NO HARD FEELINGS

December 2023
Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura tenanti, Matthew Broderick, Natalie Morales, and more.

On the brink of losing her home, Maddie finds an intriguing job listing: helicopter parents looking for someone to bring their introverted 19-year-old son out of his shell before college. She has one summer to make him a man or die trying.

“No Hard Feelings” might have been marketed as a raunchy comedy, but it turns out to be a pleasantly surprising sweet comedy. The film does include some of those promised edgy moments, but it primarily delights with its humor and heartwarming story arcs. Throughout its duration, it maintains a consistently entertaining pace.

Jennifer Lawrence shines in her role, demonstrating a remarkable ability to navigate the demands of her character. She brings depth to the emotional scenes, ensuring they fit seamlessly into the narrative. Andrew Barth Feldman also stands out. His portrayal of awkwardness is more charming and humorous than it is irritating, contributing significantly to the film’s appeal.

Director Gene Stupnitsky deserves commendation for his adept handling of the film. He skillfully steers the plot away from potentially uncomfortable territories, infusing clever twists for a few unforgettable laughs. His use of montages keeps the film lively and engaging, rounding off an overall commendable effort.

Rated R and the run time is 1 hour and 43 minutes. It’s a little long but it’s a lot of fun.