Directed by: Christian Ditter.
Screenplay: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein and Dana Fox.
Story by: Abby Kohn, Marc Silverstein.
Based on: ‘How to be Single’, by Liz Tuccillo.
Starring: Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Alison Brie and Leslie Mann.
Bloody romantic comedies! Always making me cry. If only the characters weren’t so adorable…
Alice (Dakota Johnson) has never been single. She moved from her parent’s house, to a dorm, then in with her boyfriend. She wants to live the single life, to get out there and do all the things she says she wants to do but never does. So, Alice moves to New York where she meets Robin (Rebel Wilson), and that’s where all the fun begins. And the tears.
There’s the classic: ‘can’t get enough’ girl and the classic boy who sleeps with everyone; the older sister, and the one looking for true love. Which all equals lots of drinking and yes, some laughs. There’s a formula and it’s put in place because it works.
Rebel Wilson adds a different comic dimension with her particular brand. Rebel plays a certain character: the ditzy, oversexed, drunken single girl who’s all heart. And I don’t mind that she’s type-cast because I haven’t gotten sick of her yet.
The older sister, Meg (Alison Brie), was a bit sweet for me, but I guess that’s just the big sister character. And maybe I liked her the least because Meg made me cry the most.
Look, I don’t usually like romantic comedies, the way these formulaic movies manipulate a girl’s emotions. But, How to be Single was one of the better ones. Not too cheesy, and there was a genuine understanding of some of the choices women have to make: weighing up the opportunities gained by being in a relationship and the opportunities that are lost.
Really, nothing new here but a good film to watch with the girlfriends for International Women’s Day. Just take some tissues, and make sure to have a glass to celebrate no matter what your status. You’re where you’re meant to be.
Can you tell I’ve just watched a Rom Com?!