Prime Video premieres, I WANT YOU BACK, tomorrow across its worldwide platform and here is my review of the film.
Peter (Charlie Day) and Emma (Jenny Slate) are total strangers, but when they meet, one thing instantly bonds them: they were both unexpectedly dumped by their respective partners, Anne (Gina Rodriguez) and Noah (Scott Eastwood), on the same weekend. As the saying goes, “misery loves company,” but their commiseration turns into a mission when they see on social media that their exes have happily moved on to new romances, Anne with Logan (Manny Jacinto) and Noah with Ginny (Clark Backo).
Relationships are about duos (sometimes more) coming together and I WANT YOU BACK’s tremendous writing duo of Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger capture heartbreak and love so amazingly. The incredible witty dialogue in this film make it stand alone as one of the best written “Rom Com” film’s I’ve ever seen. From Peter and Emma being Sadness Sisters who can own a karaoke room to Scott Eastwood’s Noah hilariously misquoting “Get back on your horse” as “Get back on the Whores” this film is filled with belly aching laughter. When you IMDB Aptaker and Berger it will become obvious that their stamp on work like This Is Us, Love, Simon and this comedy goldmine that is I Want You Back is a duo to know.
Giving the witty script to the wacky wild minds of Charlie Day and Jenny Slate is what pushes this film into the upper apex of the rom com world. Their comedic chops are perfectly masked behind the honest sincere portrayals of Peter and Emma. You find yourself nodding along to their caring positive banter in the midst of their sad lost love realities. The formula of breakups in romantic comedy isn’t a new concept but you have to love the way in which our Peter and Emma fight the struggle. The cast is nicely rounded out with the sweet Gina Rodriguez as Anne who’s searching demeanor is an exact opposite to Scott Eastwood’s fiery fitness freak Noah, who finds his fierce love in Clark Backo’s Ginny. The contrast between this group, rounded out by the quirky Manny Jacinto as Logan, adds so much to the ebb and flow of the plot. The cast seems like a great element in the film and even has young Luke David Blumm stealing heartbreaking scenes with Jenny Slate.
The film gets the powerful push of not only a witty and well-cast film, but DP Brian Burgoyne chops provide us with a visual stunner as everyone shines under his camera’s gaze. This is the most vibrant looking Charlie and Jenny we’ve scene. Even Jenny Slate with cinnamon toast crunch in her hair looks amazing. This doesn’t cause a distraction but rather really makes you fall more for this story. The veteran DP really compliments this film and along with an incredible music tone with the right old classics transitioning us through the scenes the pace of I Want You Back is flawless.
Honestly one of my new favorite rom com films ever.
Grab your significant other, sadness sister or even solo and “Prime Video and Chill” this film into your life.
Directed by: Jason Orley
Written by: Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger
Rated: R
Selig Rating 4.5 Stars
Running Time: 1h 51min
Comedy
Release: Prime Video on February 11th.
Starring: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto and Clark Backo.
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
