The Hating Game

One doesn't tune in to movies like this for the plot, or some earthshaking message. This isn't Hemmingway, or Tolstoy, and the reviews that trash flicks like this are easily ignored.

This Rom-Com follows the same cookie-cutter plot formula one sees on Hallmark, but the writing and execution are far more adult, and the character interactions haven't been sanitized into oblivion. This isn't a movie for children or grandma, due to the inclusion of R-rated language and the sexual content, although that is not gratuitous or graphic in any sense.

The chemistry between the leads is present, so by comparison, that clearly shines. You'll find much deeper chemistry elsewhere, but the mere presence of a somewhat realistic connection between the leads makes this flick shine when compared to the dull, wooden exchanges one finds portrayed in the movies this film will be compared to.

The supporting cast matches up, even though a couple are mere cut-outs, but overall, the hour and a half was entertaining, even though we know how the story is going to end as soon as it begins, but that's not the point of films such as this.

At first glance it seems like the typical and predictable romcom but it had me pleasantly surprised. Think I had a smile on my face throughout the whole movie.

The two leads played off each other so well with such charm and chemistry.

Probably one of my favorite romcom's from the last couple of years!

Lucy Hale is wonderful in this. Quirky, adorable, funny, the usual. However, the male lead is SO BORING. Like they could have casted a brick wall and it would have had the same outcome.

Points for originality, nope. Clever plot with a unique twist? No. Hilarious. Not really. Memorable acting? Naw. Charming and enjoyable? Absolutely. This movie isn't going to win any awards but I liked it very much. If you are a sucker for cheesy romantic comedies like I am (actually not meant as a diss) watch this because it was entertaining and really cute.

If the average Hallmark movie would move even a little along the scale towards this standard, their films might become a little more watchable. It helps the male audience that Lucy Hale is mesmericly beautiful. If I knew this scriptwriter and team were making another rom I'd watch it in a heartbeat. It is not so much that it wasn't entirely predictable - it was - but that is not the point. We didn't have to suffer through godawful pizzicato, awkward interrupted kisses, religious input or a dummy cast of whatever the latest race and sexual orientation quota is. Did I mention Lucy Hale looks good in this?