He's Just Not That Into You: 8/10

Meshing Sex and the City flavor with the complex storytelling structure of Crash, this chick flick rises above the norm with plenty of charm and realism, 9 February 2009

Love or hate Sex and the City, you cannot deny its impact on pop culture in terms of the way relationships are perceived, described, and displayed on television and film. Then with the movie installment, it becomes the highest-grossing romantic comedy since 2005 and also among the biggest of all-time. Clever writing, excellent casting, and the ability to pull no punches is the deadly combination that makes it a hit with viewers and critics as well (though, not so much with the movie). He's Just Not That Into You combines the same elements that makes Sex and the City such a success; except it contains even more heart than you'd expect, and a bit more unpredictability. Unlike Sex and the City, this film is much more believable, much more down-to-earth, more accessible, and overall a better look at the way love works. It definitely isn't perfect, but it's quite a shock as to how entertaining it can be.

In a Crash sort of way, this movie intertwines and weaves together multiple plots that have loose connections with one another; yet ultimately follow the same themes of love and finding happiness. One involves a ditzy hopeless romantic by the name of Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) receiving tips from a promiscuous bar manager (Justin Long), another one involves a long-lasting couple not yet married (Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston), a third tale involves a recently-married couple (Jennifer Connelly and Bradley Cooper) having complications because of outside temptation (Scarlett Johannson). Last but not least there's an advertising expert (Drew Barrymore) who is struggling to find somebody, anybody. Based off a book which is based off of a catchphrase from the ultra-popular Sex and the City show, this film at the core feels like a younger sister of the phenomenon.

Romantic comedies rely heavily on two things: the writing, and the casting. The casting is definitely superb; we have several Golden Globe and Academy Award-winners and nominees on the front end (Ben Affleck, Connelly, Johannson) and many wonderful up-and-coming stars contributing (Long, Goodwin, Cooper). They all play off each other very well and add to the realism of the entire peace. None of them are heavily infused with makeup and look like they are in an eternal fashion runway show (Like..well, you should know by now). The writing duo of Abby Kohn and Mark Silverstein had a tough job of translating a rather deep and complex story into a film but nonetheless stripped the bare essentials, good dialogue, and did a better job keeping the plots tightly wound when compared to other films in similar fashion (Shut up "Crash" fans, that movie was a writing disaster).

Chick flicks have gotten a bad reputation because of its ability to dwell into every single type of stereotype imaginable. He's Just Not That Into You follows the trend loosely, but then destroys it by throwing in a lot of plot twists, turns, and unexpected surprises. While all the stories have been done before, the manners in which they continue and end vary quite drastically from the norm. This is a refreshing aspect of the movie, just like love you're not sure what to expect. Finally, there are the little breaks in between the tales; you'll see interviews of other random people discussing love and the opposite sex. Ken Kwapis directs with limited pizazz and style, as he presents the story with decent pacing and enough stability to keep you entertained in the rather lengthy running time.

Bottom Line: Neglect what the critics have said, they all usually hate chick flicks in general (Mostly male too, how's that for a coincidence?). Being the counterculture expert that enjoys destroying trends and normal thinking on a daily basis, I can tell you that this is a good movie with great acting, good writing, and an overall semi-realistic and good view on love and its inability to have a set course. Depending on your personality, you may prefer one story over another (also depends on your current relationship status). This is Sex and the City at heart; just missing the fashion, the explicit sex dialogue, nudity, and higher-class aura.

The down-to-earth behavior and nature of this film however allows for it to be more believable and much more personal than let's say the problems and issues of four highly-successful and well-paid independent women. While there isn't as much comedy as one would hope, its still sprinkled throughout and the characters themselves are (for the most part) lovable enough to maintain your interest as you ponder what happens next. Recommend, whether you are single, taken, married, divorced, or have a fondness for creatures from another planet.

P.S. Men, if you are still looking for a reason to see this movie, picture a seductive and promiscuous Scarlett Johannson for two hours. You can thank me later.