Review of How Do You Know (2010) by Stephen M — 03 May 2011
Writer/director James L. Brooks (Broadcast News, Will & Grace) turns out another character-based charmer. It's a solid, heart-warming but not overwhelming experience.
Witherspoon is perfect as a one-time pro softball player cut from the US team. Seeking solace, she starts to date narcissistic major leaguer Wilson. However, her path keeps crossing Rudd, an innocent CFO who may be going to Federal prison to save daddy Nicholson's company.
The younger actors do a lovely job creating and working through Brooks subtle and witty comedy. Weirdly, Nicholson (of Brooks' As Good as it Gets) seems less present, hamming his part up, sticking out like a sore thumb. One minor character - Ruddâ(TM)s pregnant secretary Kathryn Hahn - almost steals the film, while all the other bit parts seem to get the short shrift.
In fact, upon deeper reflection, this movie lacks the modern punch that Brooks' other socially based comedies possess. There is no sly comment about corporate greed or national sports. However, it's still a witty, romantic way to waste a couple hours.
This review of How Do You Know (2010) was written by Stephen M on 03 May 2011.
How Do You Know has generally received mixed reviews.
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