Review of Mr. Right (2016) by Andrew M — 30 Jan 2017

A successful film ultimately seems to come down to execution. Any idea, no matter how unique it is or how unoriginal it is, can work in theory, so long as its executed properly. Sadly, that's where Mr.

Right goes wrong. The idea of a rom-com being mixed with a spy action thriller has been done numerous times, but there's always new potential for an idea like this, and having a quick-thinking, snappy writer like Max Landis aboard should allow for all kinds of new and fresh ideas.

There certainly are some of those here, with an occasional trope subversion or clever plot point, but it's ultimately all brought down by flat execution from director Paco Cabezas. The action isn't captured all that well, and never really packs a punch because of it.

Due to everything feeling so rushed, there's a general disconnect from everything that's happening, down to the main relationship we should be finding ourselves invested in: that, in turn, hurts the performances from two very capable actors.

Sam Rockwell is charming as always, but you can feel the underdeveloped material of his character weighing him down. Anna Kendrick too has a natural sense of charm, but here, her quirkiness is amped up to a ridiculous degree that feels more juvenile, and even downright obnoxious, than adorable.

It's small things like this that slowly chip away at Mr. Right's potential as a fun action comedy: it's nothing insulting or unbearable, but the missed opportunity here really stings.