lindsey_n
I can't understand for the life of me why this movie has such a low rating! I went into this movie not expecting too much.. I don't mind Andy Samberg and Rashida Jones so I thought I'd give it a try. First off, don't watch this movie if you're looking for something full of laughs. It's not supposed to be something that has you in stitches. I thought it was a beautiful, well acted story of love and friendship. At times it was frustrating, heartbreaking, amusing and heartwarming. It made me smile and it made me sad. Both Samberg and Jones were pretty phenomenal in their acting in this movie. This movie stuck me as a more intelligent, realistic romance for those of us who are over the Nicholas Sparks sap. I'd recommend giving this movie a chance, I'm glad I did.
zee
This film did nothing for me, and the 90 minutes I spent with it felt like twice that time.Part of the problem for me, possibly, was I just watched Liberal Arts and Your Sister's Sister, which were much better written, had more wit, and had less dull traditional views and a few minor insights to impart.Part of the problem is I just don't get the appeal of Jesse. He's not good-looking. He's a loser. He has no paycheck. He's acting like he's 18 but he's in his 30's. He's not particularly bright. Unless this guy has amazing hidden sexual talents (though these were never hinted at, and there were opportunities to do so), I just don't get the appeal. That more than one woman (all lovely to look at) seems interested in him shocks me. Zero women should be interested in him. I'm used to such inexplicably attractive loser male characters being written by male writers, but it's a shock to see women writing this too.Initially Celeste seems the better bet, but she ends up being irritating too, and what the heck is her job supposed to be? Is that a real job? Maybe the writers need to hang out somewhere other than Hollywood to get a sense of how real people earn their money.It's a movie about two people I'd never date, never be friends with, would cross the street to avoid (the masturbation of tiny phallic object isn't even sophomoric. It's junior high humor and they do it REPEATEDLY. Save me.) The only character who has any appeal is the pop star character. I liked how she was written to have hidden depths. The only scene I found at all funny was the bad first date with the photographer. And the soundtrack irritated me.And in the end, this movie said nothing new about relationships. Yeah, we get stuck with wrong people and it's hard to leave a marriage, but this shouldn't be news to anyone over the age of 18.Unlikeable characters doing very little, slowly, to irksome music. Not a good way to spend your precious, finite time.
thealefmagnus
Celeste and Jesse may finish each other's sentences but it doesn't mean there's no end to what they have. That's the whole idea behind this reverse rom-com flick about a young couple on the brink of divorce. While most separating couples will have troubles in the process, it's not the same for Celeste and Jesse, who are bestfriends even before they were married. Or will they? The first quarter of the film takes you on a montage of reasons why Celeste and Jesse are made for each other. From their routines and inside jokes, you'll keep wondering why they are breaking up anyway. You may even find yourself rooting for them to get back together in the end. Though the film never indicates exactly why they're separating, you'll find out soon enough through the actions of the two under specific situations. It was more about their individualities rather than their problems as a couple.The second act takes you on a No U-Turn scenario, forcing them both to hurry up and actually let go of each other. It's gonna be difficult to watch as the two who still obviously has love for one another try to distance themselves and start over with their lives. The once strong and level-headed Celeste suddenly finds herself struggling to find a new love to replace her old flame. Jesse, on the other hand, has to start being serious and make it right this time with his new partner.The film's effective use of supporting characters help advance the lead and let us know who they really are, especially on Celeste's side. Her busy life after the break-up gives you a look at how she deals with the situation. Her life begins to be entangled with a spoiled pop star Riley Banks (played by Emma Roberts) when their team was assigned to market her new album. At first, it is obvious how much they don't like each other until they really get to know one another and soon form an unlikely friendship. Celeste also meets Paul (Chris Messina), a guy who intentionally signs up for yoga classes to meet women. These two characters bring out the truth of Celeste's personality and makes her realize her mistakes in the relationship.Though never stated directly, you'll find out why the marriage didn't work out for the two. The soon-to-be exes experience growth as they carry on with their lives without each other. Although, they still meet from time to time because of the divorce process and simply because they belong in the same circle of friends, the two has to endure the heartbreak of seeing each other move on from their past.Bold and unconventional, "Celeste and Jesse Forever" provides you a new look into the overused romantic comedy with a happy fairy tale ending. Not overly dramatic and only more subtle, this flick gives you a new perspective on the slow deterioration of romance between two people who once shared the same passion for each other. It's a movie about finding yourself once again after being part of unison and a shared mutual coexistence with another.The chemistry between Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg is undeniable and very believable. It probably helped being good friends even before making the film. Samberg's performance is surprisingly good after a string of comedy roles that made him famous. Jones, on the other hand, reminded me of Jennifer Lawrence's calibre in acting: very natural and immersed. Apart from the individual performances, one thing that carried the film is its soundtrack. Each song takes you on the journey of their separation, its ups and downs and its impending end. The script and overall direction has a mastered pacing and lets you bask in the atmosphere of each scene for enough periods to capture the right emotions. Kudos to Lee Toland Krieger on capturing the essence of the script and allowing it to naturally translate on screen. When you think about it, the film may actually end up being bland if it landed in the wrong hands.Celeste and Jesse Forever is a bittersweet look into love, its ending and new beginnings. Not the best film to watch for couples (especially those easily affected by films) as it may present questions in relationships.writelikesundance.wordpress.com
westfield-john
Still impressed by Pretty Woman? If yes, its time to wake up and join Celeste & Jesse. A young couple, too close to be just befriended, but friendship is what makes them stick together. What happens when love is gone, when your partner is going astray, when you notice to be all by yourself in times you think about the future? Celeste is neither the Supergirl to handle everything, nor the Hollywood puppet who stumbles her way. The director tried not to overdraw this character, and he did well. Yes, you could say, this movie is out of Celeste's perspective, feminine, not childish or dumb, and sometimes harsh. Don't expect any turbulences in this movie, all characters seem to talk their way through relationship and crisis, all characters tend to express their emotions by words. yes, it is a conversational journey, not a sensational.