Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

Stometer Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Exoticalot People are voting emotionally.

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

berryred-03781 "How To Be Single" is a self-help guide that's still figuring things out. It lacks intense introspection, and its attention is arguably distracted, as it's divided between the muddled storylines of various characters. That being said, "HTBS," is an insanely fun film that should be on every romantic comedy fan's to-see list. If I had to file "HTBS" under a sub-genre, I would place it under something along the lines of "girl power." Although their romantic relationships are vital to the movie's central plot, it's ultimately Alice (Dakota Johnson), Robin (Rebel Wilson), and Meg's (Leslie Mann) relationships with each other that reign supreme, as can be seen in how Alice, the protagonist, ultimately ends up finding fulfillment within herself, rather than with any of her romantic conquests. It's similar to the likes of "Sex and the City" (2008) and "Girls Trip" (2017) in that the film's central plot revolves around the women's friendship, deeming their romantic lives as more of a fun side than the main focus. The soundtrack is effective in how it accentuates the mood, whether the scene be a sweaty night at the bar, hungover commute to work, or tender New Years Eve hike. Editing, such as counting the beers during the drinks scene between Alice and Tom (Anders Holm), helps to give the movie its modern feel. Johnson is surprisingly likable as Alice. Coming off of "Fifty Shades of Grey" (2015) one might expect her performance to be rather bland, one-note even. However, Johnson is able to prove herself as a comedic actress. There are, undeniably some slow moments; one scene that sticks out is between Alice and David (Damon Wayans Jr.). Thanks to a flash-forward that feels out of place and unnecessary (there are no others like it in the film), their confrontation feels inappropriate. Since there's such a big jump in time, most of the exposition is forced into clunky dialogue, rather than the audience being shown the ultimate downfall of their relationship. Nevertheless, Johnson does her best to portray the months of emotional confusion that the audience is not shown. "HTBS" is also interesting in how it approaches hook-up culture through a feminist lens. Alice's reasoning for breaking up with her boyfriend (Josh, played by Nicholas Braun) is that she wants to experience the world fully, and does not feel like she can do so while remaining in her long-term college relationship. Alice is shown with multiple partners but is never slut-shamed. Balancing her personal life with her profession (which could've admittedly been touched on more), Alice portrays a modern woman who exudes independence through how she is constantly seeking it. Overall, "HTBS" is a fun film that doesn't take itself too seriously. While it does address some serious themes (ex. finding love after loss, unorthodox pregnancies/families), "HTBS" aims to be more of a fun, entertaining experience than intellectual stimulator, and should be celebrated for not attempting to pass as otherwise.

Howlin Wolf This is basically one of those holiday themed movies (New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day, etc... ) except that instead of being about a specific occasion, it's about the whole spectrum of not being in a relationship... It might as well be called "The Single Experience"... The problem is, it tries so hard to cover all bases, that nothing it settles upon ever winds up really resonating (for me, at least).This is the number one problem I have with most ensemble movies - they're loose, shapeless, and unreliable... I wouldn't put up with those characteristics in a potential mate of mine, so why should I look past them, in a movie ABOUT the dating scene?!

ZD Review (1~5)#Content: Script 3 | Acting 3 | Cinematography 4 | Film Editing 4#Visual: Costume Design 4 | Makeup & Hairstyling 4 | Scenic Design 4 | Lighting 5 | Visual Effects 4#Sound: Score & Soundtracks 4 | Sound Editing & Mixing 3#Overall (1~10): 7

smatysia This is a better than average romantic comedy. I gave this one an extra star, because, although it largely followed the rom-com formula, meaning happy endings for most of the characters, it wasn't obvious who was going to end up with who, or otherwise. Rare is the film in this genre that does not telegraph its exact ending at least forty minutes away. Rebel Wilson played to type and was quite amusing. Alison Brie was lovely, and played her neurotic role very well. Dakota Johnson was absolutely adorable. I hope to see more of her in the future. Kudos to Leslie Mann, as well. The New York sets and photography were impressive, and there were no obtrusive directing techniques.