Details from IMDB:
2023 R 1h 43m
After an amazing first date, Bea and Ben’s fiery attraction turns ice-cold–until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited at a wedding in Australia. So they do what any two mature adults would do: pretend to be a couple.
Initial Thoughts:
It’s always a tiny struggle, you’re both high and in the mood for a comedy/something light-hearted, what do you watch? I gave my wife the choices of “Inside Out 2”, “Super Mario Brothers” (animated) and this one, she picked the last. I didn’t mind the choice as I do like Sydney Sweeny and Glen Powell. Plus under 2 hours was the right amount of time, so we put on Crave (Canadian streaming service) and gave it a watch.
Main Points:
Sydney is fun in everything she does and it’s nice to see her get to do some comedy. Glen Powell, who I haven’t seen in a lot, was also good and some laugh out loud moments, I didn’t realize he could do comedy until now. The movie, aside from being loosely based on “Much Ado About Nothing” is very much what you would expect from a rom-com, which makes it very predictable.
I imagine that the tourism department of Australia must be very happy with this movie, it feels like a lot of the time they are looking for great scenery of Sydney, some beach or a big overhead shot just to make you know where this was filmed and how nice Australia is. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not mad about this, it’s just very obvious that it’s part of the movie, in truth not a lot of movies are filmed there these days, so I can see the reasoning to show off Australia. I also liked how they clearly but a guy in to make fun of Chris Helmsworth and he also gets a couple of laughs.
Final Thoughts:
I thought the quotes from “Much Ado About Nothing” were a nice touch and while this certainly is a very loose adaptation of the Bard’s play. Mostly this is a by the numbers romantic comedy, no surprises but there is some comfort in, mostly, knowing what you’ll get from this tried and true formula. The movie is good for a couples night in or for someone who really likes Sydney Sweeny and/or Glen Powell, otherwise it’s very forgettable. I give it 6.5 out of 10 and a mild recommendation. There is some brief nudity (3 times), a sex scene and coarse language, so ages 17+ and certainly not for kids.