Review - Definitely, Maybe

Studio/Production Company: Universal Studios
Director: Adam Brooks
Release Date: April 6th, 2008 (theatrical release), June 24th, 2008 (DVD release)
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Strong Points: Great character chemistry, great use of the "right person at the wrong time" relationship dynamic that drives the story
Weak Points: Sex ed element of the story feels out of place
Technical Score: B+
Artistic Score: B
Final Score (not an average): A-
Moral Warnings: Sexual terminology is used at various points in the film; visual sexuality is very minimal, but implied sexuality is present; moderate usage of profanity (including s---, b----, d----, and others)


The scenario of Definitely, Maybe is one that asks of its viewers: What would your life be like if the person of your dreams had been your friend for a long time, but you and that person were never romantically interested in each other at the same time? The movie's story can't be reduced quite so simply, but this concept is a major part of what drives the (sometimes heart-wrenching) interactions of the characters.

Without giving away too much of the story, as it is surprisingly intriguing, the tale opens up with a man, Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds), receiving divorce papers at his office desk. Next, we see Will leaving to pick up his daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), from school. It is here that the first of a fortunate few odd writing choices takes place; the school had a (seemingly) unannounced sex ed day much to the surprise of the young kids' parents. When Maya and Will meet, the cue for the real beginning of the story is given by Maya: "We need to talk."

Upon returning home, Maya's line of questioning quickly moves away from sex in favor of Maya asking about how Will and his wife met in addition to who Will had loved before. Will eventually gives in to his daughter's questioning, but alters a few significant details (including the names of the people involved) so as to leave it to Maya to figure out which love interest is her mom. And so begins the story's intrigue. Though Definitely, Maybe certainly isn't meant to be as intriguing as a crime drama (or other detective like film), it manages to keep viewers guessing which of Will's loves he actually married.

From there, viewers are given the story of Will's life, successes and failures, and, most importantly, the women he loved. The rest of the story will not be detailed so as not to spoil the storyline. Still, it is safe to say that the movie thrives on character development and revelation.

And, even though the script is (on the whole) very good, it is the outstanding acting performances that really bring the film to life. Character and actor chemistry is not short of fantastic in the movie. The events that take place between Emily (Elizabeth Banks), Summer (Rachel Weisz), April (Isla Fisher), and Will, are likely to drive more than a few viewers crazy because of how understandable and easily related to, but that is much to the writer's credit. That being said, it is the stellar performance of the cast that turns a strong script into an occasionally stomach-turning tale of heartbreak.

Really, there is no clear weakness on the part of the cast. Even the supporting cast does a good job. Better yet, the story, on the whole, does a good job of recreating the feel of the times represented (including the 1992 presidential election). Production qualities are also high. The only questionable point is a design decision that nearly replicates comic books in scene cut-ins. Still, this effect is used decently.

Additionally, there is a lot of humor in Definitely, Maybe. A bit of the humor is tongue-in-cheek, but all of it comes naturally. The humor is appreciated, too. With the setting as it is, without the humor, the film could have been overly depressing.

Morally, the movie is cleaner than a lot of romance films are. Sexuality is certainly a factor, but sexual encounters are left implicit. Some sexual terminology and discussion takes place, but it is rarely a focus point. What is likely the most visual scene in the movie is Will and Summer seen laying in bed under blankets (Will having no shirt, Summer wearing a bra). In terms of language, the profanity is hardly a focus point. Words range from "d---," to "b----," to the occasional usage of "s---." After one particular heartbreak, Will reduces himself to drinking and drunken foolishness.

At the end of the day, Definitely, Maybe surprised me greatly. Admittedly, I do enjoy romantic comedies, but few ever really impress me. This movie is a standout among peers. Taking a premise that is familiar to people, but not used often in movies, gives it a head start. However, it is the knockout performances of the cast that really drives the movie home. There are moral factors that definitely earn this movie its PG-13 rating. However, for those who won't be put off by the moral content, Definitely, Maybe is a surprisingly great and interesting romantic comedy that is very much worth watching.

--Kenny Yeager (kenny@revolve21.com)