THE BACK-UP PLAN (REVIEW)
Improbable and predictable as it may be, this romantic
odyssey turns out to be a delightful film that actually has something
to say.
New York pet store owner Zoe is a magnificent individual
- everyone thinks so. So why can't she meet Mr. Right? All but giving
up on the idea of a real life Prince Charming entering her life, she
embarks on a very big decision. Then, unexpectedly, Zoe meets Stan,
the very same day she is artificially inseminated. In an abrupt moment
of clarity, they bicker over a taxi. Days later they bump into each
other at the village farmer's market, he makes, delivers and sells the
best cheese in town.
After some verbal foreplay, they decide to go out on a
first date, which although it ends in disaster, already showed glimpses
of true love. Convincing herself she has met 'The One', Zoe hopes and
prays that the insemination didn't conceive, wrong! The platform is
set for some high concept moments, none more so than when Zoe joins
a single mothers group full of eccentrics. This eventually leads to
an outrageous natural birthing scene complete with an inflatable baby
pool and a mirror, don't ask...
Zoe must tell Stan about the pregnancy, but how and when
is the right time she must ponder. It is really good to see Jennifer
Lopez back in the limelight after a four year hiatus from the Hollywood
scene. Her comic timing is invaluable to the credibility of the plundering
Zoe. Lopez participates frequently in embarrassing pratfalls and situations,
achieving valuable laughs every time. Proving she is exceptional in
drama also, see 'U-Turn' opposite Sean Penn, or 'Out of Sight' opposite
George Clooney, her comic turns also create warmth amongst the comical
aspect.
The chemistry with Australian actor, Alex O'Loughlin (The
Oyster Farmer), is constantly full of beautiful, real life passages
that many will relate to. Soon to be seen in an upgrade of 'Hawaii Five
O, the ladies in the audience at my screening seemed to agree, gasping
in delight in frequent intervals. Trust is a big issue here in what
is essentially a thoughtful comedy about starting a family, in reverse.
A cameo from Anthony Anderson, as an overwhelmed dad guiding
Stan into the highs and lows of parenting is a highlight. Also, Eric
Christian Olsen, the wild male cheer leader from 'Fired Up', as pet
store employee Clive, a young man with plenty to say, about nothing,
kind of like Seinfeld. Look closely and you may recognise veteran Tom
Bosley who played Mr Cunningham on the classic television show, Happy
Days, while dog lovers may rejoice, as Cesar Milan drops in for some
advice.
What surprised me the most was the various emotions 'The
Back Up Plan' covers, all with an abundance of verve, I liked it. If
you are looking for a romantic escapade into the world of pregnancy
dilemmas, this is your movie.
Shane A. Bassett
