Review of The Five-Year Engagement (2012) by Jane O — 31 Jan 2013

I'm a huge Jason Segal fan and I wanted so much to LOVE this movie. Unfortunately, the movie turned out to be quite underwhelming.

Most of the plot was predictable, but most romantic comedy plots are predictable--even the films that are trying to be 'new." I could deal with a predictable plot. However, this movie had chunks of time that I felt were unnecessary. If they cut the film down from 2 hours and 4 minutes to the "perfect" romantic comedy time of 90 minutes, my review may have been kinder. While I laughed and smiled during portions of the film, I felt that it moved slowly. I also detested the subplot with the cheesy Scottish professor.

Although the plot could use definite revisions (and cuts), I adored the cast of the film. As usual, Segal was easily loveable. I felt indifferent toward Emily Blunt's character of Violet and didn't really root for her character at all. Allison Brie, of NBC's Community, was stellar as the overly dramatic, frequently sloshed sister. This movie also had other comedic actors who lended some laughs along the way (Chris Pratt of Parks and Rec, Brian Posehn, Chris Parnell of SNL, and Mindy Kaling of NBC's The Office).

:(.