Life as We Know It movie review (2010)

Life as We Know It (2010)

Brief review: Greg Berlanti's second full-length feature, "Life as We Know It", doesn't stand out amongst other movies of its ilk, as it uses many tired rom-com cliches, but it still tells a decent story that has plenty of hilarious moments, as well as some emotional and dramatic ones. Actually, aside from the annoyingly hackneyed climax, "Life as We Know It" is a charming and very pleasant cinematic experience, that hardly fails to engage the attention of its audience. The movie works mainly due to the stellar chemistry between its two sympathetic leads. Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel, not only look great, but they both deliver pretty good performances as Holly and Messer - two characters that can't stand each other, but still have an amazing on-screen relationship and mutual feelings that seem believable and very sincere. In fact, they would make a great real life couple. "Life as We Know It" is also quite attractive, visually. Berlanti's direction is smooth and competent enough, and the production design is excellent for this type of movie, but the reddish tint of Andrew Dunn's cinematography is somewhat unappealing. The bakery scenes are delightful and and deserve a special mention.

Overall summary: With its decent story, nice visuals and utterly likable cast, "Life as We Know It" is an entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable, if extremely formulaic romantic dramedy.