[Review] She's Funny That Way

She's Funny That Way is a screwball ensemble rom-com with an endearing cast of Imogen Poots, Owen Wilson, Jennifer Anniston, Will Forte, and Kathyrn Hahn. Peter Bogdanovich directs, and Wes Anderson and Noah Baumbach are listed as executive producers, so it's kind of surprising that the film is such a mediocre romp.

Right away, the throwback vibes are clear, from the chirpy music to the graphics and colors that fill the opening credit sequence. It opens with Izzy (Poots), a heavy Brooklyn accented girl reminiscing about the oldie romantic films: Spencer Tracy, Kat Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall... Then it flashes back to a slightly earlier time where Izzy works as an escort, or "muse" as she likes to call it. Arnold (Wilson), a Broadway director, requests Izzy for her services. After some heart-to-heart talks and "detailed" sex, he falls for her and ends up casting her in his new play. Then, Arnold's playwright (Forte) and a therapist (Aniston) enter the picture, and a crazy love tangle forms.

The film wants to be a comic environment, and despite having its moments and piling on some juicy situations, it disappointingly just doesn't bring many laughs or hearty sentiment. It's still easily watchable, though. However, it's nowhere near as charming as the classics it's attempting to recall (A main one that comes to mind is the Rock Hudson and Doris Day starring Pillow Talk [1959]). The cast here is fully enjoyable, especially Imogen Poots. I am not overly familiar with her past work, but it seems like she should be on the verge of being one of the biggest actresses in the world.

She's Funny That Way has potential, but it never really amounts to all that much. And there's a noteworthy cameo at the end that turns out to be more of a head-scratcher than anything.

5.5/10