CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER

CAROLINE: I couldn’t decide if Celeste and Jesse Forever was going to be adorable or annoying.  I enjoy both its stars, Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, but I was a little concerned it might be too cutesy or indie or too… something.

RYAN: But we love rom coms!  How could you even doubt this one?

CAROLINE: So true.  I was a fool to think I wouldn’t like it. 

RYAN: So it’s worthy?

CAROLINE: Definitely.  Rashida Jones co-wrote it with her friend, largely because she was trying to get out of playing the ‘girlfriend’ and get into leading lady territory.  She succeeded for sure, though I have to admit I don’t think she’s the best actress.  She’s perfectly good, but she doesn’t wow me.

RYAN: There’s something likable about her though.

CAROLINE: Totally.  She and Andy Samberg make a very believable couple/BFFs who are separated but still hang out all the time. The movie is about them coming to terms with their divorce and what comes next.

RYAN: Sounds like a potential weeper. I know how you like to cry at movies; any tears in this one?

CAROLINE: Ha, not this time. There were a couple of emotional moments but nothing really tear-jerking.  I really liked it though. The supporting cast includes Ari Graynor, who I’ve liked ever since Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist, Elijah Wood and Emma Roberts as a snotty Ke$ha-esque pop star. 

RYAN: Interesting.

CAROLINE: Obviously it’s a small movie, a limited release type of flick, so it’s not a must-see on the big screen.  But it’s very sweet and very real and honest. 

RYAN: Is it ever laugh out loud funny?

CAROLINE: Not really.  And I don’t mean that in a diss way.  It’s more of a dramedy, I suppose. It’s got funny moments but also poignant ones. You really feel for the characters and the ups and downs in their relationships.  But I also think this movie has a unique take.  I mean, how many rom coms are about a couple and their impending divorce?

RYAN: Right.  I can appreciate it’s not a traditional boy-meets-girl format.

CAROLINE: I was also impressed by Andy Samberg.  His acting was quite good in this. LBH, we all think of him as the funny dude from SNL and not as much as an actor. But he was very natural in this, not at all hammy. Good work, dude.

RYAN: I was unable to attend the critics screening for this one and it I might wait to rent it or catch it on cable.

CAROLINE: Yes, it’s definitely the kind of movie you’d be psyched to catch on TV on a rainy Sunday.  It’s sweet and funny but also has its tender moments, to use a word I hate.  I figured I would like it, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I did.