No Hard Feelings

There’s no way that, going in, you thinking this movie will be what it turns out to be. Everything about the premise screams silliness and cheap laughs—if any. And there is a bit of that here—but there’s far more of something that’s real and honest and downright charming. A lot of that credit must go to Jennifer Lawrence, who not only brings her star power to the film but delivers a note-perfect performance as a flawed but still likable heroine (and, not to mention, looks stunning as well). Her costar Andrew Barth Feldman is good, too, bringing a believability despite his character’s seemingly unbelievable lack of social skills. (If this kid is based on true Generation AA neuroses, then there’s really no hope for the future.) Mostly, you walk away from this one appreciating its gentle humor and modest humanity—something that’s become all too rare in current cinema. Better than your average summer fling, for sure.

Battle of the Sexes

A rebel and a rogue, in a different kind of star war. Given the tide of history, we all know going in not only who won the match, but whom we are supposed to root for. And, by just about any measure, that notion is correct on its face. But watching this movie, one must recognize--assuming an honest and intelligent assessment--that the victory won and the progress made necessitated both players; there could not have been the rebel without the rogue. That's something interesting to ponder. So too is the notion that this film actually seems to undermine its own point, in a way; maybe he lost simply because he didn't take it seriously enough. All in all, it's a good sign that such a movie makes you think that much about its premise and conclusions, and it definitely helps that it's wildly entertaining and expertly performed. A victory for sure.