Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? If you like romantic comedies.
Should you watch this at weekday movie ticket prices? Yes!
Secret ending? No.
Running time: 88 minutes (~1.5 hours)
“Man Up” is a British romantic comedy about a couple who go on a blind date. When they discover that they’re the wrong blind date for each other, hijinks ensue — but will true love prevail? It stars Lake Bell (Nancy), Simon Pegg (Jack), Rory Kinnear (Sean), and Sharon Horgan (Elaine). It is rated NC-16.
“Man Up” is classic British comedy that’s faster paced than the norm, which is always a good thing. Its definitely got its talky portions, but it also incorporates a hefty amount of quirky wit and unabashed discussions of sexuality. Thankfully, being a comedy, the explorations aren’t of the intense and thought provoking nature, but more like interesting food for thought. It comes off as an entertaining 90 minutes in the cinema, full of small chuckles and loud chortles.
Highlights
Lake Bell’s performance as a struggling modern woman
Lake Bell plays Nancy, a woman who wishes to find love but is unable to do so. She’s not the whiny Bridget Jones type, and actually gets along splendidly as a capable single woman. However, from the start you can tell that there’s a deep emptiness within her that she cannot fill unless she finds hope again, which is what Jack provides. Lake Bell portrays this conflicted nature gracefully and convincingly, and her discovery of hope is what gives audiences the hope that they, too, will find what they seek.
Amusing dialogue
A lesser being would have described their dialogue as “cute,” which vague though it may be, is the best way to convey the sense of charm and quirkiness that the lines have. It doesn’t try too hard to show you how intelligent the wit is, and it doesn’t belabour jokes that aren’t caught. It strikes a pleasant balance of being just clever enough to keep your attention focused, while remaining accessible enough that you don’t feel like you have to struggle to keep up. The fast-paced, clever exchanges form the core of Nancy and Jack’s relationship, and that’s what makes them, and the film, so endearing.
Tight plot that has its threads come together beautifully
The set ups and pay offs are done excellently in the film, with throwaway gags being used later on as set ups for the climax. The seemingly innocuous jokes and references subtly lay the framework for what is a “grand romantic gesture” at the conclusion, and all the random threads lead back to the the same taut end. It’s a well crafted story that doesn’t waste a single plot element.
Heartwarming finale
Despite both protagonists being bitter cynics, or perhaps because of that, their eventual realisation at the necessity of companionship and the compatibility of their relationship leads to a touchingly romantic ending. Being a romantic comedy, there’s no doubt that it would be a happy ending, but to see their character growth from depressive pessimism to lovely optimism gives a satisfying ending that has you feeling good about the world as you leave the cinema.
Great soundtrack
Although I honestly can’t identify many of the songs in the movie, they are aptly placed and have meaningful lyrics that fit well in the context of the scene (unlike many pop songs which are just shoehorned in there for the sake of commercialism). It fits in well with the British tone of the film, and helps give it that unique, slightly indie flavour that makes it just eccentric enough to give the film its own sense of character.
Letdowns
A talky Act Two
While the first and last Acts are well-paced, Act Two overindulges in talking heads, leading to an endless debate at a bowling alley that goes on forever. It could have been shortened without sacrificing any essential exposition, but their exchanges continue rambling on long after you’ve lost interest. Fortunately, the film picks up the pace after this tiresome scene, and more than makes up for it in the end.
“Man Up” is a feel good movie that provides the hope that is so lacking in films these days. It doesn’t ram that optimism down your throat though — rather, it seeks to give you characters that have the same world view as a modern single, then uses that relatability to build a story of love and discovery. It’s a great film to end your day with, and to start your weekend.
“Man Up” opens in cinemas 4 June, 2015 (Thursday).
This review was also published on Yahoo.
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