Anyone But You (Review)
Good rom coms are HARD to come by nowadays. A lot of them just don't come off as funny or are trying to send the wrong message towards the audience. So when a good one comes around, it should be much appreciated; and this film is. Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney star in Anyone But You. Let's talk about it.
In the film, despite an amazing first date, Bea and Ben's initial attraction quickly turns sour. However, when they unexpectedly find themselves at a destination wedding in Australia, they pretend to be the perfect couple to keep up appearances.
First, we have to talk about the cast. It's perfect. From lead to supporting there is a lot to love here cast wise and everyone has at least one moment to shine comedically. I've been a fan of Glen Powell since Top Gun: Maverick and I am excited to see that not only does he own supporting roles, but is also fantastic as a lead. His hilarious personality worked incredibly well for this film. Alongside him is Sydney Sweeney and she's also great. Their chemistry is electric and you can tell that each of them had a ton of fun making this movie together, making it just that much better. Each scene you can feel the passion they have on this project and that is for sure something that audiences can see, so it works here.
The direction of the movie is also superb. Will Gluck was a perfect choice since his track record includes Easy A and Friends with Benefits, two comedies that are quite big hits. There is a lot of use of color in the film's background, enlivening the scenes which is appreciated since the film focuses on a wedding that these two attend and you want that wedding atmosphere to pop. All around, the shots feel crafted and establish good landmarks to highlight where the film takes place and quite frankly, made me actually want to visit Australia.
One of the lower elements of the movie I'll admit is character development. Mostly with Ben's character. With Bea, we find out a lot about her. She was formally engaged, she dropped out of school because she wasn't feeling it and she wants something more out of life than she has already received. With Ben, it's that he has a frat boy personality, and never has much time to grow outside of his feelings for Bea. There is an interesting development that is mentioned very early in the movie about his mother, and it is something that could have been explored during a conversation between he and Bea. However, all they do is briefly mention it and then glaze over it. They should have done more. They don't even really tell us what he does for work - but we find out what Bea was going to school for and what she wanted to be. Ben is just kinda there to fall in love with Bea eventually.
All of that can be slightly overlooked though because the movie is at least entertaining. It could have been a much larger problem if the film did not have the entertainment value going for it. It's not a movie where character is the most important element. The jokes and emotions land and that is what is important here. The main story is these two are enemies and turn into lovers and that's what the focus needs to be and that is where the buddy love element works for the plot and comedy that was provided.
In the end, it's a fine movie that provides exactly what its audience craves to make it a relevant rom com. It's one of the better ones that we have seen in recent years and that is something I was able to appreciate. It could have gone a little more with the 'R' rating but there's enough raunch here to snag some laughs and an overall fun time at the theater. Check it out if you get the chance.
