Perhaps, It Makes Sense

How do you preserve the fairy-tale elements of the genre, the beguiling fantasy of permanent bliss in the face of certain prosaic and unavoidable facts? In the real world, after all, people divorce, sleep around, and fall in love too soon, too late, or too often.

Definitely. Maybe.

Isn't it ironic, don't you think, that the man who recently experienced a broken engagement to rocker Alanis Morisette would suddenly star in one of the most intelligent romantic comedies written? "Definitely, Maybe," by writer/director Adam Brooks (screenwriter of "French Kiss" and "Wimbledon"), is the perfect flick for couples celebrating the month of love with its intelligent script, equal treatment of both men and women, and slightly French variation on the themes of love, commitment and growing into manhood.

Rating is PG-13 (Parents strongly cautioned) although it doesn't depict adults doing it, it is quite open about what they do as adults. It is one of those uncomfortable Important chats that parents occasionally have to have with their kids. In this instance, Maya Hayes (Abigail Breslin), after taking a sex education session at her Manhattan elementary school, requires some debriefing. Her father Will (Ryan Reynolds), who has some technical terminology but less background knowledge, must provide the essential explanations.

This is a tricky undertaking because, as Will and Maya's mother recently discovered, theory and practice in adult relationships regularly diverge. Will wants to be a good father and tell his daughter the facts without making her feel cynical or disillusioned.

Politics plays a significant role in the backstory of "Definitely, Maybe," as the plot essentially starts when a younger Will accepts a 2-month position as a New York staffer on the Clinton campaign and is forced to leave behind Emily (Elizabeth Banks), his college sweetheart, who is primarily wary of Will's political ambitions, in Wisconsin. Will's development from idealistic youth to sober realism almost parallels that of the political situations in which he works.

All of the principals turn in strong performances, with Isla Fisher, in particular, dialing up her considerable charms. The subplot of collecting old editions of 'Jane Eyre' with inscriptions in them, along with the scene with the line "I kept the book because it was the only thing that I had left of you" is touching. The proposal scene in Central Park is also fantastic. Captured some great shots in New York and includes a great soundtrack. This is a smart, funny, and entertaining rom-com.

Despite having a straightforward love tale as its plot, I was interested in this film from beginning to end. Its underlying principle is pretty novel and seems to be fairly original. Predictability was the only issue I had with the film. Even while this will always be one of my favorite films, it always has that element of predictability that is present in most rom-com. Three different love interests made this, in my opinion, a lot of fun to watch, and the fact that you get to guess alongside the daughter gave it a feeling of mystery. I think Ryan Reynolds and Abigail Breslin have great on-screen father/daughter chemistry, and I wish there was more of it in the movie. I'd say this movie is definitely worth watching, but it definitely wouldn't be ranked as one of the best romcoms of all time. So don't get too excited, but prepare yourself for a fun and light-hearted film.

Has it ever made you laugh out loud? Not much, but the unmistakable charms of its lead actors and its playful take on the rom-com format helped to make it dependably endearing. Aside from the fact that young Abigail Breslin plays the inquisitive girl, Ryan Reynolds gives every performance his 110%, and this one is no exception. He's a lot of fun, but so are his female costars who play the potential moms. It is the trifecta of leading ladies, along with a scene-stealing supporting performance from Kevin Kline, that keeps "Definitely, Maybe" afloat and turns it into such an emotionally resonant and intellectually satisfying romantic comedy. The movie rides a lot on charm, but fortunately, the charm works.

Brooks' script remembers these women the way most men, remember their former lovers…sentimentally, as beautiful and intelligent bestowers of life's valuable lessons. In the film, it's a sentimentality based upon intelligence and maturation rather than maudlin emotion and shallow desires.

"Definitely, Maybe" is the alternative movie for February 2008—it's an alternative to the sea of mediocrity that is currently finding its way into multiplexes all over the world. It is intellectually and emotionally rewarding. Despite all, JPIAns, we must live with our belief in soulmates and happy endings compromised rather than shattered.

Maybe? No, but definitely, you should find your way where you can see yourself shining.