The Back-up Plan

1 Star

A very predictable chick flick.

Rating: PG
Stars: Alex O’Loughlin, Jennifer Lopez, Michaela Watkins, Eric Christian Olsen

What’s the story?
After many years of looking for Mr. Right prove unfruitful, Zoe (Lopez) decides to move on with her life. Making the decision to have a baby (or two) on her own, she decides to be artificially inseminated. However, as fate would have it, immediately after her insemination, Zoe runs into an unexpected catch – Stan (O’Loughlin). Initially hiding her pregnancy, Stan and Zoe begin to date. But after revealing her condition, Stan decides to stay by Zoe’s side throughout the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy. Can this couple really survive nine months of hormonal chaos?

Why see it?
It’s been a while since we’ve seen J.Lo on the big screen, and rumour has it that this movie is her comeback. If you are up for a carefree, romantic comedy then you have chosen the right movie. Featuring a hunky beau and a beautiful girl amidst a charming story, this movie has date night written all over it. Both Lopez and O’Loughlin deliver heartfelt performances of their flustered, yet romantic characters.

Problems?
While charming, this romantic comedy is as predictable and formulaic as they come. Despite its somewhat promising storyline, the plot remains painfully thin. Not even O’Loughlin’s fit body can make up for this movie’s lack of plot. The originality of the premise is drowned out by an overdose of almost-funny lines and one-dimensional characters. There are absolutely no surprises in this movie as it hits every obvious note – including cheesy pop-music cues that signal the characters’ every emotion. Perhaps my expectations were too high, but as far as chick flicks go, this one falls short. Lopez’s return to the big screen disappoints.

All in all:
A charming, but formulaic chick flick.