I am a huge fan of the romantic comedy. This is good and bad since it doesn't take much to please me, yet there are certain things I must have.  With Kutcher and Diaz I wondered how they would jive in a romantic comedy pairing. The chemistry has to be just right to make these things work. In this film it was pretty much hit and miss. There are times when they seemed awkward and unsure then a few scenes later they would be in that groove that makes magic happen. This made for an unsteady comedy that had a few laughs but not enough to make it a must see.
 
If anything, the co-stars of this film kept it from being a total flop. Rob Corddry and Lake Bell play the couples best friends and are at war with each other through the entire film. As Diaz and Kutcher battle it out they naturally take sides and can't stand each other. The verbal sparing between them are some of the funniest moments in the film.
 
I will say I enjoyed the way the two main characters came around in the end. Sure there are few surprises in this genre but there is an ability to make the characters go through changes that are touching and endearing. I felt that way about Kutcher's character the most. I felt like he genuinely redeemed himself.
 
The DVD extras are quite good. I am a big fan of bloopers and outtakes and this one has some hilarious offerings. Plus a few commentaries and behind the scene glimpses add to the DVD appeal.
 
Yet, I can really only give the film 3 out of 5 toilet seats. It is clichÈ and predictable and truly adds no creativity to the genre.

 

- Matt Mungle