CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER review by Ronnie Malik

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER review by Ronnie Malik

Director: Lee Toland Krieger

Cast: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Eric Christian Olsen, Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts, Will
McCormack

Rating: B+

Celeste and Jesse Forever is a film about two college sweethearts who got married, became the perfect couple, and the ultimate BFFs. They laugh together, confide in each other, share cute rituals which only they can understand, engage in their own private language, and create their own stupid jokes. Celeste (Rashida Jones) is a successful career woman running her own PR firm and Jesse (Andy Samberg) is a struggling graphic artist who looks like someone who spends all day on the couch. The pair lives in a cute house in L.A. and is a shinning example of a couple with the perfect urban life. The best part of all is that after 6 years of marriage, Celeste and Jesse are going through the most amicable divorce known to man. The big question posed in this film is “can two people who were once married remain friends after a divorce?”

Giving the “A” type personality a new definition, Celeste is the ultimate control freak who has given up on waiting for Jesse to step up to the plate and become her dream husband. Jesse on the other hand is tired of trying to live up to the impossible standards Celeste keeps throwing his way. One evening over dinner with engaged-to-be-married friends Beth (Ari Graynor) and Tucker (Eric Christian Olsen), Beth has an outburst and screams at Celeste and Jesse that their behavior for a divorcing couple is not normal and she can no longer be a part of whatever it is that is going with them. So the divorcing pair decides to explore dating other people.

From here we have a series of events that not only changes the nature of Celeste and Jesse’s relationship but also creates growth and a better understanding of each other and who they are as individuals. There are scenes in the film about the pains of today’s dating world which are hilarious. The movie explores the awkwardness of once married people trying to explain to each other how they are moving on as well as their issues with one another that actually caused the breakup in the first place. There are heartfelt moments in the film when the couple must confront their problems and still realize that there is genuine love between them, but the differences are pulling them apart.

The supporting cast offers up some colorful characters that add just a little more spark to the humor of the film. Emma Roberts plays Riley, who is a spoiled upcoming rock star that becomes a PR nightmare for Celeste, and actually shows that from the mouth of babes often comes wisdom adults can learn from. Skillz, portrayed by Will McCormack, is the loveable best friend who gives quite the explanation for all his challenges making his pot selling business work in the changing world of drug economics. Taking on the role of Scott, who is Celeste’s business partner and token gay friend, Elijah Wood offers up some of the lighter moments in the film. The problem with Celeste and Jesse Forever is that we wind up with too many characters and subplots that don’t get fully developed and really aren’t necessary despite their comic relief.

Although the film is about Celeste and Jesse, the storyline shifts completely to Celeste leaving Jesse’s character rolling in the dust. Thankfully Rashida Jones is a strong enough actress who can carry the movie pretty much by herself. She gives a heartfelt performance as a woman trying to control everything around her only to discover that life just doesn’t work according her master plan. Since Samberg’s character gets put on the back burner for at least the last one third of the film, he doesn’t really get a chance to shine through in this comedic film.

Lee Toland Krieger has directed a delightful romantic comedy full of surprises and laughter that will put a wide smile on your face. This charming film gives a modern twist to the When Harry Met Sally type of storyline, so definitely make some time find out if Celeste and Jesse really are forever.

CELESTE AND JESSE FOREVER opens in Dallas/Fort Worth on August 17, 2012

Be Sociable, Share!

About the Author