Okay … I admit it … I kinda knew what I was in for when I decided to go see The Back-Up Plan with Darion yesterday. Yes, I had read the scathing reviews but I just figured that no self-respecting movie reviewer would deign to give a glowing review to a Jennifer Lopez movie. But because I enjoyed many of her previous efforts, I was willing to give The Back-Up Plan the benefit of the doubt. About 5 minutes into the movie, I knew I was in trouble:
Very unfortunately, the poor reviews for the film are spot on. The film is full of terrible rom-com clichés … but that isn’t even the problem. Jennifer Lopez gives a really horrendous performance. She’s been away from the movie-making scene for many years now … and it shows. She never loosened up and just … looked natural. Her whole performance felt forced and stiff. The jokes were bad and the writing was just … really bad. I kid you not … and this may spoil but, I don’t care … fecal matter is used for laughs TWICE in this movie. I’m sorry but when you have to rely on actual turds for laughs … you’re in trouble.
I will say that there was one shining positive thing about the movie. Find out what it is, after the jump …
Alex O’Loughlin:
Hands down, his shirtless scenes are worth the price of admission alone. But I am happy to report that his acting was actually good. He did seem natural and believable and really did turn in a dreamy performance. Unfortch, he alone could not carry the film. J. Lo fans will prolly overlook everything to like this film but, nah, it’s just plain ol’ bad.
After the movie last night, Darion and I met up with David and our friends Tammy, Russ, Dino, Chris and Gary at the Village Idiot for a few drinks:
It was really fun seeing all the guys together, we had a blast.
This afternoon, David and I are meeting up with our BFFs Emma and Josh to go to THIS:
And then we are going to THIS:
Yes, it’s gonna be a bizzy but very fun day :)
It is safe to say that Trent, David and Darion are real-life superstars.
well she certainly seemed hellbent to detour outta Hollywood & get the family started. nobody forced her to do it. as soon as she was married, it was obvious her stylings changed & she seemed to lose her mojo almost overnight. it makes you wonder how manufactured it all is, ya know? she was r-e-a-l-l-y bringin it before. she must have had the creme-de-la-creme machine pumping her out – and i’m sure you can only do that for so long w/o burning out.
I’m going to the Conan show tonight too! I can’t wait.
I’m glad you saw it… I was debating, simply because all of the promo stuff says how it was the “funniest movie so far this year” and bla bla bla bla…. I wonder who writes these preview blurbs for movies like this! I’ll save my $$ for something decent. :)
I haven’t seen this yet but I’m sort of wanting to. My friend works at the theater and she always gets me in for free. : ) And yeah, it’s kind of sad how far JLO has fallen from grace. In all honesty, a huge portion of that is due to Beyonce as well.
It was a good movie. You must be high if you think it wasn’t
I don’t know…I actually thought the movie was kinda good. It’s unrealistic (completely in terms of how a guy you just met would honestly act) but for some reason the movie makes you feel good. It’s cute. And I didn’t think Jennifer Lopez was any better or worse from how she was in say The Wedding Planner.
i ended up seeing it last night. i liked it. i thought it was really cute and gave me some good laughs.
I knew this movie would suck after seeing the first preview. Not even going to be on my rental list.
It was certainly a bad movie, but I found it entertaining. The labor scene was over the top and awful though, when she goes to her friend’s for the water birth! UGH IT WAS HORRIFYING.
I enjoyed it! Sure there were some uncomfortable humor moments but as a mother of 3, I found the whole child/pregnancy thing entertaining ;)
Jealous of tonight’s plans! Cannot wait to hear about it. YAY CONAN!
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I saw it and thought it was very funny. I actually enjoyed J-Lo’s acting…it was Alex’ that I hated.
I really don’t like Jennifer Lopez as an actress. She always seems so self aware to me. She tries too hard to be funny, which makes it not funny. I am not a huge fan of rom-coms in general though. And my 2 little cents…..If women stop going to these kinds of movies, Hollywood will think of something better for us to spend our money on! If you keep watching the same old thing, they will keep making it!
i saw the movie on friday and i have to totally disagree with you on that one trent. i thought JLO was really good in that movie and it made me laugh all along. it was a fun movie…alex may be hot..but his acting is hard to believe at points…JLO made the movie and it was the best one since wedding planner !!!
I’m not a fan of J.Lo and after seeing all of the bad reviews I will wait to watch this on the movie network.
For anyone who likes rom-coms you should watch one called At Home By Myself…With You. It is one of my favourites.
Trent, one of the primary reasons I read your column is you do not bring the hate. I feel like I’m reading notes from a family member…with a great sense of humor. So if you, who have praised marginal films in the past, say this is a stinker, then it is. And that’s just what most people are saying about it. JLo’s gotta be scared. Can’t sing and can’t act. Maybe she should start adopting like Madonna. Or better yet, tool back and start developing her craft instead of trying to lead.
i saw it and the acting on both parts is terrible let me just say.. some funny parts in it but overall it was too cheesy
I wouldn’t even consider that as an option. Then again, I can’t stomach 95% of the crap the masses in this country praise and celebrate. I guess I’ll be snarky and go to my arthouse cinema. Damn my impossible to please self.