​FILMS

man up

2015 review number 168:

Man Up: (Comedy/Romance): 77 out of 100: Simon Pegg might not be your conventional romantic comedy actor with the devilishly handsome looks but his humour and charisma shine through in this funny British film that takes place over the course of one day. He is accompanied by Lake Bell who also delivers a heartwarming performance that will win over even the most cynical of romantic comedy viewers. 

 

Nancy (Lake Bell) is a 34 year old single woman who hasn't had much luck with dating. While travelling on a train to attend her parent's 40th wedding anniversary, she meets Jessica (Ophelia Lovibond) who leaves her a copy of a self-help book. It is this book which Jessica will be holding when her blind date, Jack (Simon Pegg) sees her at the train station. When she goes into a shop to buy herself a new copy, Nancy bumps into Jack who assumes she is his blind date. They form an instant bond but how will this be affected when Jack finds out she's pretending to be someone else?

 

When comparing this to the recent Sleeping with Other People, the focus on the main couple is more riveting with the subplots being funnier and linking better to the main story. There are the occasional sentimental moments but what romantic comedies don't have any of those? The situations the main characters find themselves in contribute to the humour. One of the characters that generates numerous laughs is a creepy high school acquaintance named Sean (Rory Kinnear) who still fancies Nancy. There's also a funny sequence in the bar where Jack meets up with his ex-wife, Hilary (Olivia Williams) and her boyfriend, Ed (Stephen Campbell Moore). The dialogue is crass and witty during these scenes where Nancy reveals her sexual, pornographic exploits with Jack.

 

Pegg and Bell have excellent chemistry together. It's easy to see how their characters would be attracted to each other. Kinnear plays his sexual deviant role to perfection while the other support actors like Williams, Lovibond and Moore help shape the overall tone of the film. 

 

The excellent location shooting helps bring the best of London to the screen. It's a virtual trip to the tourist attractions and along with the soundtrack, ensure that the movie will be enjoyed for more than just its plot, script and acting. 

 

Although it might be a little predictable, the charm of the main actors along with their predicaments result in an entertaining romantic comedy that is guaranteed to make you laugh. If you're a fan of Simon Pegg, there will be the added value of seeing him react to situations that maximise his comedic talents. This is one of the better romantic comedies of 2015.

 

Starring Simon Pegg, Lake Bell, Olivia Williams and Rory Kinnear

(88 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language and sexual references

Additional scene during or after credits: No

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SycIWnKMP7Y (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Thursday 5th November, 2015)

 

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