Written by: Aaron Abrams (story by) & Brendan Gall (screenplay by), Aaron Abrams (screenplay by) & Brendan Gall &
Martin Gero (story by)
Directed by: Michael Showalter
Starring: Issa Rae, Kumail Nanjiani, Paul Sparks
Rated: R
Watch the trailer
More Information
Plot
A couple experiences a defining moment in their relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery.
Verdict
This isn't as funny as I expected. With Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae I figured it couldn't be too bad. It doesn't do enough. It's amusing and passes the time but not much else. Their chemistry is lacking, and their deadpan humor doesn't work as well against ridiculous situations.
Skip it.
Review
This is a poor copy of The Big Sick. That had an underlying theme of the pressure parents put on their children. The Big Sick managed to be heartfelt and comedic. The Lovebirds doesn't have a theme from which the story projects. A couple on the verge or breaking up isn't unique. That's not a problem, but their underlying problems are flimsy. It's just a guise for Kumail and Issa to have an adventure.
They're on the run trying to escape the cops and figure out who framed them. While the humor is primarily deadpan, Kumail and Issa are only as good as the script. It doesn't do them any favors. The movie could try to meld their relationship with this adventure, making it a commentary. If that was attempted it's not obvious. The lackluster chemistry doesn't help. They seem more like strangers thrown into a bizarre adventure than even friends.
There humor in other properties stems from them being in real life situations, or something close to it. In this bizarre adventure, their humor is overshadowed by every situation.
There's a really sweet moment when they both sing Katy Perry's Firework. The movie needed more of that. The ridiculous string of events is silly, but not engaging. While there are nice Chekov's Gun moments, I'd rather watch The Big Sick.
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