Acensbart
Excellent but underrated film
Mabel Munoz
Just intense enough to provide a much-needed diversion, just lightweight enough to make you forget about it soon after it’s over. It’s not exactly “good,” per se, but it does what it sets out to do in terms of putting us on edge, which makes it … successful?
Brendon Jones
It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.
Phillida
Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.
andrewdavidcox-18457
At times very uncomfortable and awkward,but well paced and with balanced emotional scenes
Gavin Purtell
'Man Up' is a really well made & executed romantic-comedy. It's a simple story - the old blind-date mix-up, where Jake (Pegg) meets Nancy (Bell), both disillusioned with relationships, but they happen to find each other and have a great night out, before it's revealed that she's not his intended blind date.Very fast-paced (only 85min long), with no time for dull moments, and plenty of laughs throughout to keep everyone happy. Williams is great as the creepy/stalker-ish 'friend' and Lovibond plays the starry-eyed, optimistic intended blind-dater. The soundtrack is great and there's some fun/memorable scenes, including the teens running through the streets, the race to the bar and the fire extinguisher.What really makes the film work is Pegg's unflappable charm and his chemistry with Bell, who's the real star - endearing and unassuming, she's cute, but also witty and just enjoyable to watch. It's also refreshing to see Pegg doing something simple. In this film's case, easy doesn't = poor.
johnrgreen
In short what we have here is a Curtis-free British rom-com that is funny because of it..I'll confess I detest Curtisland and this film mercifully avoids the toe curling dialogue of those films.Yes it is predictable and I'm sure they could have avoided the clichéd ending.However they didn't.The plot is full of coincidences which is made up for by a witty script and two likable leads. I didn't know Lake Bell was American.I thought her accent was flawless but whilst I'm no Prof Higgins, I am a Brit.Judging from her performance I would say she is one of the great Lakes. Also, in the style of Curtisland, the film is stuffed with British luvvies in bit parts,acting their little luvvie socks off.BUT no Bill Nighy!Yes ,quite a successful romcom.I liked it a lot ,with reservations.Well nothing's perfect,is it?
Thomas Drufke
It's always refreshing to watch a brilliantly crafted and well- balanced romantic comedy that hits all the right chords while beating the tired clichés that swarm the genre. Man Up delivers laughs and just the right amount of nicely timed emotion to make for one of the best films of recent memory.The always witty Simon Pegg and breakthrough actress Lake Bell lead this charming romantic delight of a film. Pegg plays a 40's divorcée who hides his real feelings about his love life under a fast-talking and romantic personality on the outside. Bell, also with a troubled romantic history, is an unconfident and quirky 34- year-old who happens to find herself on a blind date with the former. As you can expect, the truth is eventually unveiled.My favorite part about this film is its ability to turn several rom- com clichés on their head. For every cliché, there's just as many unconventional turns the story takes, which I can appreciate. Simon Pegg's undeniable charisma along with Bell's guarded sensitivity and fresh screen presence makes Man Up more than just a run of the mill rom-com.As much as this film is a romantic comedy, you could make the argument it's quite the adventure as well. As the two of them explore their first *unplanned* night out together, they meet a variety of unique characters who push their short relationship in exciting directions. Certainly at times a particular character named Sean spins the film into a slightly goofier realm, but Bell and Pegg manage to bring it back to a more acceptable area.The awkward charm is definitely the film's biggest appeal. And I'm always game for a twist on the typical rom-com tale. I'm mad it took me so long to check this film out, but I'm grateful I finally did. Not only is it a refreshing take on the genre, but it will likely be a film I pick up and view more than once.+Pegg and Bell's chemistry+Score/soundtrack+British sense of humor+Romantic adventure10/10