Flash Movie Review: How to Be Single
The rules for dating as far as I can tell are constantly changing. I use to wish for a handbook to make the process easier. From my experiences I feel the underlying reason for all of the confusion these days is mistrust. It seems as if very few people take another person at face value. There was a time where most dates did not have an issue getting picked up at their home. I do not know if it is partially because of the internet or all the different crime shows on television, but a majority of people prefer meeting at some type of public establishment. Now I actually agree with this logic; I’m all for meeting someone out publicly for the 1st time. Here is the thing though; even after a couple of dates I noticed some individuals balk at the suggestion of being picked up at their home or coming over to mine. There have been times when I’ve offered such an arrangement but sensed their uneasiness at the suggestion. I get the sense they feel I have an ulterior motive in offering such a thing. It is just weird to me; but I never force the issue. Now there is something else that I find perplexing; maybe you have noticed it yourself. Those friends that go from being single to being in a relationship quickly become outdated on the latest dating rules; it is as if their set of rules expired over night. You can query them, asking them how they knew their date was the right one; but to no avail, everyone has a different answer. When you think about it, it is amazing how people wind up being in a loving relationship. If you do not believe me just take a look at the women in this comedic romance. Alice, Robin and Meg; played by Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades of Grey, Black Mass), Rebel Wilson (Pitch Perfect franchise, Bridesmaids) and Leslie Mann (The Other Woman, This is 40); each had different reasons for dating. It only became more confusing when love was introduced into it. Based on the best seller, the cast also included Anders Holm (The Intern, The Interview) as Tom and Jake Lacy (Carol, Obvious Child) as Ken. Though I have not read the book, I did get the idea the story was meant to shine a light on the dating world from a feminine perspective. I thought Leslie and Rebel were better when it came to acting skills. Honestly though, I did not think this movie did anything different; I was constantly getting bored with the story. In fact, the trailer for this film showed the best parts; throughout the movie I never connected to any of the characters. Now here is the funny thing, I could see where the story could have taken a bigger risk and delve deeper into the characters but the script was not geared to do it. After seeing this film I am just as confused about dating and love as I was before.
1 3/4 stars
Posted on February 16, 2016, in Comedy and tagged 1 3/4 stars, anders holm, comedy, dakota johnson, dating, jake lacy, leslie mann, new york city, rebel wilson, romance. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Long past the age of dating, but I remember the picking at home; meeting the parents; the warnings about curfew, etc. Honestly, dating was all about getting lucky but that was seldom accomplished, so many taboo therefore lots of frustration. So, “fall in love,” get married, then… get pregnant. Lucky?
In retrospect the whole thing was quite stupid. Dating: a ridiculous Western ritual, IMO. The pre-“civilized” people had a much better idea: no marriage. Girl is of age, girl likes certain boy, she says, make me a baby and everybody happy. Boy still free, can make baby with other girl and girl happy: have baby to share with other tribe women and now adult, part of women group. Boy now man, go on hunt with men. All happy!
What’s that line? Stupid white men? Maybe stupid white woman? I’ve got a perfect solution to the whole pretense: everybody runs around naked; everybody does whomever they please, when they please, where they please and that settles it. I know, Earthians are too sexually immature to realize how much stress that would relieve, and even end the problem of rape, porn, sex slaves, perhaps even misogyny. But we do like to keep our dear social problems, don’t we. It’s like war, we love war, so don’t talk about empathy or living compassionately: that just won’t do.
Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts. Do you think it is just easier for humans to hate something instead of investing the time to love it?
I think you put your finger on the hemorrhage there… There’s so much talk about love, and so, so much emotion splattered all over about it, that killing becomes a work of divine love, and etc. Love is nuts, but it’s good for religion’s coffers and Hallmark’s profits and of course, the movie and ad industry. I saw the problem with “love” a long time ago and chose to consider it a negative factor among human relationships. Take dating: that’s reciprocal. That’s the problem: reciprocity is political, commercial, capitalistic. What’s in it for me? Totally off the topic here, but when I had to find something to replace love, I discovered compassion. No need for reciprocity. It gives, it expects nothing in return. Try that in a romantic, loving relationship… 🙂 I like your reviews even when you review movies I know I would never watch. It’s interesting seeing someone’s carefully plotted point of view emerge from a movie theme. Do you ever do reviews on request, or suggestion?
I love the word compassion and all it means; very good use of it on your part I must say. Regarding taking suggestions, I am always open to hearing about a movie that I may not have seen. Since my DVD queue averages at any given time 300, I take the suggestion and put it in so I get surprised at some point down the road. And finally, thank you so much for your kind words and continued support; it warms my heart.