The Triangle

Issue date: 2/6/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Darren Michaels

Books that were on The New York Time's Best Sellers list get made into movies all the time. It makes a lot of sense seeing that there is already a built-in fan base to them, and a lot of these people would love to see their favorite books on the silver screen. From "Harry Potter" to "The DaVinci Code," it is a common practice for Hollywood to do this. "He's Just Not That Into You" is a best-selling novel written by Greg Berhandt and Liz Tuccillo, a self-help book for women to deal with their relationship issues. This seems like an interesting book to choose to adapt, but the result is not quite a milestone in the genre of romantic comedies.

Featuring a huge cast of A-list actors, the film focuses around relationships and the romantic misadventures of various couples and individuals at different stages of dating, courtship and marriage. At the core of the movie is Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) who fails repeatedly in interpreting signals from men and cannot seem to find someone who is interested in her. The more experienced Alex (Justin Long), however, teaches her how to understand men and their actions. This serves as the closest connection to the book by demonstrating the different tips of dating.

"He's Just Not That Into You" also follows multiple other story arcs including Ben (Bradley Cooper) and Janine (Jennifer Connelly), a married couple going through a rut causing Ben to become interested in Anna (Scarlett Johansson). The final major storyline focuses around Neil (Ben Affleck) and Beth (Jennifer Aniston). After living together for several years, Beth forces Neil to either get married or break up.

To say the least, "He's Just Not That Into You" has an impressive cast. With likes of Affleck, Aniston, Connelly and Johansson, it is hard to think that this group wouldn't do a good job. With such a large ensemble, the film really succeeds with the quality of the actors.

The real highlight of the film is Goodwin and Long. Despite not being the most famous of the cast, these two are clearly the most likeable. Goodwin plays the adorable Gigi. With her constant mishaps in the dating world, the audience wants her to find someone. She is like your extremely cute friend that you know has a great personality and (despite not being traditionally good looking) is a major catch. Goodwin shares such great chemistry with Long that you can't help but root for them.

Continued...

Page 1 of 2 next >

Article Tools