Life Happens was a last minute choice on Netflix after my wife I desperately looked for something to watch. I wasn't much looking forward to it even though I enjoy the three women in the lead. Well I eat my hesitation because Life Happens was wonderful. It's a dark comedy, some great chemistry in the cast and some definitive emotional moments. The film isn't without its faults. It definitely is low budget and some of the writing is a little rushed and they could have developed some of the supporting characters more and I even think the drama/comedy balance is just a tad off at times. I guess when I think Krysten Ritter I mostly think of comedy but that isn't to say she doesn't absolutely nail this dramatic role. I guess the only negative I have to say about the film is that I felt there could be more to it and that isn't much negative at all. It is a fantastic film and very well made in the indie world.
Krysten Ritter's star is starting to shine bright. She's been in the Hollywood spotlight for awhile but Jessica Jones really catapulted her. For me it was Breaking Bad following by the deliciously satirical Don't Trust the B$%#^ But in this film she co-write with the director and just really sinks her teeth into this role. She definitely leads every scene and really makes you care about her character more than the others. Kate Bosworth to me seemed like an odd choice as Ritter's counterpart but they actually have really good chemistry. Bosworth is really good as the best friend who never had to grow up much thanks to not having gotten pregnant. Both of them have good story arcs and while I would have liked to have seen a little more development to her character, she does very well. Rachel Bilson gets the short end of the stick. I felt like she could have been more and done more especially in the laughs area. I didn't even realize she was supposed to "virginal" which would have made a lot of the jokes money funny early on. She also didn't get a lot of time with the other girls so she gets left out a lot. Geoff Stults does a good job as Ritter's love interest. I always find him a little cheesy but he works for this and actually gives a decent performance with little development. Jason Biggs also makes a small and almost lack luster performance as well. Justin Kirk was actually really good in a comedic, ridiculous way and I loved his story with Bosworth.
This is such a great "chick flick" I think directed by Kat Coiro whose other film A Case Of You was a decent indie movie as well. This isn't your typical rom-com and actually has some real meat behind it and some really good morals and things to learn and I think especially young parents can enjoy the concept behind it. It has enough laughs to keep it light and enough drama to make you remember it afterwards. Its one of those films that no one saw when it got made (2011 in this case) and it won't be topping any charts but it's still worth seeing!! 8/10
Krysten Ritter's star is starting to shine bright. She's been in the Hollywood spotlight for awhile but Jessica Jones really catapulted her. For me it was Breaking Bad following by the deliciously satirical Don't Trust the B$%#^ But in this film she co-write with the director and just really sinks her teeth into this role. She definitely leads every scene and really makes you care about her character more than the others. Kate Bosworth to me seemed like an odd choice as Ritter's counterpart but they actually have really good chemistry. Bosworth is really good as the best friend who never had to grow up much thanks to not having gotten pregnant. Both of them have good story arcs and while I would have liked to have seen a little more development to her character, she does very well. Rachel Bilson gets the short end of the stick. I felt like she could have been more and done more especially in the laughs area. I didn't even realize she was supposed to "virginal" which would have made a lot of the jokes money funny early on. She also didn't get a lot of time with the other girls so she gets left out a lot. Geoff Stults does a good job as Ritter's love interest. I always find him a little cheesy but he works for this and actually gives a decent performance with little development. Jason Biggs also makes a small and almost lack luster performance as well. Justin Kirk was actually really good in a comedic, ridiculous way and I loved his story with Bosworth.
This is such a great "chick flick" I think directed by Kat Coiro whose other film A Case Of You was a decent indie movie as well. This isn't your typical rom-com and actually has some real meat behind it and some really good morals and things to learn and I think especially young parents can enjoy the concept behind it. It has enough laughs to keep it light and enough drama to make you remember it afterwards. Its one of those films that no one saw when it got made (2011 in this case) and it won't be topping any charts but it's still worth seeing!! 8/10