In the world of romantic comedies, quality has most certainly been overtaken by quantity. However, director Adam Brooks' Definitely, Maybe proves to be a breath of fresh air for a tired genre, presenting clich?(c) themes with a fresh spin and fresh, talented actors to go with it.
Starring Ryan Reynolds (The Nines) as the soon-to-be-divorced daddy, Will, and the reliably cute Abigail Breslin (No Reservations) as his spunky daughter, Maya, Maybe revolves around Will's love life and the three women at the center of it: Elizabeth Banks (Fred Claus), Rachel Weisz (My Blueberry Nights), and Isla Fisher (Hot Rod). Maya, after asking her father how he met her mother, is told what she deems "a love story mystery."
Sporting mostly funny gags (thanks to Reynolds and the naturally funny Fisher) and a coherent, mature, unafraid plotline, this rom-com surpasses most of its competition, reminding viewers of the possibilities within the style.
The writing is sharp enough, meshing political (Will works for the '92 Clinton campaign) and social commentary amongst the undeniable cheese factor, the directing is reliable if not particularly exciting, while the acting is confident. These performers convince the audience that this little story is worth telling.
After years of out-performing the movies he's played in, Reynolds seems to be finally coming into his own in both movie and role choice - not forgetting his complicated, impressive, lead turn in the underseen indie The Nines. Banks puts in a solid turn as well, only broadening her post-Scrubs career.
While it may not be the most original thing ever made, it's well done, smart, and touching. What more can be asked for during a lackluster February movie season?
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
