Review of the movie HOW DO YOU KNOW

Earlier tonight, I saw the new rom-com How Do You Know starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Owen Wilson (and the always fantastic) Jack Nicholson.  Here, Jack was in just enough scenes to be funny and be serious without stealing the spotlight from the other actors.  Although, most of his scenes were with Paul Rudd, who played his son in the movie.  There are some wonderful one-liners and just great dialogue from writer-director James L. Brooks.  The relationships seemed real, very organic.  JLB is very good at doing that.  When you get a chance, check out his credits on imdb.  I’m wondering if Kramer vs. Kramer is a favorite of his.  You’ll understand once you see the movie. 

Speaking of…  The movie starts out very cute and funny.  We see Reese's character, Lisa, grow up right before our eyes.  Her passion and talent are in playing ball.  Paul Rudd's character, George, starts the movie in some hot water with the feds.  Yet, these are not at the center of the movie... the people are.  Owen Wilson's character, Matty, plays a narcissistic pro athlete who is funny about changing his ways.  You can’t help but like the guy as he courts Lisa.  Kathryn Hahn plays George's loyal (pregnant) assistant Annie.  Tony Shalhoub has an un-credited cameo.  What you think is going to happen, doesn't.  The title asks How Do You Know (when you are in love).  Well, you just know as these characters do.  JLB has a way of letting you know as the audience when these moments happen.

Sure, this is a rom-com in rom-com fashion: girl meets boy, boy falls for girl, girl is involved with someone she thinks she should be with, later comes to realize he's not the one for her, etc.  There is no serious court room drama with the feds (enough in the news these days).  No long drawn out saga about the future.  We are in the now which spans maybe a few months.  The audience laughed HARD as when I did.  JLB is so experienced when it comes to even parts funny and serious.  Yes, I think this movie is going to do very, very well.  Think When Harry Met Sally meets As Good As It Get's.  The latter being a James L. Brooks/ Jack Nicholson vehicle.  My recommendation is to see this film if you want a few hours of sweet, good fun.  That’s my opinion and I’m sticking to it.

In theaters December 17th.  Check out http://www.howdoyouknow-movie.com/