“Anyone But You” is a throwback to the romantic comedies of yore, delivering on the expected fronts of romance and comedy.
Director: Will Gluck
Rating: 6/10
"Anyone But You" is a movie that should, on paper, hit all the right notes for rom-com enthusiasts, especially those who don't mind a dose of raunchiness with their romance. With slick direction from Will Gluck, who knows a thing or two about the genre, the film is a passably fizzy diversion that may not dazzle with its story but captivates with its charm.
The film is akin to a light and fluffy dessert of a romantic comedy, which could either be a delightful treat or an eye-rolling miss, heavily dependent on one's predisposition towards the genre. The most cynical viewers might dismiss it as a hackneyed offering, finding little to no substance beneath its glossy exterior. However, those approaching the movie with an open heart and an affinity for such love stories are likely to revel in its familiar warmth.
Will Gluck's direction infuses the story with certain predictability, but the film remains engaging thanks to the eye candy provided by both the good-looking leads and the picturesque locations. Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell are magnetic in their roles, elevating the material they're given. However, their charismatic performances can only do so much to disguise the averageness of the script they were handed.
“Anyone But You” is a throwback to the romantic comedies of yore, delivering on the expected fronts of romance and comedy. Its strength lies in its ability to provide what fans desire from such films, even if the journey there is one we've all taken before. Despite its shortcomings, fans of the genre, including myself, can find a lot to appreciate in "Anyone But You." Still, the predictability and lackluster script are hard to ignore for anyone looking for innovation or depth in their cinematic experiences.
The film doesn’t aspire to the heights of Shakespearean comedy, nor does it reach the cleverness of modern classics like "10 Things I Hate About You." It is comfortable in its skin, even if that skin is a patchwork of clichés we've seen stitched together many times before.
In a nutshell, "Anyone But You" is one of the most cliché, predictable rom-com of the year. It doesn't dare to step outside the box, but for those who find solace in the familiar beats of the genre, it serves as a comforting, if unadventurous, watches.