Definitely, Maybe (2008)

O Masterpiece
X Excellent
O Rental
O OK
O Mediocrity
O Avoid

Review by Jason Pyles / February 19, 2008

Flowing down the relentless stream of forthcoming romantic comedies, once in a great while, comes a romance of genuine authenticity, a film that carefully conveys the complexities of real life. “Definitely, Maybe” is one such movie, poignant and endearing, and I recommend it.

What makes “Definitely, Maybe” excellent is obviously not its title, but its accurate portrayal of how scary it is to not know if you’re settling down with the right person. I clearly remember the pains of dating, falling in love, breaking up and returning to dating again. And because every relationship is complicated and imperfect, you can be with the right person at the right time and still not know it.

If you can relate to what I just wrote, then I think you’ll appreciate this movie. If not, “Rambo” is still in theaters.

Upon picking up his daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), from school, Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) finds that there’s been a psycho-sociological disaster – sex ed. class. This leads to two things: We hear 11-year-old actress Abigail Breslin repeatedly (and needlessly) roll call male and female genitalia, and Maya learns of the concept of a kid being “an accident,” prompting her to ask if she herself fits such criteria.

Now, this question takes on special significance, considering that Maya’s parents are getting divorced, a fact that troubles her greatly. But this movie isn’t about Maya, it’s about Will and his love-life leading up to Maya. Told primarily as a bedtime story-flashback, I’d argue that the movie’s inciting incident is Maya’s request to hear the story of her parents’ relationship. Playfully, yet begrudgingly, Will explains the story of the three loves of his life, one of which is Maya’s mother, but the little girl must figure out which of the three flowers is the one she blossomed from. Breslin ensures that this investigative query is cute.

Now, having seen the previews and reading what I’ve written thus far, you might think you have “Definitely, Maybe” figured out. But you don’t. This little film has numerous surprises, which are always refreshing, and it doesn’t completely give way to the traditional Hollywood ending.

What’s tricky about this film, and perhaps its most impressive element, is how all three of Will’s love interests (played by Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher) are simultaneously likable. This extremely difficult but necessary feat is important because we, the audience, must all be able to choose our favorite candidate for Maya’s mom; but at the same time, if we’re wrong, still be happy with the correct choice. Films fail when the person the audience is cheering for doesn’t make the cut: I cite Bambi’s mom as my example. Who hasn’t cried over that letdown?

Another impressive aspect of “Definitely, Maybe” is that each actress (Breslin, Banks, Weisz and Fisher) gets the opportunity to show her stuff with crucial dramatic moments where the nuances of the performance become intricate. All but Fisher pass the test. Fisher, who plays April, is very lovable, but when it really counts (and you’ll know when that is because it pertains to a gift), she fails to deliver. On the other hand, she has a challenging scene with Reynolds after a birthday party that’s surprisingly heavy, almost Ingmar Bergman heavy, and she does just fine. And I should mention that at first, I wished Hugh Grant had been cast in this role, but Ryan Reynolds (who has a Ben Affleck quality) passes with flying colors.

“Definitely, Maybe” isn’t perfect, but it’s worth two theater tickets on date night. Having written that, I might mention that some people may flinch to hear young Abigail Breslin say the “b-word,” or hear a brief discussion of homosexual and multi-partner sexual activity. These unnecessary additions were inserted for comedic effect.

Overall, “Definitely, Maybe” has much to admire. It’s refreshing to see a mainstream, widespread release remain a little more faithful to the real world, than say, “50 First Dates” (2004). Could this movie potentially be among the best romances of 2008? Definitely, maybe.

Directed by Adam Brooks
Ryan Reynolds / Abigail Breslin / Elizabeth Banks
Romance / Drama 112 min.
MPAA: PG-13 (for sexual content, including some frank dialogue, language and smoking)

U.S. Release Date: February 14, 2008
Copyright 2008: 239