By the numbers rom-com

Rating: 5/10 (12 June 2018)

An uptight boss (Sandra Bullock) forces her young assistant (Ryan Reynolds) to marry her in order to keep her visa status in the U.S. and avoid deportation to Canada. He is reluctant at first, but goes ahead with it so he doesn't loose his job. The film is by the numbers and lacks subtlety, it's full of cringeworthy moments of humour which most of the time falls flat. It could have worked well as a drama but instead the filmmakers steer towards sitcom style comedy. The film is peppered with annoying stereotypical characters who often take us away from the film. However there is some enjoyment to be had with the chemistry of the two leads. They are two completely different people whose relationship starts to improve throughout.
They both to go to Alaska where she meets his eccentric parents and weird grandmother. From here on its full of slapstick comedy and family dilemmas. A lot of the situations feel awkward and forced - one scene involving a eagle snatching a dog and another where they both bump into each other naked. It was just too silly and felt like something you would see in an episode of Friends. It's sappy and sentimental at times, but oddly enough that is what makes the film work. There are indeed some funny moments, but only thanks to Bullock and Reynolds who really play off each other here. It's fun to see them avoiding each other as he hates everything about her. It's an okay film to see if you have 90 minutes to kill.