REDISCOVER JOY IN ‘LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT’: MOVIE REVIEW
Re-watching older movies from years ago is a thing right now. One of them being Life or Something Like It, a dramedy that’s not bad far as early 2000 films go.
Life or Something Like It (2002) Film Review
Having and maintaining the perfect life has always been Lanie Kerrigan’s two best qualities. As an awkward teen, Lanie wanted the kind of life she sees everyone else has, and now as an adult, she has that. She has a great job, the perfect pro-baseball fiancé (Christian Kane) and the best apartment. Now, Lanie (Angelina Jolie) is up for a big promotion, only there’s one little catch. Her boss has a certain camera man in mind to work with Lanie so that she has more experience going in.
Brash, but talented, Pete (Edward Burns) bothers Lanie. The two don’t get along, maybe partially because of their less-than-professional past. As they work together, Lanie learns something about her future than rattles her and looking for answers, she tries to find meaning and wonders, what would she do differently?
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REDISCOVER JOY IN ‘LIFE OR SOMETHING LIKE IT’: MOVIE REVIEW #ANGELINAJOLIE #MOVIES #MOVIEREVIEW #DRAMA #LIFE #LIVINGFULLY #FINDJOY #JOY Share on XYears ago, I cannot remember what excited or prompted me to rent this, but whatever it is, I did. With a spot on Hulu (at publication), I re-watched the film, and discovered, this isn’t bad – at all. Some of the personal styling is off and awkward, but mostly, as a story, this is one with heart and goodness. For Hollywood this can sometimes be a big feat, so happily, it’s a win if you can find it.
This script looks at some unpleasant realities of life and the things we chase vs. what we should pursue, and it ends in a good place of hope and life. The story helps to give Lanie perspective and a view she’d never experienced before. It’s a really charming and wonderful journey as we watch her navigate unexpected emotions and experiences. It’s lovely and despite some of those more emotional moments, it maintains good.
The cast is good and while I could have also seen Christian Kane play Pete’s role, it’s fun to see him in something pre-Leverage days. I’m not the biggest fan of Angelina Jolie and don’t love her in this role either, but she’s also fine. What I do like is how everyone relates to each other in each scene. Cal and Lanie have at least one really sweet, albeit emotionally hard scene together and while much of Pete’s interaction is fueled by attraction (and his quips), they still have some nice moments, too. Same goes for Lanie and family.
All in all, dated or not, the film is pretty good. There’s some tough pills and gentle reminders and it all helps to know that most of what it touches on is truth.
You can find Life or Something Like It with Hulu, at publication
Content: the film is PG-13 for profanity including one use of the F-word. There is a sex scene (kissing, some removal of clothing) before it cuts to a lying in bed scene. There’s other conversations about having sex and jokes being made that that’s all anyone would do if they found out something life altering, etc. There’s really nothing terrible by comparison to most PG-13 films, but if you’re bothered by content, you still won’t enjoy this one.
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