Life as We Know It is about two oppositely minded people raising an orphaned baby. The romantic comedy genre is increasingly stale, and the plot sounds a bit like a failed TV sitcom. But for viewers who find relief from heavy days with a lighthearted, fluffy story, Life as We Know It is an entertaining cure-all.
Katherine Heigl (27 Dresses, Killers, The Ugly Truth) plays Holly Berenson, a rising caterer in search of the perfect man. Berenson’s last relationship ended suddenly, and she’s set up on a disastrous blind date with Eric Messer. Messer, played by Josh Duhamel (Transformers), is a technical sports director for the Atlanta Hawks and isn’t in the market for long-term love.
After the awful excursion, the two vow never to see each other again. But that promise quickly dissolves when their best friends get married and both Berenson and Messer are named as Godparents of the couple’s first child, Sophie. Sophie’s parents unexpectedly pass away, leaving her an orphan and, unbeknownst to Berenson and Messer, their best friends have appointed them as the next-in-line legal guardians. Balancing their budding careers, lacking knowledge of children and competing social lives becomes the duo’s new and confusing life.
With an untimely social worker, nosey and judgmental neighbors and Berenson and Messer’s newfound love for each other (surprise), this romantic comedy provides an amusing and engaging storyline. Viewers are sure to experience at least a few laughs, even if at the expense of their intellect.
Katherine Heigl, best known for her role as Alison Scott in the Knocked Up, delivers another great comedic performance. Since then, Heigl’s subsequent films have been a lot less edgy, and all duds at the box office. Life as We Know It gives Heigl another shot at her apparent favorite genre, the tried-and-true romantic comedy—and she scores.
Duhamel, who is best known for working in action films, shows viewers that he can adapt to other styles of film. The comedic energy between Duhamel and Heigl is near-perfect, and comics Faizon Love and Deray Davis supplement with guest appearances.
Even if Atlanta viewers aren’t enthralled by the storyline, at least Greg Berlanti, director of the film, is liberal with familiar shots of the city. The skyline, Philips Arena and the Hawks (in action) are all present.
