How Do You Know Review
By David Kempler
Sometimes, you just know
Between film and television, James L. Brooks has amassed an enormous portfolio, with much of it being top-drawer work. After watching his latest, a romantic comedy called "How Do You Know", one must ponder whether he is running out of gas - or if he just felt like taking a break from his craft. This time around he has created a vehicle for the cast to try and strut their acting chops in a story that has all the edge of tofu. What makes it even worse is that the actors don't pull it off.
In theory, "How Do You Know" is a romantic comedy. While I smiled a few times, I never laughed. As for the romantic part, there could not possibly be fewer sparks between Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) and George (Paul Rudd). Oh wait, I forgot, the relationship between Lisa and Matty (Owen Wilson) is, almost impossibly, far less electric. In fact, Matty is a caricature, in no way resembling a real human being. Wilson mugs for the camera and cracks jokes, sort of. He plays a fabulously wealthy baseball player, with the brain of a turnip.
One could believe that Lisa would fall for him, if she too were as bright as a vegetable or if she were simply looking for a rich guy. Unfortunately, she is supposed to be reasonably bright and places no value in money. Why she might choose Matty is a mystery. Yet after a conversation or two, she moves in with him, and even considers marrying this cartoon character.
Since this is a film about a love triangle, it is necessary to inject another guy. That guy is George, a gentlemen whose career is falling apart because of business shenanigans at his dad's (Jack Nicholson) company. George is as sure of himself as Woody Allen in his most nebbishy roles. This makes him a worthy opponent to win the affections of the beautiful and bright Lisa. The film could be titled, "Who Wants To Marry the Biggest Loser?"
Even Nicholson is useless here. He is not believable in the least. He is not funny. He is not scary. He isn't Nicholson in any way. Don't expect a Supporting Acting nomination for Jack this time around.
The only positive thing I can say about the film is that the second half is better than the first half. It contains one mildly amusing scene in a hospital room. Despite this scene, "How Do You Know" is dead on arrival.
