Cast: Elizabeth Reaser, Gretchen Mol, Justin Kirk, Julianne Nicholson Dir: Maria Maggenti Rating: 3/5The commitment phobic can't say 'I love you' Allegra (Reaser) has been dumped by her long term partner Samantha (Nicholson) after six years together - for a man.This leaves Allegra interested in being with a man herself so much so that she starts a fling with Philip (Kirk) a philsophy professor who was stuck in a stale relationship and uncartain about marriage.But then Allegra meets Grace, (Mol) an investment banker who has just split up from her long-term boyfriend. After a little hesitation on the part of Grace they begin dating.What no one knows is that Grace and Philip have just split and they are now both dating the alluring Allegra.This is a tick all of the boxes rom com which is highly enjoyable despite not not bringing anything new to this genre of film.
This highly competant cast deliver on the spot performances along with some great on screen chemistry. There's also some clever and witty dialouger as the film tackles issues such as sexuality, politics and gender issues so it's not your run of the mill mindless romantic comendy.
Despite Allegra's self centeredness you genuinely feel for her as she tries to navigate herself through life trying to understand love, commitment and relationships and ultimately herself.
Like Nora Ephron did in You've Got Mail and the Friends series director Maria Maggenti captures the essence of contemporary singles living in New York whilst using the city almost like an additional character.
All in all this is a pleasant romp through the complicated maze that is relationship and you are just rooting for everyone to be comfortable with themselves and be happy on the path that they choose.
Helen Earnshaw