This movie is another film recently released on DVD, who’s theatrical date was pushed back multiple times. Based on a novel, “He’s Just Not that into You” is an ensemble dra-medy, similar in tone and demeanor to “Love, Actually.” The problem with these kind of stories is that with so many characters fighting for screen time, no one story or character gets adequate exploration. At the beginning of the film, I couldn’t figure out who these people where, how they were connected, and whether the material was meant to be funny or taken seriously.
The film is a rather harsh look at dating and male-female relationships. By the end of the movie surprisingly, a few of the characters actually grew on me and I ended up not hating the film as much as I thought I would. This is by no means a glowing recommendation but a cautious note that some people’s angst is another’s pleasure. I try not to judge people, only movies. “He’s Just Not that into You” is far from perfect and doesn’t give audience’s the hidden insight it pretends to. But for ladies with patience and another gal pal’s shoulder to cry on, “He’s Just Not That into You” might be the movie your looking for.
Briefly, the high points of the movie are the most annoying initial characters. Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) could easily turn off the most hard-up loser with her neediness but when she falls for the player who’s trying to help her (Justin Long) its an interesting twist that actually works. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston are another sympathetic couple during the course of the film; their storyline is rather one-note but ultimately effective. The other storylines are much less enthralling.
Men will almost universally revile this film and I can see couple’s arguing over things that happen within the movie. A date movie this is not. But just because it doesn’t appeal to every market doesn’t make it a bad movie. However, a lack of character exploration and storyline focus are relevant criticisms here. The movie has to be entertaining to attract an audience and too often, especially near the beginning, it is more like fingers grating on a chalk board than compelling cinema. But its better than “Bride Wars,“ so it has that going for it.
Rated PG-13 for sexual content and brief strong language.
