How Do You Know

There is a reason I had never heard of this movie when it first came out. I really like Reese Witherspoon and Paul Rudd, and would usually see a movie starring them in the theater. Luckily for me, I didn't see this one till years later on DVD. My two stars came from two things: 1: I like the cast 2: I like the fact that the comedy didn't rely on vulgarities and slapstick to get laughs. That's also the end of my positivity when it comes to this film. It trucked along at turtle speed. This whole movie could have been cut in half, and we would still have been able to see all the storylines unfold. There was too much back and forth in the decision-making of the lead. Lots of "should I, or shouldn't I?" So much so, that eventually you just want her to make A decision, ANY decision, it doesn't even matter anymore which one, but for the love..just make one. The dialogue was slow also. I am going to paraphrase a part of the dialogue that took place, so that you kind of get an idea why it dragged. Sample conversation between Reese's character and Paul Rudd's character: (again: this is not verbatim) Paul: "Do you want to come up?" Reese: "Oh I don't know, it's late, should I come up?" Paul: "Sure, come'on up it's fine". Reese: "ok, I guess I'll come up." Then she rings his doorbell, he opens the door, and she walks off again saying "you know what, I shouldn't have come up." But then finally ends up coming in. Scenes like that are abundant and makes the movie a lot longer and frankly a lot more boring than it needed to be.

"How Do You Know" is a delightful romantic-comedy!!! (It's nice to learn they're still being made!) It bears a very slight resemblance to "Sweet Home Alabama" in that there does end up being a love triangle & that's where the similarity ends, because these characters are much more 3-dimensional, with some difficult situations they are caught in the midst of upon meeting and forming relationships. And, "love triangle" sounds more simplistic than the film actually is. (I'm giving a very general "overview" review, since I don't want to give any of this wonderful movie away. You can always watch the trailer at rotten tomatoes website. That's how I happened upon it.)Excellent writing by James L. Brooks, casting is superb, with Reese Witherspoon at the fore, playing Lisa, Paul Rudd as George (how can anyone be that handsome?!) & Owen Wilson is Matty (the only 1 of the 3 who isn't in the midst of a personal crisis & is unabashedly self-involved!) Owen plays this character wonderfully! The entire cast play their characters with lots of humor overlying any pathos, so the movie has a number of "laugh-out-loud" moments. The entire supporting cast give outstanding performances as well, including Jack Nicholson.It was enjoyable to find that Hollywood casting agents went with talented actors other than Leslie Mann, Jason Bateman & Jennifer Aniston, who seem to be cornering these roles, of late. I enjoy them too, but it's nice to see other actors in a romantic comedy who are equally capable & adept. While Owen Wilson & Paul Rudd are both leading mean in this film, watching Paul Rudd, who is so handsome & has such great comedic timing, I'm reminded of far, far earlier romantic-comedies starring Doris Day with either Rock Hudson, Cary Grant, or James Garner. When the side-kick wasn't Tony Randall, it was a very handsome actor, Gig Young, who also had the comedy down pat, too. Paul Rudd nails this!!I highly recommend "How Do You Know" for anyone who enjoys a good romantic-comedy, especially with completely "fleshed out" characters...characters who are imperfect and working to come to terms with each of their own personal issues & setbacks, while learning just what it takes to make a sustaining relationship...friendship, understanding, empathy, emotional depth & maturity, love & being able to see the humor & laugh at yourself! Excellent Movie & Performances!!

If this movie did not end up coming out of the oven as a most perfect mix of romance, comedy, and light drama, then something would have had to gone terribly wrong.With credits like, "As Good as it Gets," "Broadcast News," "Spanglish," and one of the most complex, beautiful, love stories ever made, "Terms of Endearment" Director James Brooks, does not need to use the gimmicks, frantic chases to the airport when the cad realizes he's fallen in love, no brainless sidekicks, or breaking into a dance number for some inexplicable reason.Brooks uses excellent actors, and although the love triangle may be a familiar story line, its, the quality of the script, the subtle, intricies of the characters and actors who can come together as an ensemble,and also shine on their own without becoming caricatures or cliches.Reese Witherspoon was perfect as the unexpected love interest of both Paul Rudd and Owen Wilson. She wasnt a delicate little flower, and had the kind of solidness that you would swear Will Rogers was her grandpa........most of the time. Even Owen Wilson, who had being the playboy athlete down to a science, is not a cad. He's very likeable and sweet. It depicts characters making believable transitions and a story that's funny and refreshingly sweet, with just enough drama to make it a movie that's not in your face, but not saccharin at all. It was just what I needed. Kathryn Hahn, as always a delight, and what is there to say about Jack that hasn't been said. Loved it . I think I'll watch it again.

I love this movie

Very boring film..even though a lot of good stars in it. I binned it

IT IS GOOD FUN

Good Film

Film very good ROM com with great actors and characters