He's Just Not That Into You Review
Can You Get Into This Movie About Match Ups, Mix Ups, and Mishaps?
Feb 10, 2009
Jennifer Aniston has some new friends, Ginnifer Goodwin is looking for big love, and Drew Barrymore feels like dating has been taken over by the machinery of extraterrestrials.
The star-studded ensemble cast of this movie rendition of the 2004 best selling book of the same title has opened in movie theaters.
Is it funny? Is it sad? Is it clever? Is it insightful? Do you see yourself or your friends as being exactly like some of the characters, and if so, do you really want to admit to it?
The Plot of He's Just Not That Into You
Nine Baltimore adults stumble through the misadventures and common errors of life in and out of relationships.
The Cast of Characters
Gigi, played by Big Love star Ginnifer Goodwin, is a desperate single, who after having been given the brush off by Connor (Kevin Connolly), accidently falls into seeking romantic advice from Connor’s friend Alex (Justin Long), who effectively causes her to realize the golden rule of when “He’s just not that into you.”
Meanwhile, Gigi’s sister Janine (Jennifer Connelly) seems to have an established life with husband Ben (Bradley Cooper), but as they are renovating their new house and considering having a child, Ben begins an affair with Anna (Scarlett Johansson), who is dating Connor, although “she is not that into him.”
As these various interconnected characters experience the emotional ups and downs of liking someone who may or may not reciprocate to the same level, each seems to seek reasons and excuses to keep trying to make their love lives either become more or remain molded.
Beth (Jennifer Aniston) and boyfriend of seven years Neil (Ben Affleck) are the only couple who seem to be equal in their affections for each other, but when Beth is told from the newly enlightened Gigi that the fairytales women tell themselves are not going to come true, Beth realizes that her relationship is not going to change from living-together to marriage. Disappointed, Beth tells Neil the truth, but since Neil does not believe in marriage they come to a stalemate, leading to a breakup.
Meanwhile, newspaper editor Mary, played by Drew Barrymore, spends most of the movie as an interactive observer, who periodically worries about the fact that modern technology has forever complicated dating. With multiple forms of electronic equipment for contacting the opposite sex and with new rules about how to meet perspective mates in cyberspace, Mary debates how it is possible to become close enough to have a satisfying relationship.
Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, and more...
Ginnifer Goodwin gives a lovably standout performance as the romantically exhausted, sign-seeking, insecure single. Goodwin succeeds in allowing her character to be both embarrassing and likeable, and, in doing so, most women will find it permissible to recognize the very instincts which most resist but Gigi acts upon, rendering her empathetic and a lesson in love.
Justin Long, playing her eventual love interest, Alex, also succeeds in allowing his initially emotionally-closed womanizing character to be interesting and entertaining, as the character evolves into a feeling human being.
Jennifer Aniston, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Connelly each give strong performances. They each portray their characters entertainingly and sympathetically, commanding audience attention. Equally, Drew Barrymore’s character of Mary effectively adds to the comedy and insight of the observational movie.
Many of the supporting cast members, such as Kris Kristofferson, playing Beth’s father Rod, also contribute to the well-coalesced cast.
Critiquing the Comedy of He's Just Not That Into You
Due to its satirical and observant nature, this was always going to be a comedy with a degree of somberness. It could even be expected that areas might verge on sadness or poignancy. However, although such sorrowful moments do exist, it is maintained as predominantly a comedy.
Unfortunately, despite many clever and chuckle-worthy lines of well-delivered dialogue, there are many areas of this movie which lag. The characters and plots are skillfully interwoven, and added vignettes of the lives of extra characters offering their thoughts serve to round-out the entertainment value of the film.
The movie would have been improved by being slightly tightened and slightly shorter, but overall, it makes for entertaining viewing.
