‘I Want You Back’ Review: Jenny Slate and Charlie Day Discover the Humorous, Healing Side of Heartbreak
09.02.2022 - 20:04
/ variety.com
Courtney Howard When in a romantic relationship, it’s never a good time to break up, nor to be the one getting dumped. The hilarious cold open of director Jason Orley’s rom-com “I Want You Back” begins with much promise, highlighting the indignities of the separate but equally humiliating fracturing of our two protagonists’ long-term loves.
And while the premise of these two broken-hearted strangers finding each other and hatching a foolhardy scheme to win back their exes is quick to ramp up, the midsection plateaus when it should percolate with the pair’s plan taking form, or rather not quite manifesting correctly. Still, despite some pacing issues and predictable plotlines, the film keeps us wholeheartedly engaged with well-drawn, well-performed characters, grounded shenanigans and sweet, sentimental commentary on heartache.
Thirtysomethings Emma (Jenny Slate) and Peter (Charlie Day) both thought they were headed towards the next big step with their respective partners, physical trainer Noah (Scott Eastwood) and teacher Anne (Gina Rodriguez). But their dreams of a happy marriage and a home in the suburbs filled with kids are dashed on the same weekend when their lovers blindside them, effectively kissing them off for other people.
Shocked and saddened, the two shuffle on with their stagnant lives, Emma as a receptionist at an orthodontic clinic and Peter as a corporate cog in the wheel of a shady retirement conglomerate. However, things change once the pair unwittingly meet-cute in their shared building’s stairwell while crying over their respective lost loves.Since Emma and Peter are scared to be alone at such a late stage, the two conspire to sabotage Noah and Anne’s respective blossoming affairs with stable, smart
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