Special Review: "A Lot Like Love"

There are some movies that make you laugh out loud and other movies that just make you smile the entire time. Neither is particularly better, though. Nothing is more satisfying than a good, hearty laugh and nothing warms your spirit like grinning for nearly two hours. A Lot Like Love (PG-13) is a film in the latter category as it is impossible to stop smiling for more than a minute throughout the flick.

A Lot Like Love stars Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet as Oliver and Emily, two people that meet each other on a flight from Los Angeles to New York. There is an immediate attraction, but each go their separate ways. Once in New York, they cross paths once again. They spend a little time getting to know each other and Oliver gives Emily his parents’ phone number to check on his measure of success in the future.

As the movie progresses, we catch back up on the two of them once every few years. They have a little fun and then part ways again, each time. There are hints at a blooming romance, but they find that they are doing very different things in their lives. The timing just isn’t with them. However, at some point, both Oliver and Emily realize that the chemistry between them is absolutely perfect.

The same can be said for the chemistry between these two actors. I usually find Kutcher excruciatingly annoying and Peet is one of my least favorite actresses ever. Yet, I loved this movie! The actors seem to be a perfect match and the screenplay prevents Kutcher from getting annoying and actually makes Peet likeable.

The plot is a little too close to When Harry Met Sally with hints of Serendipity and Before Sunset, so it is not the most original film in theatres, but that does not take away from its charm. A Lot Like Love is one of the cutest romantic comedies in recent years. You know that these two people are meant for each other and you really want them to realize that, too.

Rather than arguing, as many couples in movies do, Oliver and Emily talk, flirt, and enjoy each other’s company. It sounds like this would make the film boring, but it in fact makes it unconventionally sweet. Of course, there are many other obstacles that get in the way of their relationship to keep the flick interesting. Most of the obstacles avoid cliché moments (aside from the somewhat-predictable but still-satisfying finale) and instead rely on more realistic incidents.

Full of sweet charm and natural charisma, the movie will keep a smile on your face for the entire running time and long after you leave the theatre. A Lot Like Love is my favorite movie of the year so far.