The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

   I saw this a few weeks ago, but have been soaking up the sun in Rome and genuinely so busy, I haven't had a chance to finish writing my review on it! The film is a typical Rom-com, centered around the relationship between Tom Solomon (Jason Segel) and Violet Barnes (Emily Blunt). The film follows the relationship and the many ups and downs that get in the way, preventing the couple from tying the knot. The film has had a successful box-office run in the States and had a strong opening weekend, knocking Sci-Fi Prometheus of the top UK box office spot.
   I personally enjoyed the film, it had enough up and down moments to be enjoyable, yet maintained the usual basis and structure of a romantic comedy. There are bits that are very predictable and almost exhausted genre conventions, but these are to be expected in any modern rom-com to be honest.
   Super Segel excelled again for me, as I said in my review of The Muppets, I am yet to find a film where he isn't likeable. There are points in this film where he seems to stray from this 'nice-guy' act but it's fairly obvious he's not going to stick to some of the plans he's contemplating. To be honest, even at the points where the character is considering certain things (It's very hard to word this without giving away, literally the entire plot) you feel a sort of empathy towards him and an understanding of why he's feeling like he is, as he's been pushed by Violet.
   The acting on a whole was very good, Emily Blunt was fantastic as Violet. Cute and quirky when she needed to be, but then serious when the storyline needed her to be. As a character though, I felt that Zoe was selfish - Blunt portrayed this well, but it made me dislike the character somewhat.

Winston Childs (Ifans) looking smug in his turtleneck.
© Universal Pictures

   The film also starred the familiar Rhys Ifans, as Winton Childs - a flirty, professor with a 'thing' for Violet. Ifans plays the part well, coming across as smug and condescending. I really took a strong dislike to Winston, which I feel made me side with Segel's character Tom more. As Winston and Violet are getting closer and closer, poor Tom is watching from the sidelines as the creepy professor is flirting with his fiance - all this comes after Tom has literally uprooted his life so Violet can pursue her own ambitions at University. This is why I feel, as nice as the character of Violet is in parts of the film, the audience will tend to side with Tom for the most part.
   There are a few laugh-out-loud scenes, mainly provided by Tom's best friend Alex (Chris Pratt) who reminds me of actor Seann William Scott (Stifler - American Pie etc.) with his down to Earth personality and straight to the point crudeness - such as in the 'girlfriend song' at Zoe and Tom's engagement party. Segel is also responsible for some of the funnier moments too, a personal favourite is after an argument between Zoe and Tom, where Tom throws a sulk afterwards.
   The film builds to a cute finale that has the audience smiling at the end. Like a predictable romantic comedy, things all work out for the best in the end. It's certainly an enjoyable film, and easy to watch. It's not the kind of film to watch with any high expectations, and if I'm honest the entire film is condensed into less than three minutes in the trailer. It's sort of apparent after watching the trailer post-film that literally all the funny parts are in there somewhere - as well as any plot twists. If you're going to see it, try and avoid the trailer.
   All in all, not bad for a rom-com, but nothing spectacular either. Worth a watch - 6/10.