No Hard Feelings (2023) Movie Review
The era of R-rated comedy movies hitting theaters is pretty rare these days, especially with the rise of streaming services. Adult comedies often come from Universal Pictures, known for mixing up genres and adding a mature twist to concepts like in "Cocaine Bear" and "Renfield." They also have a knack for relying on comedians linked with Judd Apatow, like in the upcoming film "Bros."
However, the idea of a solo comedy starring a top-notch actor, not from Universal, seems like a distant possibility. Surprisingly, Sony, along with Oscar-winner Jennifer Lawrence, has turned that unlikely dream into a reality with the bold '80s-style R-rated comedy, "No Hard Feelings."
%20Movie.jpg "No Hard Feelings (2023) Movie")
Directed by Gene Stupnitsky, the film follows Maddie Barker (played by Lawrence), a thirty-something Uber driver in Montauk on the brink of financial ruin. Maddie faces repo trouble with her ex, Gary, and her late mother's house is about to be foreclosed. Her part-time bartending job is nowhere near enough to cover her expenses. Desperate, Maddie responds to a strange job offer on Craigslist that promises a Buick Regal as payment. The task: spend the summer with a wealthy couple's son, Percy (played by Andrew Barth Feldman), helping him come out of his shell and experience some firsts before heading to Princeton. The catch? Percy shouldn't know his parents are involved. What initially seemed like an easy job turns challenging as Percy's awkwardness tests Maddie's patience.
Jennifer Lawrence, who took a break from Creative Artists Agency in 2018, has returned to the big screen with a refreshing change. She's moved away from intense roles and franchise exhaustion, now embracing freedom in her projects. In "No Hard Feelings," Lawrence showcases a carefree side, letting loose and enjoying the comedy.
In "No Hard Feelings," Jennifer Lawrence returns to her funny side, reminiscent of her comedic roots in "The Bill Engvall Show" from 2007. She channels the humor of stars like Anna Faris, Charlize Theron, Emma Stone, and Regina Hall, effortlessly blending sensuality with silly behavior. Lawrence showcases her comedic talent through Maddie's witty comebacks and insults, displaying expert timing. Even with her impressive resume, she surprises with outrageous physical comedy, surpassing her past roles in the "X-Men" films.
The film introduces a breakout performance by Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy, a delightful contrast to Maddie. His character, opposite Gary in "Licorice Pizza," focuses on maintaining abstinence at a slow pace. Lawrence and Feldman's unique chemistry adds humor to the film, outshining the average material. However, the best jokes are already revealed in the trailer, and the film struggles to deliver additional laugh-out-loud moments.
Director Gene Stupnitsky, known for blending sincerity and absurdity in "Good Boys," attempts a similar approach in "No Hard Feelings." The film, though, falls short due to a frustrating script that forces both humor and drama without finding a balance. Midway through, the film shifts from outrageous comedy to unearned character drama, resembling themes seen in "Licorice Pizza" and Lawrence's previous project "Causeway."
Despite its flaws, "No Hard Feelings" is saved by Lawrence and Barth Feldman's comedic brilliance, showcasing their charm and chemistry. Their performance turns the film into a passable summer comedy, providing entertainment for fans of J. Law, even if her talents could be better utilized elsewhere.