Review of How to Be Single (2016) by Louisa M — 16 Feb 2016

As a female, I responded very well to "How to Be Single." Most of us have either been in similar situations portrayed in the movie or we've sat beside our girlfriends when they've found themselves in comparable positions.

The women-centric humor makes this more of a "girls' night out" movie than a "date night" movie. That's not to say that men won't find things to enjoy here, but I think if you're a girl you'll find a little extra delight in the story and characters.

I loved how the film treats its leads with respect: Rebel Wilson thankfully isn't the butt of fatty jokes and Dakota Johnson is perfect as a normal, average, everyday girl (no fake movie star good looks). It was completely believable that these two would be fast friends. Throw in a charming turn from Alison Brie and the always charismatic Leslie Mann and you have a recipe for success. Men are well represented and surprisingly well written too, something you don't often see in such a gal-pal movie. Damon Wayans Jr. and Anders Holm give convincing performances as dudes with issues that (mostly) felt authentic - let's forget the plumbing joke, shall we?

Best of all, this movie is funny! While Rebel steals the show as usual, there were times when I had to cover my mouth in the theater because I couldn't stop laughing. Judging by my fellow female audience members, the humor was a slam dunk with them too.

It was a little off-putting that most of the women in the film were adamant that they didn't need a man to be happy, yet they still spend the entire film in pursuit of one. But that's okay. In the end, what's not to like about an overall message of friendship, finding your way, and owning your sexuality?

There are a few too many subplots and storylines with characters who get left by the wayside, but that often happens with movies that are based on novels (like this one by Liz Tuccillo). Despite its minor flaws, this is still an enjoyable and very funny film. A SCREEN ZEALOTS REVIEW.