Buy the DVD:

'He's Just Not That Into You' deserves a second chance

Upon the release of "He’s Just Not That Into You" in theaters, film critics did not exactly shower the movie with affection, despite the reputable cast and experienced director (Ken Kwapis, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Office). Critics did not seem to find it as charming or hilarious as I and my other college-aged female friends did.

Now the film is available on DVD; thus it is time to revisit its merits. If you are not familiar with the story, there is quite a large cast involved, including Ginnifer Goodwin as a desperate woman in search of a man who is in fact into her. Justin Long plays the fellow who clues her in on how men work. Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck play a couple who, much to the dismay of the former character, is not married. Scarlett Johansson is the free-spirited mistress of Bradley Cooper’s character, who is married to Jennifer Connelly’s character. Are you still with me? Kevin Connolly plays the chap who Scarlett’s character is just not that into. Drew Barrymore just appears every once in a while for comedic relief.

It is worth mentioning that I probably fit into the target audience a little better than most film critics. While "He’s Just Not That Into You" was admonished for portraying female stereotypes, I can name a friend whose personality matches up almost perfectly with the female characters in the movie. Yes, some young women really are that eager and obsessive. Guys who fear commitment and cheat on their wives? Not exactly the most original representations of men, but those ideas don’t exactly spring from nowhere. My only real complaint regarding representation has to do with the all-Caucasian cast. Step it up, Hollywood.

Don’t expect "He’s Just Not That Into You" to provide any breaking news on the nature of relationships. Expect it to remind you of what you already know. Guys who don’t call you back probably aren’t picking out engagement rings, and women who only come around when they need a foot rub (ahem, Miss Johansson), probably don’t want to sign a lease with you anytime soon. And despite the shot of realism the film provides, there are still happy endings for some characters. It is a romantic comedy, after all.

Bonus materials are not mind-blowing. They include a few deleted scenes, which delve deeper into Johansson’s character, attempting to put her in a more sympathetic light.

Written by: Paige Devitt

Reviewers Rating: 7.5
Reader's Rating: 9.00
Reader's Votes: 1

Rate It