He's Just Not That Into You [DVD]

 

 

Create your own review

This is a slightly more adult version of Love Actually. For the first hour it's a quite insightful film offering some interesting and often very realistic observations about the dating scene. Justin Long's character in particular has some interesting views on pick up artists.
The film isn't particularly funny but it does touch on some issues that we can all relate to, so there are opportunities for laughs but often it just left me feeling uncomfortable. Unfortunately the last half hour is a bit of a cop out (much like Love Actually) where everyone gets what they deserve. Even though that's an acceptable way to end the film it's just not really in keeping with the mood of what went before. Even so, this is well worth a watch.

Hey, you...stop sitting by the phone waiting for him to call...get up and go watch this movie!

I have to admit, I'm not much of a rom-com watcher. Unlike others of its ilk, though, this flick wisely admits that relationships aren't all rainbows and butterflies, but that they are complicated, confusing, messes that aren't necessarily all sorted out by the time the credits roll.

The premise is simple enough - the film claims:

"If a guy says he'll call and doesn't, he's not in the hospital with a broken number-dialing finger; he's just not that into you".

After a mediocre first date with pre-recession real estate agent Conor (Kevin Connolly), the film's main protagonist Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin), over zealous for date success and naively optimistic as ever, is certain that she has found Mr. Right. But when he doesn't call, her friends (Jennifer Aniston as Beth and Jennifer Connelly as Janine) comfort her with assurances of his interest and case studies of how they knew someone who knew someone in the exact situation - and it worked out for them, of course!

Not that Beth or Janine are living it up in the mansion of romantic bliss, mind you. Aniston's character has been living with Neil (Ben Affleck) for seven years, and for five of the seven, she's been dying to know why he won't pop the question. Wholly against the institution of marriage, though, Neil says that he's totally committed to her and he doesn't need a piece of paper to prove...yadda, yadda, yadda.

Connelly's character Janine on the other hand is married. Happily? Not so much. Ben's (Bradley Cooper) baby blues are soon tempted toward blonder waters when he meets Anna (Scarlet Johansson) at a convenience store one fine evening; how convenient. Too bad he's married, he reasons.

Drew Barrymore easily plays Mary, Anna's friend. Her role is pretty forgettable; but then she did spend most of her time producing the movie.

Justin Long plays Alex, the woman conquering bar owner who decides to school Gigi in the thinking of men, no feelings spared.

For the most part the story lines are tied together in believable ways and it's interesting to watch just how they're all connected - kind of like 6 degrees of separation.

A tough pill to swallow:

Perhaps too realistic at times, "He's Just" exposes the well-intentioned way we women attempt to comfort our spurned friends - not with assurances that despite her many attractive qualities, the guy just isn't interested for one reason or another. Instead, we assure our friends that there is no way he could be uninterested.
Really ladies, if you suspect that your friend is dating a guy who can't see her true worth, before you swell her head with an idealized, irresistible image of herself, please take her to see this movie, and let her do some soul searching. The film will do all the talking for you without patronization.

Be warned:

It's hardly a date movie (unless you want to end the date by breaking up when the scales have dropped from your eyes and you realize that you're more "into" the relationship than your significant other).

Best performances from: Jennifer Connelly as Janine who is more obsessed with the idea that her husband is smoking behind her back than that he is having an affair. Ginnifer Goodwin too has earned her keep. Her embarrassing attempts at securing "the one" are so realistic you will likely find yourself reddening at the all too familiar lengths to which she goes.

Best line from the movie: Listen out for the line the guy uses who ends up with Gigi (won't say who ;-)), it could be the "You complete me" of the 21st century!

Disclaimer:
This film may cause some discomfort. Side effects are generally mild and may include feelings of embarrassment over previous postdate obsession/stalking.

4.5 stars.

This film is brilliantly set out, with all the different stories it really keeps you interested.
Very clever movie.

Share your thoughts with other customers: Create your own review

› See all 65 customer reviews...

 

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and light hearted
Entertaining film that is a great feel good one to watch on a night in. Saw it at the cinema and the whole audience were laughing.

Published 1 month ago by GEORGIEp

4.0 out of 5 stars I hate rom coms, but I like this film.
This film is light and funny, and at the same time a little harsh. Some pretty honest, front up points of view here. Read more

Published 1 month ago by Mia

5.0 out of 5 stars Faultless
Another very happy transaction with the Book Depository. DVD was delivered on time and sensibly packaged. All in all I can't recommend Amazon and The Book Depository high enough.

Published 3 months ago by Roger The pedant

5.0 out of 5 stars Love this film!
Film was awesome. I've watched it twice already! I never watch movies more Than once. This one's a keeper!

Speedy deliver as well. Great seller. Tip score.

Published 3 months ago by Sara

3.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, not great either
This film sounded promising enough and has a great cast. The fact that it 'stole' an idea that originated from a 'Sex and the City' episode I cannot forgive. Read more

Published 4 months ago by read.a.book

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Watchable - An American Love Actually
In the same vein as Love Actually (only american!) this film is a well paced, well cast, interesting, tearful, laugh out loud, well observed night in. Read more

Published 4 months ago by Merlin

1.0 out of 5 stars He's Just Not That Into You
I don't know exactly why I watched this film; but it was a truly heinous experience.

Normally I'm a bit of a rom-com lover; but this film was possibly one of the... Read more

Published 5 months ago by N. Wilson

1.0 out of 5 stars Just about their
Well what to say about this film it has it moments in the film but
it don't quite get their with all the storielines if u try to compare
it to another film like love... Read more

Published 6 months ago by Kay

3.0 out of 5 stars American version of "This Year's Love"
Neither great nor terrible a perfect Sunday afternoon film. It reminded me of "This Year's Love" in that it tracks the interwoven relationships of a group of people. Read more

Published 7 months ago by Koshk

4.0 out of 5 stars Thought Provoking and Quite Amusing
I'd expected an out-and-out romcom, but this is definitely more of an an insightful relationship film with quite a few laughs thrown in to lighten the mood. Read more

Published 9 months ago by E. Smith

Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

› See all 65 customer reviews...

Search Listmania!