Jennifer Lopez Romcom Backfires On Netflix
Jennifer Lopez is back in the romcom genre, a space she once dominated, with her latest Netflix offering, "Office Romance." Released on June 5th, this film harks back to her 2000s hits like "Maid in Manhattan" and "The Wedding Planner," aiming for a similar by-the-numbers charm. However, early reviews suggest that despite the star power and a promise of more adult content, the film falls short, leaving audiences wondering if it’s too much like hard work. The movie reunites Lopez with Ted Lasso star Brett Goldstein, who also co-wrote the script, bringing his signature British humor to an American setting.
The plot centers on Jackie, played by Lopez, the CEO of an inherited airline, who dedicates her life to the business at the expense of her personal relationships. This intense focus makes a lawsuit, alleging she used her body for business deals, difficult to believe. When her top lawyer chokes on a breakfast burrito, she's forced to rely on his less experienced underling, Daniel, played by Goldstein, to represent her. Daniel, struggling to adapt to the corporate environment, finds himself drawn to his powerful boss, despite a strict company rule against employee relationships.
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One scene that has drawn particular attention and criticism, involves Daniel experiencing a visible erection upon their first handshake, a moment the film attempts to play for laughs or suggestiveness. Critics, however, found it more creepy than saucy, questioning the tone and execution. Despite Lopez's reputation as a tough leader, she surprisingly doesn't fire Daniel and they embark on a secret relationship that quickly progresses from physical to something more. The film attempts humor through their perceived attractiveness gap, comparing it to Helen of Troy and Mr. Bean, but the chemistry between the leads is reportedly a major hurdle.
Goldstein, while a recognizable face from "Ted Lasso," is described as a one-note actor here, unable to match Lopez's star power or comfort within the genre. His awkward attempts at dialogue and chemistry are said to fall flat, making it hard for audiences to understand why Lopez's character would risk her career for him. While the writers, Goldstein and Joe Kelly, clearly understand the romcom formula, the film is criticized for lacking genuine life and feeling like a perfunctory genre exercise. The much-anticipated big declaration scene at the end is reportedly one of the film's weakest and least believable moments.
Adding to the film's tonal inconsistencies are instances of out-of-place swearing, seemingly included just because the streaming platform allows for fewer restrictions, reminiscent of other "just because" comedies on Netflix. This unnecessary edge doesn't elevate the film, as the attempts at naughtiness are limited to double entendres and implied intimacy, failing to justify its positioning as anything other than a standard romcom. The film could have benefited from a sharper edge, perhaps inspired by the Apatow touch, to give it more substance.
Amidst the lukewarm reception for the leads, Betty Gilpin stands out, playing a supportive yet sarcastic colleague, a role Judy Greer or Kathryn Hahn might have previously excelled at. Gilpin reportedly makes the most of her character, delivering the film's few genuinely funny moments and elevating the material she's given. Her performance is a highlight, with critics suggesting she deserves a romantic lead role of her own. Ultimately, while "Office Romance" possesses more gloss than some of Netflix's less polished offerings, it fails to capture the magic of classic romcoms, feeling too sleek and corporate to truly resonate with audiences.
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