An early 2000s romantic dramady, Someone Like You has its moments, but it also has some really odd quirks, too.
Someone Like You (2001) Film Review
Writing about the animalistic theories of men becomes easy for Jane Goodale (Ashley Judd). But first she has to tell us how she got here. It all starts to happen when she meets her new co-worker, Ray (Greg Kinnear). There’s instant attraction and she finds herself unable to not see him even though her best friend (Marisa Tomei) and instincts tell her not to.
This leads to a whirlwind romance that somehow ends up with the TV producer quite in love. In between her work, she makes big plans with Ray, and in-between finds she must become roommate to Eddie Alden (Hugh Jackman).
When it comes to romantic comedies, most I find that are worth anything are the older titles. This is one that I haven’t re-watched dozens of times like others, but it makes for a fine night of movie watching. The issue I do have with it is the whole “animal” angle. For the story and tie in, I “get” why its there, but there’s something that just awkward and strange. It doesn’t help to endear the movie either.
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Regardless of my complaints, the film does make up for this later. It has some genuinely charming and sweet moments. All of which really helps the film to be more whole, and also teaches Jane a lesson. Most films don’t like to have the woman be the one needing to learn something. Instead, she’s usually the one who is always wronged, so seeing a film take this approach and actually allow Jane to see the reality of things, is a nice full circle script. Some of the “getting there” part of the lesson involves some tears, but it’s ultimately a good thing.
This isn’t a genre film that I consider a favorite. Nonetheless, it does put out charm and makes you smile. It helps that fan favorite Hugh Jackman stars and the whole cast has the chance to tell a nice story. I loved the genuine moments between some of them that strips away the “silly” (aka old v new cow debate) and lets the actors lean into the insecurities of their characters. It’s in these scenes that Someone Like You really shows what type of film it is, and who these characters are.
You can stream Someone Like You, at publication, with Hulu
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Content: this one does feature some innuendo and dialogue that’s more adult. There’s discussion of affairs and cheating as well as conversation about being a “whore” and sleeping around. We see a couple rolling around in bed together and intertwined while naked (preceding this, they rip each other’s clothes off) and a woman frantically tries to find her birth control. Lots of talk about animal mating and mention of anatomy; the film opens with cows “mating” which is a running joke. There’s one f-word use along with other more commonplace and PG-13 “appropriate” swearing.
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I really like this movie. It’s probably in my top ten of favorite romcoms. I have such fond memories of seeing it with my college bestie while on a break at her house one spring!!!