Review: How to Be Single May Be the Perfect Movie to See this Valentine’s Day Weekend
How to Be Single is a surprisingly delightful romantic comedy, perfect for a Valentine’s Day movie date night. Starring Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, and Leslie Mann, and produced by Drew Barrymore, the film follows Alice (Johnson) a newly single twenty-something trying to find herself in New York City.
Based on the novel by Liz Tuccillo, the plot on paper seems trite: young woman breaks it off with her boyfriend to move to the big city aiming to “experience life” aided along by a sassy best friend. True to form, How to Be Single does just that but the film comes alive courtesy of the charming cast.
Dakota Johnson is endearing as Alice, playing the confused young woman well and causing the audience to root for her, even though her character is one they’ve seen before and at times, whiny. Rebel Wilson is perfect as Alice’s vivacious best friend/co-worker/party-director, Robin. Wilson’s character brought plenty of comedic relief and her expertly delivered one-liners often stole the scene. It was a welcome change to see Wilson play a character who didn’t feel the need to crack jokes about her appearance.
The rest of the cast was enjoyable, as well. Nicholas Braun as Alice’s old college boyfriend and Anders Holm as rakish bartender, Tom were well cast. Both brought to life characters who, if played by someone else, would have been very easy to hate. Fortunately Braun and Holm added a bit of charisma to their potentially lame characters.
Alison Brie as desperate for love Lucy was the one blip. Brie wasn’t bad in the role, in fact she had several humorous moments, but her character of Lucy was annoying. Leslie Mann (as Alice’s big sister), Damon Wayans, Jr. (as Alice’s suave older boyfriend), and Jake Lacy (as Alice’s co-worker) each brought their own special magic to the film and added to the already charming ensemble.
How to Be Single is funnier than expected; although when you note the comedic talents in the cast it shouldn’t be a surprise. Well-paced and filled with easy banter, the film rarely has a dull moment. Definitely a great pick for a date night or to see with your pals this weekend. You won’t leave the movie looking at life a different way, filled with purpose to change the world or yourself, but you will leave entertained and ready to quote several of Rebel Wilson’s funnier one-liners.
Grade: B+