AMB Reviews

Love Happens: 8/10 Stars

Release Date: September 18, 2009

Content Advisory: Rated PG-13 for some language including sexual references. A scattering of mild swear words. Several sexual references. A car slams into a pole. A man's feet are severely burned when he steps on burning coals (only briefly seen).

Review:

"Love Happens" just so happened to be one of the cleanest romantic movies I've ever seen...

In Short:

"Love Happens" is labeled as a romantic comedy. I would actually consider it a romance with hints of comedy sprinkled throughout. This movie tells the story of Burke Ryan, a man who, after the loss of his wife, is determined to help others stop grieving and start living. Problem is, he still hasn't overcome his own grief. That's when he meets Eloise. Step by step, she helps him stop living a lie and begin living a life. This romance was predictable, as well as corny in some parts, but it was so downright cute and sweet, that I couldn't help but enjoy it.

In Full:

Burke Ryan is determined to help people deal with losses of loved ones. After losing his wife in a car crash, he wrote a self-help book, leading people through, chapter by chapter, the process of overcoming pain. The problem is, deep down, he still hasn't moved on from his loss. The very advice he gives other to take, he can't take himself. At a seminar in Seattle, the death place of his wife, he meets Eloise, a beautiful woman who at first, hates him. But as they spend more time together, Burke realizes that Eloise may just be the one to help him recover. It's a predictable yet very sweet romance that is actually very sad. It keeps the romance in the background, and focuses a lot on death and grief. It's not too original, but it sure is a heart warmer.

At one point in this movie, I leaned over to my cousin, and told her, "I like Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart together." It's true... their chemistry explodes throughout this movie. Neither of them really stretch their acting abilities, but they both shine with what they're given. There were times when Eckhart's lines verged on horrendously corny, but I then realized that they were made like that. His "self-help" advice is basic and cheesy, but I'm guessing that is what the director was aiming for. The supporting cast also helps make this movie's acting a success.

This is filmed in Seattle, and let me tell you... it's quite gorgeous. From an expected scene atop the Space Needle, to a fight scene set in a gorgeous forest, I was so relieved that this wasn't set in the typical romantic settings, such as Los Angeles or New York. Instead, we're given a handful of stunning, sometimes frantic, yet still peaceful backgrounds that help make this movie quite lovely. Seattle just seemed to be the right place for "Love Happens."

Of course, "Love Happens" wasn't completely perfect. As I said before, this is a romance... it's rarely unpredictable, though a sudden plot twist at the end did leave me a bit in shock. There's nothing new or exciting contained here, and the dialogue can sometimes verge on the cardboard side. That being said, several scenes in this film were quite original. I won't tell you what happens, but look for the concert scene. It has to be the most unique date I've ever seen in a movie. And when was the last time you saw a movie where the couple didn't jump into bed at least once? That's right... here, Burke and Eloise shake hands on their first date. Talk about 20th century.

"Love Happens" is so much more than a simple romantic comedy. It had its share of problems, as I already mentioned above, but the movie was just so darn sweet that I just had to love it. Many other critics disagree with me on this one, but I don't care. This is probably the cleanest romantic comedy you'll ever see. It's not completely hilarious or unpredictable, but it's cute, humorous, clean, sweet, and touching. The actors do a fine job with what they're given and the setting is gorgeous. Its large focus on grief, death and loss isn't for everyone, but for those wanting a film that will make you think, smile and cry... this is for you.