Playing It Cool (2015)

Excellent choice of Music selection, love the editing and the cast— wow, I think Chris Evans nailed this one really well. I like the semi- narcissistic introduction of the movie, and I think it really worked well for the overall production of this movie. Story-wise, I've watched a few (okay, maybe not a few but a Ton of Rom-coms) and this one really has a very different feel. The characters were relatable for writers and also to those who want to find another perspective when it comes to love itself. I won't really reveal more about this story but, I will tell you this—it has one of the best romcom scene's that I've ever seen.

Well, the movie does start great. It showcased the main character as someone who is trying to find and experience true love. The chemistry that happens between the main male and female character is really well acted, both the actors are very good in acting the attractions. The story was great until it comes to the conclusive part of the movie, where the cliché "happy ending" for the viewers everywhere. I mean come on, is this movie supposed to promote cheating? The ending was so abruptly unrealistic. It would've been better if it is not all about being happy in the end, cause we all know it's not always roses. It would be more meaningful if it ended differently, like how "500 Days of Summer" ended. Even though it's not happy ended, it gives the viewer a really meaningful ends, where we could learn something from the movie. 5/10 for the great cast but not so great script.

I don't mind the occasional romcom. As a matter of fact I rented this at the same time i rented "Love, Rosie". Neither were anything to write home about or recommend, but this one in particular was weak.The biggest problem here is the writing - which is deplorable.The plot around the lead character is dropped like a dead fly. There is just absolutely no momentum for the plot. The whole "writing" theme isn't tackled well at all(kinda mirrors the whole script actually), and Chris Evans doesn't really fit the bill either. Don't get me wrong, I like Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan very much, but this will easily qualify as one of their worst.They don't have any chemistry here. The biggest problem is Michelle's 'playing hard to get' which really derails the whole thing. It's not the acting... it's the writing.. there's no significantly well- written dialog between these two, and then the hard-to-get theme, the oddball friend thang, and the completely ball-dropped writing subject of the plot come together to give us this.... a completely under-whelming romcom.I would definitely pass on this one. "Love, Rosie" wasn't great, but it was a lot better following this. There's just not much at the Redbox - here's yesterdays Redbox ratings: Love, Rosie 5.5/10 Playing It Cool 4/10 Spare Parts 6.5/10 Wild Tales 8.5/1042/100 Pass! Even fans of the genre. Drab.

Playing It Cool tells the story of a guy(Chris Evans), who doesn't believe in love. He is a screenwriter by profession. He is told to write a script for a romantic comedy by his boss, Bryan(Anthony Mackie). Being someone who doesn't believe in the concept of falling in love but would rather keep it casual with every girl he meets, he struggles to write the script. He seeks ideas & inspiration from his group of friends including, Scott(Topher Grace), Mallory(Aubrey Plaza), Lyle(Martin Starr), & Samson(Luke Wilson) on matters regarding love. However, he fails to get inspired. When a woman(Michelle Monaghan) enters his life, he starts falling for her. However, things get complicated when he finds out that she's in a relationship with a guy named Stuffy(Ioan Gruffudd). Playing It Cool is my new favorite romantic comedy. Though the ending is predictable & follows the classic romantic comedy formula, the movie itself rarely goes in the direction of clichés. Even when it does, the characters of the film are very aware of it & mock themselves or others for it. Another thing I love about the movie is that it's a romantic comedy told from the male perspective. This film is totally out of the box because till the end of the movie, we never find out the hero & heroine's names. I don't think this has ever been done before. Chris Evans is unforgettable as the Narrator. It's nice to see Evans play a character who is a player & a habitual liar, which is the complete opposite of Steve Rogers/Captain America, his most famous character. Evans excels not just in the comedic moments but, in the emotional scenes as well. Evans' narration is the heart & soul of the film. Michelle Monaghan is outstanding as Her. The chemistry between Chris Evans & Michelle Monaghan is natural & electrifying. Topher Grace is great as Scott. Aubrey Plaza is brilliant as Mallory. Martin Starr is hilarious as Lyle. Luke Wilson is good as Samson. Ioan Gruffudd is impressive as Stuffy. Philip Baker Hall is spectacular as Granddad. Anthony Mackie is awesome as Bryan. The supporting characters are effective. Playing It Cool is a must watch for women who love romantic comedies & men who are skeptical of them.