Jason Segel is one of those actors that can really do no wrong in my book and I’ve enjoyed his presence in each movie I’ve seen him in. Ignoring the marketing (it’s usually a bad sign if a movie poster states “From the producer of…” as that says nothing about the quality of this movie) I was looking forward to seeing this movie.
The title really is the perfect description for the movie. Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt) have been together for a year when he decides to ask her to marry her. They start with their wedding plans, but because of various circumstances they keep delaying it. One of those things is the chance for Violet to work at the University of Michigan for two years, which means Tom has to give up his job as succesful chef at an expensive restaurant. It results in big changes for both of them.
At 124 minutes this is a long comedy, which some might feel is stretching it a bit too much. I personally didn’t mind as the jokes keep coming in fast (except when the drama sets in (which of course is needed in these type of romantic comedies)) and the chemistry between Segel and Blunt feels genuine. The co-workers Blunt’s character works with are very funny (they have some of my favorite moments) and the situations the two lovers end up in are sometimes very surprising. The Five Year Engagement was very enjoyable.
Score: 8
I thought that the Five Year Engagement was pretty good and, like you, I am a huge fan of Jason Segel and he never fails to make me laugh. However, I did feel like this film was a bit too long and at times I thought there were a few jokes and scenes that were just a bit ‘cringey’ but otherwise I enjoyed it thoroughly.
Yeah, it could have been shorter. Didn’t have much of that cringey feeling…
I’m not that crazy about Segel but I absolutely love Emily Blunt. This movie is on my watch list for today and now I’m a little more excited about it.
I don’t think I’ve seen too much of Emily Blunt, but I liked her. Hope you enjoyed watching it. Sure I’ll be able to read your review soon….
Glad you enjoyed the film, though I kinda hated it. I didn’t find it funny at all and it was way too long. The only redeemable things for me were Pratt and Brie’s performances.
I can imagine that if you don’t find it funny that you would not like it at all….
Hmmm, this is perhaps one of the few positive reviews I read about this movie. I like the cast but the trailer didn’t really sell me. I might watch it on a slow night tho.
Well, I like to form my own opinion 😉 Didn’t know there were so many negative reviews out for it!
I liked this one but didn’t enjoy it as much as you did. Segel and Blunt were great together, Chris Pratt stole scenes, Alison Brie was incredibly miscast. It was mostly funny, but MANY jokes fell flat (dead grandparents, anyone?) and some people were totally wasted (Jacki Weaver). I guess comedies need a little drama to balance things out but man, was this depressing or what?!
Chris Pratt was very funny. You are right about the dead grandparents jokes, those really didn’t work. I wished there were more scenes with the restaurant boss, she was one of my favorite chracters. Overall though I didn’t find it depressing…
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