Slightly Single in L.A.

I recently watched Slightly Single in L.A via the HBO download. I wasn't sure what to think by the trailer, as it seemed like it was going to be a rip off of Sex In The City, or something. But the jokes in the trailer were funny, and the cast seemed great. Long and short - what an endearing, sweet, and funny movie. It's defiantly a chick-flick, and the comedy and jokes all play to a female audience. It's clever, and quick, and most certainly lives up to the title. On that note, I wasn't sure what to think of the title 'Slightly' Single in L.A., as what does 'Slightly' mean? But having lived in L.A., dated in L.A., and now having watched this film -- I agree with the writer, Christie Will, that everyone in Los Angeles is always 'Slightly' in a relationship. Like Dale says in the movie - always looking for the bigger better deal. Lacey Chabert is adorable in it - you laugh at her, with her, and then feel for her dating struggles, and life journey. Jenna Dewan is also perfectly cast as her vixen best friend, along with Haylie Duff (who is so funny as Jill). I also really laughed at Jonathan Bennett, and Chris Kattan; and Kip Pardue (as Zac) is is sexy and down to earth. I think this ensemble is one of the best I've seen on TV in a long long time. The writer and director is Christie Will, and from reading about her on-line, it seems this story might be somewhat autobiographical. I really like her sense of humour, and direction, and I plan to watch all her films now. Anyhow, I highly recommend Slightly Single in L.A. if you want to watch a real film, about dating and friendship. Note: it's only available on-line (just search).

It is supposed to be a romantic comedy; but it is neither funny, nor romantic. As someone who knows several Angelinos, some of whom are actors, I find the depiction of actors in this movie very misguided and unrealistic. A similar option would be Hollywood Sex Wars, that movie is actually entertaining, funny, and has twists and turns all through the plot that are more interesting. Also, the characters in Sex Wars are more realistic than in Slightly. I like a lot of movies where suspension of disbelieve is crucial to the plot; but this one, without being sci-fi or fantasy totally failed the suspension of disbelief test. I simply refuse to believe that there exist women as stupid as the protagonist. Awful date movie, too. Sex Wars might be a good date movie if the girl you asked out is into raunchy humor. This movie is trying to be a RomCom (and failing epically), and RomCom's are the last type of movie you should ever choose as a date movie, especially if it has no explicit sex scenes (Only spinsters with a house full of cats watch that kind of crap). Your average straight up comedy with a romantic subplot is much better. I got laid after watching Anchorman, for christsakes, and I got a beautiful baby out of that deal. One star for Slightly Crappy RomCom.

She is never alone, but this is her town now I guess. Good enough barely.There are some touching moments tucked away in this bit of fluff, and you will find them worth your time getting to. Very by the book chick flick stuff, but the important thing is it's Lacey Chabert in a not made for cable, Hallmark family thing, or some voice over gig, or the dumb girl in the back. She is finally in the lead roll, just too bad that it had to be in this movie most of you would never watch Thirst so it doesn't count(but it was awsomer than this one). To wrap up it could be a good movie, the characters are real enough, and you do get into the story which is why you are watching so I say Enjoy it.

This movie was basically a product, it told a story that we already know we are "okay" with. Insecure female protagonist, been let down in the past, so she's afraid of a real relationship. This premise is hammered into us over, and over, and over again. We see the perfect guy for her in the first ten minutes of the movie! Dale reflects on how she feels like a victim, again and again. Do you need us to spell it out for you?

The editing of this movie both impressed and annoyed me. It's flashy and fast, often treating the audience as if we have the shortest possible attention span. The movie feels like its own trailer sometimes.

I have to admit that the acting was pretty good. Nothing great, no really deep personalities or stirring emotional moments, but I commend the good casting, and I think everyone gave it their all. They looked like they were actually enjoying themselves, too.

But the story had nothing to say, and we just ended up seeing a bunch of really attractive people flirt and fight and commiserate and make kissy-face. No conflict ever got resolved, we never saw anything play out to its logical conclusion. A few times I felt as if a character was just doing something really stupid, and I knew this person could have done better. But I think self-awareness is taboo in movies like these.

It's amazing what a Thanksgiving food coma will do to a girl. Case in point: I watched this entire film. The entire bloody thing. Those are 90 minutes I will never, ever, be able to get back!

Oh. Holy. Hell. What did I do????

To say the writing is insipid is being generous. The dialogue is downright lame, and when it's delivered by actors who seem completely unenthusiastic about appearing on camera, the entire thing is just painful. The tragedy here is that I have seen all of these people, every one of them, in roles that showed they are actually capable of acting. It's like they read the screenplay, realized that no one was ever going to see this piece of tripe after all, and then decided to dial it in. From Norway.

I'd suggest you skip it, but if you're determined, make sure you've stocked up on a bottle or three of wine first. It's the only way you'll survive.