REVIEW: Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani are a Winning Pair in “The Lovebirds”
Love and a couple’s relationship are put to the ultimate test when the couple finds themselves on the run from a potential murderer and the cops in The Lovebirds. Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) are at a major turning point in their relationship when they happen upon a crime that then leaves them as the only potential suspects. Knowing their chance of help from the police is slim and not wanting to spend the rest of their lives on the run, the pair set out on a hilarious journey in which they will do whatever it takes to stay alive.
The Lovebirds has everything a great romantic comedy needs: A+ casting, a well-paced plot, and enough humor and heart to keep the story moving. Director Michael Showalter never drifts from the overall storyline and remains focused on Jibran and Rae, the need to clear their names, and the challenges happening in their relationship. The addition of friends and foes happen at appropriate times to propel the story along and get our characters where they need to go. No lines feel forced or fall flat, the physical comedy bits are well-used, and secondary storylines to give insight to our leads accomplish what they intend.
The directing and plot are solid but the main reason the film succeeds is due to Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani. These two are a winning pair and handle the romantic parts just as well as they do the comedy. It’s clear that comedy is their strengths as these two really shine in this film. Rae and Kumail lock onto their characters’ chemistry and, at the same time, create some great laugh out loud moments. They had an easy chemistry with one another that was well suited to their roles and will also push the audience to root for the pair from start to finish.
The Lovebirds is the perfect romantic comedy to check out this Holiday weekend. It tends more on the comedic side rather than the romance, but is still a good time for all. You will be laughing from start to finish and, when all is said and done, it will leave a smile on your face.
Grade: A