I WANT YOU BACK: Jenny Slate & Charlie Day Flex Their RomCom Skills In Amazon’s Charming Latest
Amazon Prime
Directed by Jason Orley
Stars: Jenny Slate, Charlie Day, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Clark Backo, Mason Gooding & Dylan Gelula
After a rough romcom on Amazon Prime last weekend, I’d just like to say that this film right here- is exactly how one delivers a quality romcom. The entire film radiates a charm second to none that makes I Want You Back one of the easiest watches for literally any demographic. One of the most relatable romcoms that deals with love, breakup, and friendship- there really is something for everyone in this one.
Newly dumped thirty-somethings Peter and Emma team up to sabotage their exes' new relationships and win them back for good.
The screenplay is a stand out, it never forces it’s humour into unearned situations. Despite having some genuinely funny people in Jenny Slate & Charlie Day as the leads, the screenplay never sacrifices the romance or the serious nature of a scene for some cheap jokes. As stated above, the screenplay is something everyone can relate to in one way or another- something that will make this film something viewers of all demographics can appreciate. Lastly, much like the slow burn under the skin description that Slate’s character gives about Day- this screenplay really plays into that, we know these two are going to fall in love eventually but it doesn’t happen instantaneously rather we get a perfect slow burn- with subtle looks, and small expressions to show that the two are beginning to develop feelings for one another. Nothing ever comes off forced or unbelievable, it’s such a natural progression in the relationship.
The cast is brilliant, Slate & Day prove that comedians can do the romance genre as good as anyone. They have such an easy going chemistry with each other, that everything feels just right when the two of them are interacting on the screen. Manny Jacinto, who audiences will know from his work as Jason on The Good Place is great as the artistic middle school drama teacher and I really hope he continues to book more work like this in the future. This is also my favorite Scott Eastwood work so far in his career, the guy is just so naturally funny- and the way him and Day bounced off each other really worked so well. He’s such a strong cog in the story, and I’m glad that he dipped his toes into a more comedic role.
In the end, I Want You Back is definitely worth the stream on Amazon Prime. The films a little overly long by 20 minutes or so, and you’ll have a rough idea of where the destination of the film is going- but that’s totally fine, it’s the journey that makes all of that well worth it.
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