De Repente é Amor

Probably the best romantic comedy my wife and I have seen in twenty years. Although we have always been a fan of Ashton Kutcher, this movie separates from his previous achievements. His chemistry with Amanda Peete is more believable than any other actress he has performed with. You actually fall into to the story as someone you might have known in life, whether it was a friend or someone that remains in your thoughts from years past.

To knick-pick the movie on plot or commercialization is to miss the writers passion for what he/she is trying to convey. Take the movie for what it is at face value and that is to travel through their relationship in all the what-if's, all the heart breaks and joys. If you let yourself do that you will enjoy a great story with someone you at one time shared the same passion with. -Curt & Tam

Perhaps this film won't inspire the twenty-something folks at whom it was marketed. They might not appreciate its message, after all, when you're young, life stretches out before you like an eternity. But if you're over 30 and haven't found that perfect person to share your life with, it might really touch you...

This is the most romantic movie I have seen in years. As a regular armchair film critic who happens to love romantic comedies but finds the quality of most to be sorely lacking, I usually start to gnaw away at a film within the first five minutes. But A Lot Like Love immediately embarks on a tortuous journey of love's most confounding mileposts. The fireworks, the mystery, the seduction, the retreat... A guy who wants to get "all his ducks in a line," and a gal who deals with whatever happens to come her way, help each other loosen up their respective rigid perspectives on how life should be lived.

The chemistry between Oliver and Emily percolates over a span of nearly seven years but neither lets it come to a full boil lest it ruin their plans. Kutcher and Peet each deliver endearing performances and actually play against the urge to gratuitously combust making for just the right emotional veracity and sexual tension to keep it real. No "just add water" instant love here. These two take their time to fall into the soup.

This film is certainly easy to look at what with the hip modern beauty of both of its stars decorating every shot. The fly-on-the-wall perspective of watching these two people awkwardly and trepidaciously flirt with what might be, kept my attention rapt, and experiencing it in the moment, I can honestly say that I did not know what was going to happen next.

If anyone has ever had that "friend" that you've know for years, you know you have feelings for them, appreciate their loyalty, and take their bad with their good (because after all, you're "just friends"), but have spent years keeping an eye out for something better, or just not taken that "next step" because of geography, peer-pressure, or fear of rejection, you will appreciate the honesty and sentiment of this story.

You'll definitely get a refresher course in the fact that life is indeed short and a lot can happen when you're not paying attention. Enjoy every moment you can, and take some risks or you'll be looking back on an awful lot of regret. A Lot Like Love is funny and sad, playful and poignant, and was over before I wanted it to be. For me, this movie is a lot like life.

Gosh darn it, I liked it. Did I think it was a cinematic masterpiece - definitely not, but who really expected that anyway? What we have here is a cutesy formulaic light romantic comedy. I laughed and walked out with a smile. Will I remember it in a year, probably not, but thats OK. I'd also like to comment on a post I read here, where the writer was 'distressed' by the characters in this film displaying VERY antiquated and unhip desires - like, dare I say it... wanting to secure a successful career, find love, and get married by age 30. Wow, can you imagine people nowadays feeling that way?! I personally find it 'distressing' to think that we live in a society where having traditional desires is made to be odd. I'm in my 20s and know many other people who are looking for these same things. So go figure, I actually found this perspective in a modern film refreshing.

This movie isn't just another average romantic film; there's a lot to be learned from it. If you're in your 20s, you'll probably relate to it like I did. The movie takes you to a crucial time in life when you have to make tough decisions about your future and career, and prioritize everything. It explores the question of what is more important: material success or love.

I won't give away any spoilers, but I highly recommend watching this movie alone so you can truly feel its impact. It's not the kind of film to watch with a bunch of friends on the weekend. In the end, the writing and acting are impressive. Peace.

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.