Rated PG-13 for sexual content, including some frank dialogue language and smoking.
Directed by Adam Brooks (The Invisible Circus)
Starring Ryan Reynolds, Isla Fisher, Derek Luke, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz
Definitely, Maybe is a warm, heartfelt film.
Will Hayes (Ryan Reynolds) is a 30-something Manhattan dad in the midst of a divorce when his 10-year-old daughter, Maya (Abigail Breslin), starts to question him about how he and her mom met and fell in love. Will's story begins in 1992, as a young, starry-eyed aspiring politician who moves to New York from Wisconsin in order to work on Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign. For Maya, Will relives his past as an idealistic young man learning the ins and outs of big city politics, and recounts the history of his romantic relationships with three very different women. Will hopelessly attempts a gentler version of his story for his daughter and changes the names so Maya has to guess which woman her father finally marries. Is her mother Will's college sweetheart, the dependable girl next door Emily (Elizabeth Banks) or his longtime best friend and confidante, the apolitical April (Isla Fisher) or is she the free-spirited but ambitious journalist Summer (Rachel Weisz)? As Maya puts together the pieces of her dad's romantic puzzle, she begins to understand that love is not so simple or easy. And as Will tells her his tale, Maya helps him to understand that it's definitely never too late to go back…and maybe even possible to find that happy ending.
Ryan Reynolds is definitely on my top ten actor list and didn’t disappoint in this film. With his quick wit and dry sense of humor, he delivered more than his share of laughs. And I loved his more serious moments which proved to be authentic and heartfelt. Abigal Breslin continues to impress me as she gives another great performance.
As far as the story and pace goes…it was almost perfect. I am a sucker for narrated stories with flash backs, freeze frames and interruptions, especially when done right and “Definitively Maybe” was definitely done right. Brooks does a great job of keeping the movie going and not getting bogged down in too many details or too much cheese.
My only criticism is that some of the subject matter was too adult oriented. I know we live in a culture where over 50% of marriages end in divorce, but I still hate it when we celebrate a failed marriage.
I loved watching this one with my wife and look forward to watching it with my 10 year old daughter… then telling her my story.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Right at the beginning is a scene that shows the aftermath of a sex ed. class. As parents come to pick up their kids, they are visibly upset, and some pretty crude things are being said, including a question that Maya asks her dad. Through out the “story” issues like casual sex, faithfulness and divorce are addressed very flippantly. They aren’t necessarily deal breakers, just be prepared to have some follow up conversation with your kids.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
