A chance encounter brings the lives of Oliver (Ashton Kutcher) and Emily (Amanda Peet) together, and for the next seven years their lives intersect and bring the two closer together.

CRITIQUE

Watching the trailer for this film gives one the impression that this is nothing more than a retread of the typical romantic comedy theme of best friends finding that true love is closer than they think – each other. However, A Lot Like Love is a much broader and far more interesting story. We follow the lives of two (almost) strangers whose lives are brought together by chance and continue to cross paths over the next seven years. As time goes on, their lives change both for better and worse. Eventually they find their true feelings and love conquers all.

While the story isn’t fresh or original, it is good natured. Both Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet are well cast and do act like people falling in love. And while not everything in the film is a hit, some of the situations they find themselves getting into are far too silly to believe. The film does feel far more true to being in love than many romantic comedies that I’ve seen.

This isn’t the best romantic comedy, or anything, but it sure is a decent one.

THE VIDEO

The anamorphic widescreen video is just a standard transfer. There is no enhancement of image, nor is there any noticeable muting of the colors. It looks nice.

THE AUDIO

A Lot Like Love is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround. The mix is pretty good, in crowded settings, the mix shines, but doesn’t go above and beyond. A good mix for the type of film it is.

THE EXTRAS

Commentary by Director Nigel Cole and Producers Armyan Bernstein and Kevin Messick: A pretty good commentary track, not overly informative, but not overly jokey or boring.

Blooper Reel: Just standard goofy actor hijinks.

Deleted Scenes: One good deleted scene and a few uninteresting ones.

Music Video by Aqualung: A music video, obviously.

FINAL THOUGHT

It’s not Love Actually, but it’s a decent romantic comedy.