JourneywomanOne to rent: Definitely, Maybe (2008)
June 27th 2008 03:30
It may not be in the league of Love Actually or Notting Hill, but as far as romantic comedies go, Definitely, Maybe is an enjoyable film that will appeal to women of all ages - and men might even like it too! Starring Ryan Reynolds as Will Hayes, a man in the throes of a divorce, and Abigail Breslin as his inquisitive young daughter Maya, the story begins with Maya wanting to know about the women in Will's life. As Will launches into the history of this life thus far, we discover that there have been three women of significance in his past: his bubbly college sweetheart Emily (Elizabeth Banks), his shockingly bright close friend April (Isla Fisher), and the enigmatic, career-driven Summer (Rachel Weisz).
Set mostly in New York and spanning fifteen years, the film follows the trials and tribulations that come with relationships: jealousy, confusion, cheating, reconciliation and so on. As there is no real formula that is being followed, the story is mostly unpredictable and we, like Maya, are kept guessing until the very end who Maya's mother turns out to be. The women in the film are charming, intelligent and well-rounded characters who really appeal to the audience, and Ryan Reynolds truly holds his own as their embattled love interest. Kevin Kline also puts in a brilliant performance as a drunken author who is Summer's initial paramour.
While it is a sophisticated and quite realistic portrayal of modern-day love, the film is far more romantic than it is comedic - there just aren't that many funny parts. Also, while Fisher and Weisz's characters are fully fleshed-out and we get to see a lot of them, there isn't enough scenes featuring Elizabeth Banks' Emily so we tend to care less about her than we do the other two female leads. Despite this, the film is very personal and as such, most audiences will warm to it immediately. It also sends a brilliant message to children of divorce.
So if you're after a romantic comedy that is sweet, charming and unformulaic, then Definitely, Maybe is most definitely one to rent.
Set mostly in New York and spanning fifteen years, the film follows the trials and tribulations that come with relationships: jealousy, confusion, cheating, reconciliation and so on. As there is no real formula that is being followed, the story is mostly unpredictable and we, like Maya, are kept guessing until the very end who Maya's mother turns out to be. The women in the film are charming, intelligent and well-rounded characters who really appeal to the audience, and Ryan Reynolds truly holds his own as their embattled love interest. Kevin Kline also puts in a brilliant performance as a drunken author who is Summer's initial paramour.
Ryan Reynolds and Isla Fisher
While it is a sophisticated and quite realistic portrayal of modern-day love, the film is far more romantic than it is comedic - there just aren't that many funny parts. Also, while Fisher and Weisz's characters are fully fleshed-out and we get to see a lot of them, there isn't enough scenes featuring Elizabeth Banks' Emily so we tend to care less about her than we do the other two female leads. Despite this, the film is very personal and as such, most audiences will warm to it immediately. It also sends a brilliant message to children of divorce.
Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin
So if you're after a romantic comedy that is sweet, charming and unformulaic, then Definitely, Maybe is most definitely one to rent.
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