I'll admit it. My fiancée made me do it. She squealed with joy as I presented the possible things I could review. I absolutely had to get this because I am *that* into her. (One should note, she'd read the book and she's already watched this DVD twice.)
Me, on the other hand... I came to the property cold. I found a series of interlocking vignettes, some better than others, in the vein of Love Actually. This film shares many traits with that one - a powerful and recognizable cast being the most prevalent. However, this film is often on the opposite side of the coin because the title says it all He's Just Not That Into You.
More after the jump:
Gigi is having a hard go at meeting a decent guy. Her current date, Conor, isn't that into her (you saw that coming, didn't you?). Gigi goes through desperate measures, winding up at a bar he frequents at a time he's usually there only to be told by his friend Alex, the straight scoop. Alex feels sorry for Gigi and tries to coach her through the minefield that is men. Neil and Beth have the perfect long term relationship save for one thing - they aren't married. This doesn't bother Neil, but as Beth's younger sister's wedding approaches, it sure weighs heavily on Beth's mind. Given the ultimatum of marriage or no relationship, Neil moves to his boat. Ben and Janine seem to have a good marriage. Ben is even able to initially fend off the advances of sexy aspiring musician Anna. Since Anna is played by Scarlett Johansson (The Spirit, Vicky Cristina Barcelona), Ben's will power doesn't last forever.
The cast is strong, but by far the biggest surprise for me had to be Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love, Ed) in the role of Gigi. Gennifer gifts Gigi with an infectious positivity that absolutely lights up the screen whenever she's on it. Though horribly miscast as the know-it-all lady killer Alex, Justin Long's (Accepted, Live Free or Die Hard) acting talents win out and give the character a modicum of life. Oft-underrated Bradley Cooper (The Hangover, Wedding Crashers) shows his chops as Ben and Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind, The Day The Earth Stood Still) bears the brunt of his indescretions as his put-upon wife Janine. Her character's evolving reaction to the reveal is a moment for her talents to shine. Kevin Connolly (Entourage, The Notebook) gives a face to the men who don't get their emotions returned in his role of Conor, ever in pursuit of a relationship with Scarlett Johansson's Anna. As Beth and Neil, a couple at a crossroads, Ben Affleck (Hollywoodland, Daredevil) and Jennifer Aniston (Friends, The Break-Up) deliver some more heart to the proceedings. I'm not about to jump on the Anti-Affleck bandwagon because I actually usually enjoy his performances, but I have to ask: what is up with his eyebrows in this film? Possibly Botox or possibly an over-tweez - you be the judge.
AUDIO/VIDEO/EXTRAS
The film can be watched in either widescreen or full screen pan and scan with a flip of the disc. It is also viewable with optional English or Spanish subtitles. The DVD also comes with access to a free digital copy for your on-the-go viewing needs. Scene selection function is present.
Five deleted scenes totalling nearly fourteen minutes with optional commentary by director Ken Kwapis and play all functionality. If you've ever had the hankering to hear Scarlett Johansson muddle through Leonard Cohen, this is your opportunity. You also get to visit with her character's mother who didn't make the final cut.
Blu-Ray ad and anti-smoking commercial on Startup as well as the trailers for Inkheart and 17 Again.
FINAL WORDS
In all honesty, He's Just Not That Into You was a mixed bag for me. That cast was stellar even if the casting didn't always make sense. As a man, know that you have to bear the brunt of most of the story's ill will, but you can expect that from the title. It's a solid rental, but with the lack of extras should only be added to the collection of the utmost completists.
Final Grade - B+