Movie: The Five-Year Engagement
Release Date: April 27
Studio: Universal
Grade: A
Jason Segel's recent trend of romantic comedies has solidified him as a bit of a comic genius. Taking center stage in films like I Love You, Man and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Segel now teams up with the Midas of comedy, Judd Apatow, to set a foundation for one of Segel's best performances yet.
Segel stars in his latest romantic comedy, The Five-Year Engagement, as Tom, the quintessential perfect boyfriend. The film opens with he and his girlfriend Violet (Emily Blunt, The Adjustment Bureau) traveling to Violet's sister's home for a New Years Eve celebration. In the car, Tom begins to hyperventilate as he tries to take a detour back to the restaurant where he works as a chef, saying he needs to pick up receipts. Violet hears the anxiety in Tom's voice and insists he press on for the night, causing Tom to spill the beans: he was going to propose.
The film depicts Tom as the perfect man. He's understanding, loving, caring and extremely romantic: everything a woman wants, but, in realistic fashion, as he is still a big goof. After receiving word of Violet's denial from first choice graduate program at UC Berkeley, the couple is forced to relocate to Michigan, where Violet's second choice school is located. The two decide to prolong their engagement because of the move, and from there, the film takes off.
The audience is then introduced to Tom's best friend, Alex (Chris Pratt, Parks and Recreation) and Suzie (Alison Brie, Community), two of the films' breakout stars. Pratt does a phenomenal job playing the inconsiderate idiot with a big heart in this film, similar to the role he plays on Parks and Recreation as Andy Dwyer. Brie takes an alternate route, however, completely straying away from her role as na??ve Annie on Community. Instead, Brie takes charge as Violet's self-centered and over-emotional sister, unknowingly taking most of Violet's shine as these supporting actors give audiences the most laughs.
Similar to other Apatow films, The Five-Year Engagement is full of memorable one-liners. Following Tom's engagement, he and Alex meet their restaurant's newest hostess, Audrey (Dakota Johnson, 21 Jump Street). Tom immediately catches Audrey's eye, which Alex immediately kills with his innocent ignorance.
"You were sending telegraphic wiener missiles at her face," Alex said.
Some of the comedy world's most recognizable names made appearances in the film. Mindy Kaling of The Office took the role of Vaneetha, Violet's grad school girlfriend. Comedians Kevin Hart (Think Like A Man)and Molly Shannon (Casa de mi Padre) also appear in the film adding their comedic flavor to the overall hilarity of the movie. Those who are familiar with Segel's Forgetting Sarah Marshall are in for a pleasant surprise cameo, too.
What sets this film apart from its plot predecessors Bridesmaids, 27 Dresses, and I Love You, Man is the lack of wedding-oriented situations in the film. The tired and predictable scenarios of choosing the right cake or invitation were switched up as the men in the film were forced to undergo the grueling rights of passage. Instead of scenes where Violet tries on dresses with her mother and sister, we're faced with scenes where Tom gets slapped in the face with potato salad while Violet takes to her studies.
If you're a fan of Apatow or Segel's previous works you'll be content with The Five-Year Engagement. You might now know what you're getting yourself into, but you'll walk out happy you took the chance.
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