He’s Just Not That Into You

On playgrounds across the globe, little boys are picking on little girls, whose well-intentioned mothers lovingly inform their offspring that the little boys who single them out for abusive attentions are really treating them this way because the boys like them.

Neil (Ben Affleck) does not believe in marriage, but is perfectly content in the committed, long-term relationship with Beth (Jennifer Aniston) who is increasingly discontent with the lack of a defined commitment that comes with marriage.

Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin) and Janine (Jennifer Connelly) engage in daily cubicle commiseration about their relationship woes, as Gigi can’t seem to get past the second date with any of an endless string of beaus, though her prospects for ending her continuing heartache may be brightening under the tutelage of her new, unlikely friendship with Alex (Justin Long) who sheds a more realistic, if somewhat jaded, light on the inner workings of men.

Janine is struggling through an increasingly shaky marriage to a man who she feels has become deceptive. Janine’s husband, Ben (Bradley Cooper) is finding it difficult to resist the beautiful and seductive Anna (Scarlett Johansson) who, in spite of being involved with Connor (Kevin Connolly) likes the idea of a potential relationship with an attractive and discontented married man.

Anna’s friend, Mary (Drew Barrymore) encourages Anna to pursue Ben, pointing out that in spite of his marriage, Ben and Anna may be “soul mates” and could live a good life together if he is willing to divorce his wife. As for her own life, Mary is completely burnt out on the new wave of casual acquaintance by way of texting and MySpacing and just wants an “organic” relationship with a flesh and blood person.

Female audiences will likely relate to one or more characters, as what Beth, Mary, Janine, Gigi and Anna all have in common is that they just want a guy who is really into them, yet they have no idea what that sort of love or attention looks like or how to find it. This lack of understanding leads them to engage in behavior that is pitiful, destructive, and at times quite amusing.

The notably star-spangled cast of this film does not disappoint in delivering solid performances, both comedic and dramatic. I admit that I approached this movie somewhat skeptical that the filmmakers might have relied too heavily on massive star power, and we would be left with a mess of experienced talent foundering amidst a weak script. On this point, I was pleasantly surprised. The spider’s web of plot lines weave seamlessly from one story to the next, and although there are nine lead roles, each character sketch is completed sufficiently so that one is able to sympathetically view the entire storyline without frustration. This fact, in itself, makes the screenplay a noteworthy feat.

While there are many immoral situations played out on the screen, for the most part the immorality is portrayed as harmful behavior, rather than presented in a favorable light.

Though there are no explicit scenes of sex or nudity, there are numerous gratuitous shots of Scarlett Johansson’s body in various states of undress. A particularly disturbing scene is played out when a man’s girlfriend is shuffled into a closet, as his wife enters the room, and the husband and wife proceed to engage in an intimate encounter, while the girl continues hiding in the room. This is portrayed as a negative event in the film.

As in most romantic comedies of this century, there is a strong thread of homosexuality which is characterized as an amusing, harmless and acceptable lifestyle choice.

On a spiritual plain, this film is a sad depiction of how people struggle to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives through other people or through themselves, when they are not anchored by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

For a truly uplifting commentary on male/female relationships or marriage, I would recommend staying home and renting “Fireproof” instead.

“Of course he likes you. He’s only behaving as though he doesn’t like you because that’s just how boys are.” Though this may be a true sentiment during kindergarten, this film asserts that a girl might cling to this advice the rest of her life, perhaps hoping, more than really believing, that underneath all of the brush-offs, stand-ups, and put-downs, guys actually like them. The reality this film drives home is that if his actions declare he’s not into you, he’s just not that into you.

Violence: None / Profanity: Moderate / Sex/Nudity: Moderate

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

• Positive
• Neutral
• Negative
• Young people