If you are a fan of Romantic-Comedies, you have definitely heard about the movie ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.’ This delightful movie was released in 2009 and starred a who’s who of A-list actors including Jennifer Aniston, Scarlett Johansson, Ben Affleck, and Drew Barrymore, to name a few. The movie was directed by Ken Kwapis and adapted from the self-help book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo.
The movie essentially tells the story of interconnected relationships between different couples. It explores the different facets of modern-day dating and relationships, such as misinterpreting signals, staying in an unhappy relationship, and not committing. Though centered around a common theme, the movie does not follow a conventional storyline, instead of presenting multiple intertwined subplots.
Gigi and Alex
One of the main characters in the movie is Gigi, played by Ginnifer Goodwin. Gigi is unlucky in love, and every time she falls for a guy, she’s left heartbroken. Her inability to read the signs is partly because of her mother, who ingrained in her that men tease women they like. But she shares her struggle with two colleagues, Janine (played by Jennifer Connelly) and Beth (played by Jennifer Aniston), who also cannot come to grips with their love lives.
Gigi meets Alex (played by Justin Long) at a bar he owns, and she immediately pours her heart out to him. Alex, with his vast experience with relationships, advises Gigi to be more observant about a guy’s behavior and to be patient. From then on, Gigi runs any potential sign she thinks she sees by Alex before responding.
Janine, Ben, and Anna
Janine’s marriage to Ben (Bradley Cooper) seems ideal, and Beth envies their relationship. However, everything gets complicated when Ben meets Anna (Scarlett Johansson), an attractive woman he can’t seem to resist. Despite admitting that he’s married, Anna continues the relationship with Ben, even meeting up with him in secret.
Meanwhile, Anna has a no-strings-attached relationship with a real estate agent named Conor (Kevin Connolly). Sadly, Conor is just a distraction for Anna when things go wrong for her emotionally.
Beth and Neil
Beth (Jennifer Aniston) and Neil (Ben Affleck) have been dating for over seven years. However, Neil has reservations about getting married due to past experiences. Beth’s impatience reaches a boiling point, and she breaks up with Neil even though they still love each other.
What Makes the Movie Special?
It’s not just the star-studded cast that makes the movie special. Instead, it’s the realistic portrayal of modern relationships that sets it apart from other movies in the same genre. The challenges faced by each character are real and relatable, giving the audience an opportunity to empathize with their struggles.
Moreover, the story exposes the unsuspecting characters to a newer, more honest perspective of relationships that they might not have considered before. The plot is also interwoven seamlessly, with each storyline complementing the other.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘He’s Just Not That Into You’ portrays realistic societal norms and stereotypes in relationships, specifically in the dating scene. The movie is replete with subplots that articulate a unique perspective on human emotions and behaviors, making it perfect for fans of romantic-comedy movies. The movie’s relatable characters and storyline make it a classic that will stand the test of time.
