Review of Definitely, Maybe (2008) by Victoria S — 02 Aug 2010

Definitely, Maybe is a romantic comedy that revolves around a young girls quest to learn more about her Father?s life before marriage to her mother. She has been living with her Mom for some time, only seeing her Dad occasionally since their separation. After being introduced to sexual education in her school, Maya pleads with her Dad during one of his visits to tell her all about his past loves. Reluctant to do so, Will tries to avoid the conversation by telling her its all too complicated. After continued pressure by Maya, Will finally gives in and answers her question in the form of a autobiographical bed time story about his younger years and former relationships. The only catch is that he promises to change some of the facts and names of the women in the story, leaving it up to Maya to figure out which one ends up to be her Mom.

One of the impressive things about this film is that it held my attention through its entirety. The fashion in which the Father?s story is laid out leaves the audience no choice but to wonder what will happen next. Instead of placing all of its charm on the final identity of the ?mystery lady?, the tale offers many subplots that are explored in enough depth and detail to make them an entertaining addition to the film as well as a useful tool to learn more about Wills character.

The script ping pongs occasionally between Wills past and scenes of present day Will and Maya in the bedroom. This is done so in almost the exact same form that is followed in [i]The Princess Bride[/i], which gives the audience a peek at what emotions the two are going through as the story unfolds. These switches are never over used, and prove to be quite necessary to show not only how much Maya is learning about her Father, but how much William is rediscovering about himself. There are even points in which Maya offers her opinion about certain situations he?s gone through that give him a new perspective on the events of his life.

To the experienced viewer, the film can certainly be relatively predictable. Anyone that has viewed other movies within its genre has an advantage in piecing together what has and will happen. However, the film saves itself by realizing this fact, thus straying from trying to be too tricky and instead concentrate on serving up a warm comedic plot with the ability to reach a large audience. Moreover, there is just enough complexity here to undoubtedly supply some surprise to even the most attentive eye.

Besides Ryan Reynolds, who plays Will, the majority of the supporting characters acting is pretty weak. People come across a little too exaggerated and lose a little bit of realism because of it. Of the three actresses that fill the rolls as Wills past girlfriends, only Isla Fisher shines. Abigal Breslin is much too muted to keep from becoming boring quickly and Rachel Weisz is miscast as the multi layered wild child. Fisher on the other hand is perfect to play April, a semi-cynical seemingly carefree woman not afraid to speak her mind or offer an unwelcome opinion. In the end though, it?s Reynolds who steals the show. The tone of his narration along the way is a little off, but his comedic style is skillful and fitting. His dead pan sarcastic delivery is reminiscent of a young Chevy Chase and gives the film a hilarity that is constant but never overwhelming.

Though it is more impressive than other Rom-Coms, it does encompass some of the same flaws of its counterparts. The reoccurring run ins between the characters of the story are way too coincidental and much of the dialogue lacks creativity. Granted that this has seemingly become unavoidable in films of this nature, I wish that it could have been minimized a little further. Much of the magic of drama is found within realism and situations that the audience can relate to, and the most successful segments of [i]Definitely, Maybe[/i] are just that. I wish they were more abundant but oh well, that?s Hollywood. All in all, it?s a fun time sandwiched between a clever opening and a satisfying conclusion. You could [i]definitely[/i] do worse.

...nope, I won?t say it.

Rating 6 out of 10.