By the 30 minute mark of this movie, I was completely revolted with the lead character. She was condescending and manipulative from the beginning, which is fine, a romantic comedy often has a story arch where a character learns and becomes a better person, thereby 'deserving' the love of their life.
But, after her big epiphany, the Melanie's big break through was that she was only manipulative. That's it. Still self-centered, still disinterested in anybody's feelings but her own. Still somebody I was rooting against.
I don't hold this against Reese Witherspoon, she did her best to make Melanie likable, but I just couldn't. The script was just that ridiculous. They had to turn Candace Bergan loose in full cartoon villain mode in order to make Melanie sympathetic, but it just didn't work. I found her characters motivations more honest, however misplaced, than Melanie's.
But, after her big epiphany, the Melanie's big break through was that she was only manipulative. That's it. Still self-centered, still disinterested in anybody's feelings but her own. Still somebody I was rooting against.
I don't hold this against Reese Witherspoon, she did her best to make Melanie likable, but I just couldn't. The script was just that ridiculous. They had to turn Candace Bergan loose in full cartoon villain mode in order to make Melanie sympathetic, but it just didn't work. I found her characters motivations more honest, however misplaced, than Melanie's.