​FILMS

sleeping with other people

2015 review number 167:

Sleeping with Other People: (Comedy/Romance): 67 out of 100: This could be regarded as the companion piece to 1989's When Harry Met Sally but it's not as charming as its predecessor. There are still moments of hilarity but this is more for the generation that is used to gross out sexual escapades. There are some insightful scenes dealing with relationships that will enthuse those who enjoy romantic comedies but a few sequences fall flat which lead to a satisfactory film rather than a brilliant one.

 

Jake (Jason Sudeikis) and Lainey (Alison Brie) first meet at college when the latter is trying to see her lover Matthew (Adam Scott). She is frustrated because he cannot commit to her. Jake takes her in and they lose their virginity to each other. Thirteen years later Jake and Lainey meet again after attending a sex addiction counselling service. She is still seeing Matthew while Jake is having a string of casual relationships. They are instantly attracted to each other yet again but this time around they hesitantly agree to a strictly platonic relationship to try to cure themselves of their sexual addictions. Can best friends from the opposite gender experience a loving relationship without sex getting in the way?

 

The main focus of the story is the attraction that Jake and Lainey have towards each other and this is where Sudeikis and Brie excel in exhibiting their emotions. The dramatic and comedic scenes that they feature in combine well to provide a sense of familiarity involving relationships for some viewers. Adam Scott demonstrates an air of menace and arrogance, suitably portraying the man who has messed with Lainey's emotions but you do have to question why she always returns to him. Supporting characters like Jake's boss (Amanda Peet), Jake's best friend Xander (Jason Mantzoukas) and Lainey's best friend Kara (Natasha Lyonne) but their roles are not as well-written as Jake's and Lainey's are.

 

Be warned that there are scenes of vulgarity especially when Jake teaches Lainey how to masturbate but if you have an open (and dirty) mind you will experience some laughs. The overall story could have been more engaging if all the dialogue had spark and vitality but there are a few lines that resort to the characters just speaking for the sake of speaking. Sometimes silence is golden!

 

With the film being shot in New York, there are numerous scenes which showcase the attractions of this marvellous city and they add an extra layer to the romantic aspect of the story. It might not be easy to fall in love with the characters but it sure is easy to fall in love in the way that New York is shown.

 

One would have to be heavy-hearted to not appreciate any of the offerings served by this sexual romantic comedy. It's not the best film of this genre but it does effectively pass the time and provides the viewer with several laughs along with an interesting insight into human relationships.

 

Starring Jason Sudeikis, Alison Brie, Jason Mantzoukas, Amanda Peet and Adam Scott

(102 minutes)

Parental advice: Coarse language, sex scenes, sexual references, drug use and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits Xander chats with his wife while waiting for Jake and Lainey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RG3Q2ua5izw (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Wednesday 4th November, 2015)

 

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