Jemand, den ich mal kannte

As a principal character pointed out with an on-the-nose observation in an early scene, this 2023 romcom felt like a familiar rehash of the Julia Roberts 1997 vehicle, "My Best Friend's Wedding". This time, Ally, a reality show producer faces a career crisis and comes home to rural Washington to connect with her old flame Sean from a decade ago only to discover he's getting married to a younger woman Cassidy who is facing her own challenges in abandoning her burgeoning rock music career for marriage. Showing her signature spunk with comic aplomb as Ally, Alison Brie co-wrote the screenplay with her husband Dave Franco who directed. Despite some sharp jabs at reality TV at the outset, their plot follows a predictable path with the characters acting just as you'd expect in their respective predicaments. Jay Ellis is given little to do but act moony or confused as Sean. Kiersey Clemons fares better as Cassidy who recognizes her affinity with Ally. Julie Hagerty displays her trademark ditziness as Ally's sexually active mom, while a still recognizable Haley Joel Osment energetically plays a family friend who is an irritating pop culture geek.

Hey, Streamers! It's mid-February, and it seems you either watch romantic comedies or you're anticipating the Big Game. For those who aren't into the latter, here's some more counterprogramming courtesy of Prime Video and the minds of Dave Franco and Alison Brie, Somebody I Used to Know. It's a "romantic" comedy involving wedding shenanigans, which we all love. Am I right??? Here's whether you should know this somebody.

Dave Franco directs the screenplay he wrote with his wife and the movie's star, Alison Brie. Somebody I Used to Know takes place over a few days in Leavenworth, Washington when Ally (Brie) returns to her mother's home after her reality television show was canceled. While in town on day one, Ally predictably runs into her old flame, Sean (Jay Ellis), after ten years; and they seem to pick up right where they left off. Sean, of course, is hiding the big news of his impending wedding, which leads Ally to go full-on Julianne Potter (My Best Friend's Wedding reference). Wedding sabotage hijinks ensue.

This storyline is so tiresome. How many times do we have to see a woman, usually, attempt to sabotage her ex's wedding? Why would anyone think that's going to turn out good for you in the end? Why would you even want someone who was easily manipulated by you? Is that satisfying? I have so many questions for this played-out genre.

Now, Somebody I Used to Know steps right into all of the problems with this genre of romantic comedy. It is predictable and unoriginal. In fact, it borrows so heavily from My Best Friend's Wedding that I am now wondering if that was Franco and Brie's objective. It is a shame that this movie feels so derivative because Alison Brie is generally a likeable screen presence. You can easily root for the characters she plays, even someone who is being so manipulative. The one good thing that Franco and Brie have added to this movie is a theme about self-empowerment. The screenplay revisits ideas about making oneself happy, and it is impactful at times. I wish those ideas had been more in the forefront than the wedding sabotage.

There really isn't much else here. There's a nice sing-along to look forward to. Haley Joel Osment and Danny Pudi get some good moments, but Osment, in particular, is so unnecessary. That's all really. Eh. *Shrug*

Ultimately, Somebody I Used to Know is fine but too derivative, unoriginal and predictable to really be interesting. While the movie hints at other meaningful themes, it settles with the cliches of wedding sabotage movies to be its driving force. That's pretty disappointing. Alison Brie is a pleasant on-screen presence and Haley Joel Osment gets some daffy moments. I'd only suggest a handful of popcorn for this if you need something to fill the time while waiting for Rihanna's halftime show.

I tried to get through Somebody That I Use Know, but it was a struggle. Actually, I gave up after an hour and fifteen minutes. I am certain I saw enough to know I did not care for it. No spoilers here. I won't rehash what other reviewers have correctly pointed out about this film's abundant weak points. For me, the worst part was not being able to appreciate any of the relationships portrayed in this saga. On a more positive note, the locations were really beautiful Also, I can honestly say that the only two characters with legitimate chemistry were Alison Brie and Danny Pudi (real life friends from their years on Community).

Dave Franco's sophomore directorial has a definite flow and some interestingly grey-shaded protagonists. Where it doesn't stick is in its first act (the whole "Do I hate my job?" aspect isn't called out well enough) and the somewhat rushed finale, with everything getting sorted out so easily. The middle section, however, had me completely invested. The writing by Dave and Alison tries hard not to succumb to some derivative tropes of the steal-your-guy genre but it ends up doing just that. That said, the film does offer some moments of shine as the leads are well-written and performed, and even some of the supporting cast (featuring the likes of Danny Pudi and Julie Hagerty) adds on. To brand this film an all-out romantic comedy isn't exactly correct - it's more of a romantic drama with bits of organic humour added unevenly.

IMDB, you are guys are crazy. I'm genuinely shocked at the pearl clutching in the comments. (Oh my god, how dare someone try and reignite something with someone already in a relationship?! Think of the children!)

We, collectively, needed a movie like this. Somebody I Used To Know is one of the sweetest, most earnest, gentle romantic films I've seen in a long time. A movie about love and with no gimmicks: there's no time traveling, no amnesia, no action component. Just a simple story about a girl returning home and remembering a lost love.

Alison Brie is wonderful in this movie, and it makes me wonder why or how she hasn't been in a thousand of these movies by now. She's beautiful, funny, has such natural screen presence and chemistry. (And let's be honest, there's no one complaining about her baring it all multiple times) This movie is also a reunion between her and Community co-star (and supposedly really good friend IRL) Danny Pudi, whom was fantastic, but definitely underused. Same with Hayley Joel Osmont, to be honest. This movie presents a fun cast but unfortunately, doesn't have them as present as i'd have liked.

But it's okay because as familiar as the story may be, I think it's fundamentally quite strong. Jay Ellis, Kiersey Clemons, and Brie have a great dynamic and I like the subtle mind games and entendres that dominate their conversations in the middle of the movie. But, it gives way to a sweeter, more thoughtful and ultimately, healthier take on love and relationships that I think is a direct response to the tropes of the past.

This movie also looks GORGEOUS with the picturesque, highly unique town of Leavingworth, Washington, with its German inspired town centre playing the perfect romantic setting for a movie like this. Honestly, this movie makes me want to visit that town. It looks incredible. But it's also a testament to the cinematography that every image looks so crisp and gorgeous, even if I could've used a bit more cinematic flair.

I don't know what to say, I really liked this movie. It felt mature, it felt earnest, it felt right. I genuinely don't understand why the reception has been so negative. This movie is perfect for Valentine's Day.