Man Up

'Man Up' is a really well made & executed romantic-comedy. It's a simple story - the old blind-date mix-up, where Jake (Pegg) meets Nancy (Bell), both disillusioned with relationships, but they happen to find each other and have a great night out, before it's revealed that she's not his intended blind date.

Very fast-paced (only 85min long), with no time for dull moments, and plenty of laughs throughout to keep everyone happy. Williams is great as the creepy/stalker-ish 'friend' and Lovibond plays the starry-eyed, optimistic intended blind-dater. The soundtrack is great and there's some fun/memorable scenes, including the teens running through the streets, the race to the bar and the fire extinguisher.

What really makes the film work is Pegg's unflappable charm and his chemistry with Bell, who's the real star - endearing and unassuming, she's cute, but also witty and just enjoyable to watch. It's also refreshing to see Pegg doing something simple. In this film's case, easy doesn't = poor.

I usually do not like romcoms, since most of the time they are very predictable, with a happy ending etc. Was this a classic romcom? Yes, it kind of was, at least in its essence, but that does not mean i did not enjoy it, it just felt somehow awkwardly right.

It really is surprisingly likable, hence most of the reviews are decent on this movie. The film has great flow, pace and it just somehow feels right, it is cringy at moments, funny, sad and thoroughly enjoyable. The greatest asset of this movie is its success of making you feel happy, energized and with a positive look at life.

Has many awkwardly cringy/funny moments, time passes by in a heartbeat, though the screen time is fairly short too. Its going to impress even those who traditionally dislike romantic comedies. Of course it is not spot on perfect, but for a short British romcom it is very successful and has fairly decent acting.

Nancy (Lake Bell) is a 34 year old single and tired of being set up. She's on the train to her parents' anniversary party when she encounters 24 year old relentlessly optimistic Jessica (Ophelia Lovibond). Jessica is a devotee of a self-help book on her way to a blind date with divorcée Jack (Simon Pegg). Jessica leaves her book with Nancy. Unwilling to take it, Nancy races to return it back to Jessica only to be intercepted by Jack who mistakes her for Jessica. Nancy is intrigued and steals the blind date.

The premise is unusual. It comes with some potential pitfalls but the script handles each one with fun. It eventually follows the try-and-true rom-com formula but it also has a few surprises. Lake Bell is delightful even with her fake accent. Simon Pegg hits exactly the right notes at the right times. They are delightfully fun together and I love "Nancy!". I laughed whenever they yelled it. Each turn delivers touching fun and these two are a superb duo.

At times very uncomfortable and awkward,but well paced and with balanced emotional scenes

This film is very easy to watch. While I don't normally like the sentimental crap that chick flicks are normally, this film managed to make me laugh out loud several times.

Good story line that has been done over and over again.. Boy meets girl blah blah. Although it was new enough not to send me to sleep.

The character Nancy is a proper Tom boy come sexy minx, loved her.

Pegg played his normal character, I actually don't think he's acting.

The night seemed to go on and on, how on earth would you ever fit all that into one evening is beyond me... Hey it is escapism though after all.

Watch it, it's very easy to watch and follow. So if you fancy a lazy film that doesn't have lots of twisty plots then this is the one. 8/10