Every time the Gregorian Calendar reaches this point in the year, the powers to be in Hollywood put their best thinking caps on and release films intended to be the perfect fodder for that date night of all date nights, Valentine’s Day. Some years the entries are dire and atrocious in every way but this year we find one format film that is a surprisingly easy one to digest.
If you’ve seen the trailer, you might already know the storyline. World-famous singer finds out on the eve of her televised wedding, that the intended has cheated on her with the lowly personal assistant. Her answer to this affront is to pick some random dude from the audience to complete the nuptials. Random dude being Owen Wilson and Jennifer Lopez being, well herself.
It unravels like a Jay Lo vanity project most of the time and Owen Wilson revisits a role he’s played way too many times already but these details don’t completely submerge the film’s charms. And while the cliches do add up, among them are quite a few moments of emotional resonance that ring true, and Lopez’s character has some lovely traits.
While no punches are pulled getting you to love these people, it seems unfair, almost mean-spirited to not let a few of those choice moments of bliss get through. It’s more commerce than art but in that context, it doesn’t overstay its welcome and despite yourself, you will find the occasional smile on your lips.
Rob Hudson
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