Film Review: Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Grade: A-

Sure, it may seem absurd that it deserves the same grade as The Visitor, but it is so hard to find a chick flick these days that at least attempts originality. I am a sucker for chick flicks, but I don't remember the last time I was head over heels for one like this. I might have to go back as far as Serendeipity. Corny? Sure. Predictable happy ending? Sure. But it plays on more realistic variables - divorce, kids, and timing. It's an intelligent script and for once, a romantic comedy told from a man's point of view. Doesn't hurt that that man is Ryan Reynolds, a millionaire's Dane Cook and a poor man's John Cusack. Somewhere in between, he exists, always entertaining and bankable. Like Will Smith, his presence alone takes the film from mediocre to good, or good to great. I'm convinced that Mr. Reynolds will receive a whole lot more accolades before his career is over. O, how far Van Wilder has travelled.

The three female leads -- were a lot more weaker (another reason I'm thrilled to see Reynolds as the key character). Elizabeth Banks played a serviceable role, playing the good girl from back home. But it doesn't she like she tried to develop a character at all -- just reading lines from an adorable script. Rachel Weisz is one of my favorite actresses of all time, but in this film, she seems to try too much. She seems right for the sophisticated lady from NYC, but she's not in the least bit endearing. At least when Banks is there, you want to learn more about her. For Weicz, you'd rather let her go and make another Mummy movie.

And that brings me to the third female lead -- Isla Fisher (previously of The Lookout and Wedding Crashers). Fisher was a pleasant surprise, playing te cute bad girl to perfection, a little bit of tattoo and a little bit of dimple. She's the anti-nymphomaniac from the Vince Vaughn days, and it's easy to see why her striking red hair, her vulnerability in the midst of rebelliousness, and her imperfect perfection can attract Mr. Reynolds in the movie, Mr. Cohen in real life, and Mr. Neophyte right now.

Definitely, Maybe is a good date movie, appealing to those who has gone through too many"almost"s or "this closes"s. And if that doesn't do it for you, at least have some fun guessing around in this romantic whodunit. It won't keep you guessing till the very end, but it at least has you guessing.