Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
Amanda Peet (left) and Ashton Kutcher in 'A Lot lIke Love'. - CONTRIBUTED
'A LOT Like Love' is a little like a great romantic comedy. That is, it actually resembles one. It also falls short of being one. A Lot Like Love is more like a crush. It brings forward none of the angst, the real emotion, the doubt and certainly the deep affection that colours being in love. It is at best cute, and a little funny.
Directed by Nigel Cole and written by Colin Patrick Lynch, the film stars Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet as two almost star-crossed lovers. It takes us from the 'boy meets girl' essentials, which takes place in an airport, and moves through to approximately six years later when the two finally realise that they were meant for each other. Of course, this should come as no surprise, because the film is a romantic comedy, after all, so their
getting together is the point.
A Lot Like Love most closely resembles When Harry Met Sally. In many ways it is a less witty, less imaginative
version of that classic romantic comedy. Even the simplicity of the main characters' names Emily (Amanda Peet) and Oliver (Ashton Kutcher) reflects the When Harry Met Sally concept.
So, Oliver and Emily are fond of each other and despite the passage of years, they seek each other out when all the other chips of their lives, jobs or lovers, fall away. As the film hops, skips and jumps across the timeline, the two are seen in various stages of their lives.
Unfortunately, in the six years that pass, the only real visible change takes place in their hairstyles and their clothes. Fortunately, halfway through the film, Peet is allowed to lose her terrible bangs, yet the characters have not developed at all.
Additionally, though the film highlights that the two are sexually attracted to each other, neither actor is able to convincingly depict really being in love. Indeed, it should not take the entire movie to do.
'DUMBING DOWN'
The film is really quite symptomatic of what many believe to be the 'dumbing down' of romantic comedies. So the film sticks to the basics but really offers nothing more, denying audiences of that vicarious emotion that can leave a broad grin on the face as one leaves the cinema.
Kutcher has found his niche and regardless of the consequences to hapless viewers, he will continue wallowing in it. Peet's career direction is a little less clear, but neither actor is able to wow with their performance in A Lot Like Love. They make a cute couple and that's it. They are cute, but forgettable.
A Lot Like Love offers enough to make you smile and on occasion there is enough to chuckle about, however, it is only a little like love.
