“How To Be Single” Not Just Another Chick Flick
By Skip Sheffield
What, another chick flick rom-com?
Yes, that describes “How to Be Single.” However, this movie has a not-so-secret
secret weapon in Rebel Wilson, who plays a variation on her devil-may-care
anything- goes character of Robin, the sparkplug to this comedy, based on Liz
Tucillo’s book, with screenplay by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein (“Valentine’s
Day,” “He’s Just Not That Into You”).
The nominal star of “How To” is Dakota Johnson as nice girl
Alice, who takes a break from her steady boyfriend whom she has been dating for
four years. Acting as her coach and cheerleader is Robin, who urges her to live
a little (and have sex) before she settles down.
Johnson is much better suited to the role of Alice than she
was as the submissive masochist in “Fifty Shades of Grey.” Johnson has matured,
yet she still has an appealingly girlish, tentative quality as Alice.
Playing Alice’s older sister Meg is the always-reliable
Leslie Mann. Mann plays a successful New York City obstetrician who is proudly
single and has no desire to marry. However the lure of motherhood is strong,
and she will succumb to that irresistible force.
Allison Brie is Lucy, a woman who firmly believes she can
find Mr. Right on Internet dating services. Good luck with that.
Playing the nicest of the male suitors is Damon Wayans, Jr.,
who plays it straight as a widower with an adorable young daughter. Anders
Holm, Nicholas Braun, Jake Lacey and Jason Mantzoukas are serviceable as male
foils to the female main characters.
“How To Be Single” is more than just another chick flick
under the direction of Christian Ditter (“Love Rosie”). It has heart and soul
along with easy low humor. It’s a feel-good movie for single people who are not
convinced marriage is the answer to everything.
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