Someone Like You (2001)

Despite its foregone conclusion, Someone Like You is an agreeable romantic comedy about how people construct elaborate defenses to cope with emotional anguish. Based on Laura Zigman's novel Animal Husbandry, the movie is purely formulaic, with a heroine's best friend (played here by Marisa Tomei) and other supporting roles that come straight from central casting. Even the lovelorn heroine is standard-issue for the genre, but as emotionally devastated talk-show booker Jane Goodale, Ashley Judd brings intelligent charm to a role that could have been maudlin and pathetic. For a while, Jane is pathetic: after being dumped by her seemingly devoted boyfriend Ray (Greg Kinnear), she turns heartbreak into a hobby, creating self-assuring theories about male behavior based on the mating habits of cows. She comforts herself with the certainty that all men are scum, when really she just can't accept rejection.

Cast adrift, Jane accepts a roommate offer from her womanizing colleague Eddie (X-Men's Hugh Jackman), who's been nursing his own heartbreak with lots of casual sex. You can see where this is going, and actor-director Tony Goldwyn (following his underrated drama Walk on the Moon) doesn't offer any surprises. But Goldwyn is alert to the comedy of human foibles, and the movie peaks when Jane's defenses are down and Judd's appeal shines at full intensity. At her best, Judd makes an average script better than it has a right to be, and while Kinnear perfects his smarmy routine, Jackman matches them both with star-making sincerity. Someone Like You won't win any awards for originality, but it's universal in its comedic sympathy for the brokenhearted. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

Great Movie, Sweet Price

This is a great romantic comedy to watch with your special someone. The cast is wonderful and keeps you engaged throughout the film. September 7, 2008

Great Chick Flick

Great movie all women will appreciate - so typical of men and the games they play. July 21, 2008

Not worth watching more than once.

This movie just didn't connect with me that well. It had some pretty funny parts, but is was just a little too crazy/weird for me. The ending was a little too unrealistic for me as well. I think the actors did well with what they were given. June 15, 2008

Someone Like You

This movie is just what it appears to be, a fun entertaining way to spend an evening. The premise of the New Cow Theory is funny brought on by being dumped by a man yet again. Ashley Judd always provides the audience with an excellent performance. It doesn't matter what role she tackles, it is always solidly done. What a choice - being able to choose from Greg Kinnear and Hugh Jackman! It would be a no lose situation.
April 5, 2008

Be sure you know which DVD release you're getting

I'm not exactly sure how to tell which release of the DVD you have other than reading the back of the case and checking the special features...

But the version I got includes both a full screen and widescreen presentation, but NO SPECIAL FEATURES other than a trailer and director's commentary.

The deleted scenes and alternate ending present in other releases ARE NOT THERE.

I didn't realize versions like this existed, but confirm the dvd has what you want before you buy.

The film itself I give the four stars. April 4, 2008

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