Movie Review: How to Be Single (2016)

The movie stars Dakota Johnson, Rebel Wilson, Leslie Mann, Jake Lacy and Damon Wayans, Jr.

Normally, I try to get a horror movie when ordering a DVD through Netflix. But, I decided to change things up a bit this past week and went with a comedy film instead.

When I picked out this particular movie, I wasn't really sure what to expect from it. From the description, it sounded a lot like the "chick flick" movies I usually don't enjoy too much. But, at the same time, I did recognize a lot of the actors and actresses. As it turns out, I was right about it being a chick flick. However, I found I still enjoyed watching it.

I think the thing that really surprised me about this movie is, unlike way too many movies in this genre, it wasn't as predictable as I thought it would be. There were a number of different stories ranging from a bartender's (Anders Holm) relationship with one of his bar patrons (Alison Brie) to a successful doctor (Mann) deciding to get pregnant through in vitro fertilization only to meet someone (Lacy) a few weeks later. Those stories had a variety of twists and turns and there were even a couple that did not end the way I expected them to.

Even the main story about Alice (Johnson) trying to find her way proved to be much more interesting than I expected. Since she had multiple potential suitors, it wasn't immediately clear who (if anyone) she would end up with. And, I found I liked the way the movie also made sure to remind us, through her own misadventures, being single isn't always a great thing.

The only thing about this movie that gave me a mixed opinion was Rebel Wilson's Robin character. She was funny. But, she also was also exactly like characters I've seen her play in other films. In other words, while she managed to keep the comedy in a movie that otherwise might get a little depressing, she didn't manage to surprise me or bring anything memorable to the movie.

I would still classify it as a chick flick but, overall, the film did manage to entertain me. As a result, it is a movie I would recommend.

My Grade: B