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Well I certainly
thought we had a winner of a date movie
with “He’s Just Not That Into
You.” I mean, we’re talking
romantic comedy, a stellar cast, and based
on a book written by the guys behind HBO’s
“Sex and the City.” How could
I have been so wrong?
“He’s Just Not That Into You”
boasts a cast that includes Ben Affleck,
Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer
Connolly, Bradley Cooper, Ginnifer Goodwin,
Scarlett Johansson, Kris Kristofferson,
and Justin Long. The basis of the original
book was help women recognize when a guy
ISN’T the right guy. The movie, however
takes quite a different approach and teaches
a different lesson.
Pretty much all of the women here are weak
and needy, a trait that real men don’t
look for in a mate. And the men, well…
the men in this film are pretty much jerks.
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Normally you would want to whack these women
in the head for even considering being or staying
with them (Disclaimer: I do not condone hitting
anyone… I’m just making a point…
so no nasty emails…). What makes it worse
is that a handful of the guys, who have no right
to even be in a relationship, turn out to be simply
misunderstood and really have a hearts of gold.
So the message here is… do whatever you
have to do to keep this guy, no matter how bad
he is… he’s going to change someday.
I don’t think that jibes with what I understand
the book was about.
That said, I can forgive some of the plot weaknesses
and missteps as the actors give their all to what
is fairly weak material. I especially have to
applaud Jennifer Connolly for making the most
of her character, after all how should you deal
with a husband who has cheated on you (you dump
him… that’s what you do…)? It
is the actors who bring a little life to this
film and give it what it needs to make it worth
watching.
New Line’s Blu-ray release of “He’s
Just Not That Into You” comes up a bit short
on special features. I was rather hoping for a
commentary where someone might mention why the
message and tone were changed (though I’m
sure it had something to do with making it ‘happy’
for audiences…).
There are a handful of scene extensions, which
admittedly were kind of nice except they weren’t
produced very well. You’ll also find a brief
behind the scenes featurette, some deleted scenes
(with optional commentary) and a very short feature
where director Ken Kwapis talks a bit about how
scenes and characters are put together.
I certainly don’t mean to make “He’s
Just Not That Into You” a terrible movie
as it is not at all. Thanks to the cast, there
are quite a few enjoyable moments. I just ‘wasn’t
that into it.’
Directed by: Ken Kwapis
Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Drew
Barrymore, Jennifer Connolly, Bradley Cooper,
Ginnifer Goodwin, Scarlett Johansson, Kris Kristofferson,
Justin Long
Extras: Additional Scenes with Optional Commentary
by Director Ken Kwapis; Baltimore Blade: The Relationship
Issue; How 6 Simple Words Inspired a Book and
a Movie; Director Ken Kwapis Uses a “Duet
for Telephones” Moment; Additional BD-Live
Features; Digital Copy
Specifications: 1080p High Definition Widescreen
(2.4:1), Dolby True-HD
Studio: New Line
Release Date: 6/2/2009
MPAA Rating: R
http://www.hesjustnotthatintoyoumovie.com
We'll give He's Just Not That Into You a C+.
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