I am sorry, but I don’t know where to start with this review. I feel nothing will really get my point across. While Definitely, Maybe isn’t a bad film it isn’t really a great one either, it falls into the territory of watchable and enjoyable, but also forgettable. The film is touted as being from the makers of Notting Hill and Love Actually, which is to say the producers that paid for that film paid for this one, and the same studio is releasing it. However, this film isn’t in the same league as those films. Nevertheless, I would say if you are in the mood for a romantic comedy this one will suffice.
Definitely, Maybe is a mystery as much as it is a romance as Ryan Reynolds plays Will, father to Abigail Breslin’s Maya. Will is getting a divorce from Maya’s mother and Maya is staying the night and asks how he and her mother met, which plays into the idea of “why do mommy and daddy not love each other anymore?” Breslin is perfectly cute in the role and Reynolds, surprisingly, is actually quite convincing as her father, a role I wasn’t quite sure I was going to buy on the outset.
Will begins to tell her the story, which includes three different women played by Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher, but he doesn’t tell her which one is Maya’s real mother leaving her to have to guess based on the details of the story. If you are still stuck on how lucky Will is to date three such beautiful women just wait until you see how great all three look in the film. However, this is where I stop with plot points considering it is actually a little bit of fun to try and play the “Who’s the Mommy?” game and I wouldn’t want to ruin that.
I guess the reason I only “like” this film and didn’t fall head over heels for it is because of how safe it is. Sure, the concept is highly unique and that is what gives it its charm and likability, that and the fact that each role is played capably, except for a bit of an odd sidekick appearance by Derek Luke that I was never quite sure I believed, but outside of its storytelling there isn’t a lot there.
My problem is for how high-concept this romantic comedy is, it never really manages to take its actual storytelling to the next level. Everything still manages to play itself out perfectly and after a while it also becomes a bit monotonous and tiresome. The ending also leaves quite a bit to be desired, as it feels unnecessarily rushed, but the performances and interesting storytelling technique should win you over as it did me.
Let me put it this way; I don’t think anyone will come out of this flick with a frown on their face and I am sure many of you will absolutely adore it.
