Review: Life as We Know It

Thanks to gofobo, my sister and I went to a screening of Life as We Know It this past Monday night.  I had really wanted to see this movie prior to getting the screening tickets, so I was very excited.  The whole experience was interesting.  Unlike the Flipped screening, this time we were asked to take cellphone with video capabilities to the car and then were wanded down. 

The actual movie was great.  I really enjoyed it and would give it 4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  The plot was predictable, yet still fresh.  The acting was great, not too forced.  Let's be honest - Josh Duhamel was shirtless for parts of the movie, making it super appealing to a female audience.

I did feel like there were a lot of low points (in terms of sad moments) in the movie.  Granted, the movie is about a couple who dies and leaves their 1 year old daughter, Sophie, with their best friends (and known enemies), Holly and Messer.  There are bound to be teary moments, however, I felt like a large part of the movie included "downer" scenes (hence the 4 1/2 stars). 

There were a lot of funny moments and uplifting moments as well.  Who would have thought the case worker would be so emotionally tied into Holly and Messer as a couple?  Her impeccable bad timing led to great laughs.  The fact that the whole neighborhood (men and women) were obsessed with Messer led to funny side notes and laughter.  The tension between Holly and Messer also led to moments of guilty pleasure. 

Overall, the movie was great, and I want to go see it again.  It really made you think about the important things in life.  Not many romantic comedies make you do that, so kudos!

Flipped

Early Tuesday morning I stumbled across a tweet from one of my favorite deal finders, @TweetsDeals.  The tweet "Get FREE Flipped Movie Screening Tickets only available for http://bit.ly/9OFTu4".  I figured it wouldn't hurt to try.  And, guess what?!  I was able to score two free passes for the screening.  At this point, I need to get to work, so I quickly sent a few text messages, secured a 'date' for the evening, and was set to go.

As the clock ticks closer to 7pm, I get anxious.  I haven't heard of the movie Flipped before, and honestly didn't know what to expect.  My pass just had a small picture on it, which I presume will be the movie cover when it is released.  The copy said "You never forget your first love".  Sounds like my kind of movie, so off we went.

My friend Skye and I went into a very crowded theater and found two pretty awesome seats together.  We whisper about what we think the film will be about, and then it starts.

The next hour and a half went by so quickly.  We first meet our main characters, Juli and Bryce as adorable 7 year olds.  Skye and I are sucked in already - puppy love is too cute to resist.  We travel through time with the two of them, each telling their own version of turning points in their relationship.  Are their feelings mutual or one-sided?  Can they really be seeing things so differently?  How will this end?  All questions that are somewhat answered through the movie.  I won't give away the ending, because, I do recommend everyone see it at some point. 

My main takeaways?  Honesty is always best (note the egg plotline when you do see the movie).  A first kiss only comes once (the biggest plotline of the movie).  Family is important.  Outside appearances aren't always telling.  Taking a stand means you may get made fun of, but is sooo worth it in the end (sycamore tree plotline). 

Overall, the movie was excellent.  It drove home important values that don't seem to be prevalent in mainstream media today.  It is a wholesome family film that can be enjoyed by all.  My only complaint is the end.  I wish they had concluded it with that first kiss.  What a scene that would be.  Oh well, I hear it is based on a book, and I am not sure how the book ends.  Maybe I'll pick it up and compare it.  We shall see.  Until then, I saw a great movie, with great company, for FREE!