The other obvious movie that comes to mind while watching 'A Lot Like Love' is Rob Reiner's classic, 'When Harry Met Sally'. Both deal with friendship turn into romantic relationship over the years. One key difference is that this film does not focus on whether sex ends the friendship between a man and a woman. Here the two characters already have had a physical relationship from the start. It's the camaraderie that gradually develops. The physical attraction is there from the beginning and the friendship that follows only begs for the two to be together only they don't realize it. Also, 'A Lot Like Love' is more modernized and the two lead characters, Oliver and Emily, are very different from Harry and Sally. Even though it misses reaching the standard of that classic (by a bit), it remains enjoyable and manages to bring a smile. Director Nigel Cole's intentions are noble but I thought he could have done a better job with the execution. While he solely focuses on the lead pair, the supporting characters hardly have anything to do. In addition to that, the pacing isn't consistent and the ending feels abrupt. It is the casting of Emily and Oliver that is the biggest strength. Both Amanda Peet and Ashton Kutcher share the required chemistry and do an outstanding job. The supporting cast that includes familiar names like Ali Larter, Gabriel Mann and Kal Penn have too little to do to make an impression. Only Kathryn Hahn has a meatier role and she does a fine job. On the whole, 'A Lot Like Love' is a very entertaining romantic comedy, a great date movie for sure.
