Genre(s): Comedy, Romantic Comedy
Film Review
Production
Ally Darling (Anna Faris) has just broken up with yet another boyfriend, after making him vegetarian sausage for breakfast and then being told he will not accompany her to her sister’s wedding–ouch! As a single woman in Boston Ally has dated a few men, but not so many that she ever thought she would be considered slutty, promiscuous or any other derogatory termed used for women who are not virgins, or close to being one. During a subway ride on her way home after being fired from her job Ally picks up the latest issue of “Marie Claire” magazine and reads an article titled, “What’s Your Number?”. Anyone who has ever been in the dating scene knows exactly what that question refers to, and what an awkward question it is to be asked, or to ask. The catch with the article is that it says the average number of partners a woman has during her lifetime is 10.5 (how that .5 works itself in is curious). This tidbit of information makes Ally uncomfortable because she is above average, nearly twice the average to be exact. Matters only get worse when one of her sister’s friends tells her that women who have had more than twenty “relationships” are less likely to ever get married.
All of this newfound information has Ally thrown, and searching for a way to avoid going over the number twenty. The problem is, she has hit 20 and therefore she can never sleep with another man again–this is her rationale because Ally has gone a little crazy with all of this “numbering.” There is hope, or so she thinks, by finding all of the ex-boyfriends and seeing which one may have been the one that got away. People change over time, right? Her sister is marrying a guy from high school who was a total “douche,” who is now a great man. This gives Ally hope, and by enlisting the help of her womanizing neighbor Colin (Chris Evans) she tracks down each and every one of her exes.
The predictability behind What’s Your Number is a bit ridiculous. If you do not already know walking in that Ally and Colin will end up together than you have never seen a romantic comedy. What the film has going for it is the adorable awkwardness of Anna Faris, and the equally adorable yet masculine Chris Evans, who on screen are fantastic together. Where it is hurting is in the comedy–there just isn’t much of it. Ally’s quest to find the one that got away is enjoyable, especially I would say for women who have ever wondered themselves which one of the “10.5” may have been the one. The additional inclusions of Ally’s family helps to give her character more dimension; she is the older child who is a little off-balance, unlike her sister and mother. She is also having to deal with the pains of her mother desperately wanting to see her married–what single woman cannot relate to that?
What’s Your Number has a lot of heart, and it is definitely attempting to appeal to single women with the ways in which it touches upon all of the insecurities, fears, and triumphs over having be alright with yourself, regardless of your number. Evans’ Colin is her fairy godfather in this respect as he sees nothing wrong with Ally’s number, or anyones–it is just a number. If only What’s Your Number had a bit more surprises, and a little more comedy, as well as some deeper substance. I do not doubt women, and hopefully men, will enjoy What’s Your Number; it is doubtful it will do more for anyone than simply provide a light diversion for some time and for couples, and an uncomfortable conversation on the ride home…or maybe a hilarious one, that all depends on how you feel about the question, “What’s Your Number”.
Chemistry
Just one quick note to say on the chemistry in What’s Your Number: Will someone please write Anna Faris and Chris Evans a great romantic comedy to star in because they are delightful together.
Comedy Factor
Anna Faris is not an over-the-top style comedian, nor is Chris Evans. Faris’ Ally is sweet, awkward, and a master at dry humor delivery. Someone walks away from a conversation with Ally and it is not the conversation she had that makes you laugh but the line she delivers post-parting. It is this type of humor that exists all over What’s Your Number. Faris and Evans do their part as comedians as much as they can and while they are amusing the movie’s comedy itself is a bit bland. A flashback featuring puppeteer Jerry Perry (Andy Samberg) is hilarious, and also disturbing–you will feel very sorry for Ally. The constant popping up of Disgusting Donald (Chris Pratt) in places Ally should not be adds some variety to the story but it is not enough. The film also gets serious a lot with the family drama over Ally’s sister’s wedding and instead of these instances being funny they evoke empathy. Ally’s mother is not a mother you would want to have, and the way she treats Ally is not anything to laugh about. As an introspective comedy What’s Your Number could be hilarious for anyone who understands Ally’s plight. For an intended out-loud comedy full of great laughs it misses the mark far too often.
Cast and Crew
- Director(s): Mark Mylod
- Producer(s): Gabrielle AllanJennifer Crittenden
- Screenwriter(s): Chris Evans (Colin Shea)Anna Faris (Ally Darling)Mike Vogel (Dave Hansen)
- Story: Martin Freeman (Simon Forester)
- Cast: Joel McHale (Roger)Chris Pratt (Disgusting Donald)Andy Samberg (Jerry Perry) Thomas Lennon (Barrett Ingold)Dave Annable (Jake)Julie MonroeJ. Michael Muro
- Editor(s): Jon Billington
- Cinematographer: Aaron Zigman
- Production Designer(s):
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- Casting Director(s):
- Music Score:
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- Country Of Origin: USA