Remember Ashton Kutcher from “Punk’d,” the prankster who made us laugh at celebrity misfortunes? It seems he, along with Amanda Peet, aimed for something more “serious” with the romantic comedy, “A Lot Like Love” film. Directed by Nigel Cole, known for “Calendar Girls,” this movie promised a charming tale of two strangers, Emily and Oliver, destined for love after a meet-cute in an airplane bathroom. However, the reality of “A Lot Like Love” is far less enchanting.
The screenplay, penned by actor Colin Patrick Lynch in his debut writing venture, unfortunately shows its inexperience. The film adopts a repetitive structure: meet, separate, “2 years later” title card flashes, brief breakup scenes for each character, a phone call, reunion, fleeting fun and intimacy, and then departure once more. This cycle continues, ad nauseam, until the predictable, saccharine happy ending. The narrative feels rushed and emotionally hollow, skimming over crucial relationship development.
“A Lot Like Love” film struggles to offer any compelling reason for its existence beyond fleeting glimpses of its stars in states of undress. The plot meanders aimlessly, testing the audience’s patience. One can’t help but wish Oliver had kept his name to himself after that initial bathroom encounter and simply walked away. The film’s attempts at humor and romance largely fall flat, creating a viewing experience that is more tedious than touching.
Adding to the film’s perplexing choices is the casting of an actress seemingly misplaced from a Britney Spears vehicle, further contributing to the overall sense of cinematic confusion. While “A Lot Like Love” film had the potential for a lighthearted romantic premise, it is ultimately undermined by a weak script and a miscast lead in the romantic department – despite Kutcher’s comedic efforts. In conclusion, investing nearly two hours in “A Lot Like Love” film is an investment in disappointment. It’s time you won’t get back, and frankly, time better spent re-watching classic rom-coms that actually deliver on both romance and comedy.
