Meg Ryan, the beloved queen of rom-coms in the 1980s and '90s, takes on a new role as a director in her debut film 'What Happens Later.' However, this romantic comedy fails to capture the magic of her previous successes. Join me as we delve into the details and explore why this film misses the mark.
A Missed Opportunity for Rom-Com Magic
Exploring Meg Ryan's transition from actress to director in the romantic comedy genre
Meg Ryan, known for her iconic roles in romantic comedies, steps behind the camera for the first time in 'What Happens Later.' As a fan of her previous successes, I was excited to see how she would bring her unique charm and wit to the director's chair. However, the film falls short of capturing the magic that made her previous rom-coms so beloved.
Despite Ryan's best efforts, 'What Happens Later' lacks the sparkle and fizz that made her previous films memorable. The pacing is slow, the dialogue is awkward, and the overall story feels disjointed. It's a missed opportunity to create a romantic comedy that could have been a worthy addition to Ryan's impressive filmography.
Leap Day: A Forced Plot Device
Examining the use of Leap Day as a contrived justification for bizarre events
In 'What Happens Later,' Leap Day is used as a mystical justification for the strange events that unfold in the airport terminal. However, this plot device feels forced and contrived, lacking the organic charm of Ryan's previous romantic comedies.
From the duo's unlikely run-in to the omnipresent announcer who seems to speak only to them, the film relies heavily on coincidences and cheesy remarks about 'missed connections.' The use of Leap Day as a catalyst for these events feels gimmicky and fails to add depth or meaning to the story.
Uninspired Dialogue and Lackluster Chemistry
Analyzing the lack of chemistry between the lead actors and the uninspired dialogue
One of the biggest disappointments in 'What Happens Later' is the lack of chemistry between Meg Ryan and David Duchovny. Despite their previous on-screen successes, their interactions in this film feel unusually stiff and mannered.
The dialogue, written by Ryan herself along with Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn, falls flat and lacks the wit and charm that characterized Ryan's previous rom-coms. The conversations between the characters feel forced and unnatural, failing to create the spark that is essential for a successful romantic comedy.
A Dull Visual Experience
Discussing the lackluster cinematography and uninspired visual choices
'What Happens Later' suffers from drab and grayscale shots that fail to capture the audience's attention. The visuals lack the vibrancy and energy that are often associated with romantic comedies.
The cinematography, coupled with David Boman's sappy Hallmark movie music, creates a lackluster visual experience that further detracts from the overall enjoyment of the film. The airport setting, which could have been an interesting backdrop, feels dull and uninspired.
A Missed Opportunity for Mature Rom-Coms
Comparing 'What Happens Later' to other successful romantic comedies featuring older actors
Meg Ryan has expressed her desire to make a romantic comedy about older people, aiming to bring a fresh perspective to the genre. However, 'What Happens Later' falls short when compared to other successful films in this category.
Movies like 'It's Complicated' with Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin, 'Something's Gotta Give' with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton, and even 'Ocean's Twelve' with Julia Roberts and George Clooney have successfully portrayed mature romances with more depth and entertainment value. 'What Happens Later' lacks the same level of charm and sophistication.
Conclusion
Summarizing the shortcomings of Meg Ryan's directorial debut in the romantic comedy genre
In conclusion, Meg Ryan's directorial debut in the romantic comedy genre, 'What Happens Later,' fails to capture the magic and charm of her previous successes as an actress. The film suffers from a contrived plot device, uninspired dialogue, lackluster chemistry between the lead actors, and a dull visual experience.
While Ryan's ambition to create a romantic comedy about older people is commendable, 'What Happens Later' falls short when compared to other successful films in this category. It's a missed opportunity to create a memorable and entertaining addition to the rom-com genre.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Meg Ryan's directorial debut in the romantic comedy genre, 'What Happens Later,' fails to capture the magic and charm of her previous successes as an actress. The film suffers from a contrived plot device, uninspired dialogue, lackluster chemistry between the lead actors, and a dull visual experience.
While Ryan's ambition to create a romantic comedy about older people is commendable, 'What Happens Later' falls short when compared to other successful films in this category. It's a missed opportunity to create a memorable and entertaining addition to the rom-com genre.