Ever wonder why he didn’t call? It could be that he lost your number or had a busy week. At least that’s what you tell yourself. But as the days go by and your phone refuses to make a sound, you reluctantly realize that maybe he’s just not that into you.
Based on the bestselling self-help novel of the same name, “He’s Just Not Into You” demystifies dating dynamics that singles have long analyzed from the bottom of Ben and Jerry’s cartons. Unlike typical romantic comedies built on fantasy, writers Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo (“Sex and the City”) expose the awkward realities of a network of young professionals living in Baltimore.
There’s the single Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin), a sweet yet na’ve woman constantly sitting by the phone, if not scheduling accidental run-ins with the men who didn’t call. There’s the couple Beth (Jennifer Aniston) and Neil (Ben Affleck) who after seven years still haven’t approached the altar. And there’s the married Janine (Jennifer Connolly) and Ben (Bradley Cooper), a picture perfect couple with irreconcilable differences. The movie also stars Scarlett Johansson and Drew Barrymore as two charming and confused friends who believe they are the exception to the rule.
The rule, according to a sympathetic bar owner played by Justin Long, is as follows: if he likes you, he will call no matter what. If he doesn’t like you, he won’t.
But despite its simplicity, many women foolishly believe there’s a dramatic obstacle keeping them away from the object of their desire when the truth is there’s a lack of interest. As a character comments, regardless of what he says or doesn’t say, go to the store and buy some ribs and ice cream: you’ve been dumped.
Directed by Ken Kwapis and produced by Barrymore’s Flower Films, “He’s Just Not That Into You” has funny insights about relationships post-technological revolution. For example, when you want to attract someone, you don’t get a haircut, you update your online profile. Gone are the days when people had one phone number, with one answering machine that contains one little black tape, whines Barrymore’s character. Instead, she says singles must sift through texts, e-mails, and wall posts for a response only to get rejected by seven different technologies. Dating is tough. Even booty calls aren’t actually calls but MySpace messages.
Both male and female audiences will enjoy the blunt dialogue. Nevertheless, the plot is lengthy, bringing the film to a staggering 129 minutes. Overall, “He’s Just Not That Into You” is a good movie for both romantics, and those who’d rather shoot Cupid than be shot by him.
