How to Be Single

2016 6.3 1h 50m
How to Be Single

Movie Overview & Analysis

How to Be Single takes a light-hearted approach to navigating modern relationships in a city teeming with options. It’s a blend of comedy and romance that captures the quirks of single life through various perspectives.

Film Director: Christian Ditter
Duration: 110 min
Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year: 2016

Fun, But Not Groundbreaking

How to Be Single delivers a fun, albeit predictable, look at the single life in a bustling city. While it offers some laughs and a charming cast, it doesn’t break new ground in the romantic comedy genre, making it a decent pick for a casual watch.

6.5/10

Film DNA

The radar scores reflect a film that is entertaining and visually appealing, though it lacks depth and originality. It’s a solid rom-com that's enjoyable but not particularly groundbreaking.

Pros

  • Strong comedic performances
  • Energetic and colorful visuals

Cons

  • Predictable storyline
  • Limited character development

Ideal for Rom-Com Fans

This film will likely appeal to those who enjoy light romantic comedies and stories about self-discovery. Fans of Dakota Johnson and Rebel Wilson may find themselves particularly entertained. However, if you're looking for a more serious or profound exploration of relationships, this film might not be for you. It caters well to a younger audience, especially those navigating their own dating lives, while those seeking deeper storytelling may prefer to skip it.

Navigating Love in NYC

Set against the vibrant backdrop of New York City, How to Be Single follows Alice (Dakota Johnson) as she explores life after a breakup. Along with her friends—each grappling with their own dating dilemmas—she learns about love, freedom, and the importance of self-discovery. The film takes a comedic yet relatable look at the complexities of dating and the varying definitions of love in contemporary society. From one-night stands to deeper connections, the ensemble cast navigates the ups and downs of being single, each character reflecting different aspects of modern relationships.

Performances with Personality

The film features a solid cast, with Dakota Johnson delivering a relatable performance as Alice, showcasing her journey of self-discovery and independence. Rebel Wilson stands out as the comedic relief in her role as Robin, consistently providing laughs with her bold personality. Leslie Mann as Meg offers a slightly softer, more sensitive counterpart, but at times feels underutilized. Alison Brie as Lucy adds depth to the ensemble, yet at times the characters can feel a bit cliché and their development is somewhat limited, which detracts from the overall impact.

Energetic Urban Aesthetics

Director Christian Ditter brings a vibrant, energetic style to the film that suits the fast-paced urban setting of New York City. The cinematography captures the city beautifully, with lively colors and dynamic editing that aligns well with the comedic tone. However, the film doesn’t stray far from the rom-com formula, which can sometimes feel predictable. While the visual choices are largely effective in setting the mood, they also occasionally lack originality, sticking closely to the genre's conventions without taking many risks.

Light-hearted Yet Surface-level

How to Be Single manages to balance humor with moments of genuine introspection, though it doesn't always delve deeply enough into its characters’ emotional struggles. The atmosphere feels light and fun, making it an easy watch, but this can come at the expense of emotional depth. The film evokes a sense of camaraderie among its characters but might leave viewers wanting more substantial emotional payoffs. It's a feel-good movie that offers some laughs and relatable moments, but the emotional weight may not resonate deeply with all viewers.

Watch if you liked: Crazy, Stupid, Love, 27 Dresses