Starring: Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel, Josh Lucas, Hayes MacArthur and Christina Hendricks
Directed by: Greg Berlanti
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Running Time: 1hr 52min
Release Date: October 8, 2010
Distributed by: Warner Bros. Pictures
By John Delia
Ladies, you may want to take some tissues along because this film combines tears of laughter and sadness. The brilliantly touching and comedic romance Life As We Know It comes to the screen and if you HAVEN’T seen the movie trailer, you’ll love it all the more. This film starts out as a hilarious comedy then takes you on an emotional roller coaster ride that won’t be easily forgotten.
Married couple Allison (Christina Hendricks) and Peter (Hayes MacArthur) set up a date with each of their best friends Holly (Heigl) and Eric (Duhamel). The evening doesn’t go well however, but the friendship between the two males and females keeps going strong. When Allison has a child, Sophie, the couple has best friends Holly and Eric, although at odds, become the godparents. The storyline finds Sophie in the hands of her godparents and an uncertain future.
Here’s one of those films where you don’t want to give away most of the plot
beforehand as there are surprises around every corner. For some reason I did not see the trailer before going to the movie and I was very thankful I hadn’t. Director Greg Berlanti provides fun and pathos in the unexpected and he jams the film full of both emotions.
The acting is terrific in the topsy-turvy movie featuring great performances by the whole cast. The chemistry has to be just right between the two main characters in order to make the film work and Heigl and Duhamel are right on the mark playing mismatched Holly and Eric. I laughed so much during their comedic scenes my sides ached.
Life As We Know It is rated PG-13 for sexual material, language and some drug content so be aware of this if you have youngsters in tow.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Great fun and romance for couples. (4 of 5)