How To Be Single - D-

​Quick Hit: A few funny moments cannot save this movie from becoming another giant cliché fest by the end of the running time.


​I often start off posts discussing things that I thought a movie would be like, or discussing something personal before transitioning to the actual film. Here, I’ll do none of that. I will tell you up front, if you like movies that are clichés about romance, with some attempted comedy thrown in, then How to be Single is for you.

I’ll preface this review with this: I’m obviously not the targeted demographic for this movie. I’m 

a man (strike one) in my twenties, who is married (strike two), that never really fought through the singles bar scene (strike three, I’m out). (and a bonus - I don't live in New York. Why does every movie have to take place in New York or LA? This movie made itself seem like a Sex in the City knock-off just with its placement).

Man… I am sitting here, and my fingers are dumbfounded. I have so little to say about this film, because it was just tremendously blah. Nothing about it sticks out. And I like the majority of the actresses in the film! Rebel Wilson has a specific brand of comedy, and it doesn’t always speak to me, but at least she plays it right. Dakota Johnson plays her role as you would expect: basically, she’s the chick before she meets Christian Grey (oh my God is this a prequel to 50 Shades??) (Shannon just brought up that this is an impossibility, due to sexual histories discussed in the film. However, there is always the chance that they are all liars). The one person that was type-cast that I didn’t hate was Leslie Mann, and that’s because I can’t not like her. Her comedic timing is brilliant in everything, and her playing an older pregnant woman was terrific (She’s the only thing that buoys this movie up for me).

There are some decent comedic jabs, but overall, I found myself wondering what was supposed to be funny. All the comedy feels forced, and most of the jokes are given a bit too long to linger. It's like that 

old guy that tells you a dirty joke, and then takes the time to waggle his eyebrows and explain it after.

My final point is something that I have mentioned at times before: I’m glad that ​

Hollywood is at least taking the time to present some female-centric comedies. Ghostbusters was a decent example, but here they failed (but I’m giving points for trying). One thing I really loved is despite that fact that Rebel Wilson is a larger woman, it is almost never talked about, and that is a wonder. Most movies would have immediately made it the punch line of a joke, but this movie took the high road. Kudos there.
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One brief thing about the ending, so spoilers?

***********************************************spoilers*****************************************************

OF COURSE SHE HAS TO END UP ALONE. Otherwise the movie would be called: How to get a Boyfriend.

One last thing I liked - the Scott Pilgrim-esque graphics were a nice touch, but it was like polishing a turd.

I can only give this movie a “D-“.

For more on this film, check out IMDB.