Realism in an unreal plot line

Rating: 9/10 (19 July 2005)

After letting this movie get hyped up to no tomorrow it was a bit of a disappointment as a comedy. Don't get me wrong, it was hilarious, but it turned out to be more of a romantic comedy than I thought.
On that note, it was an innovative and engaging romantic comedy that still followed the basic rule (guy gets girl, guy loses girl, guy wins girl back). I really enjoyed the chemistry between all the characters of the film. Even Walken, who had far too few number of appearances showed great chemistry with Wilson and Vaughn and especially his daughters. But above all, the two couples were completely realistic. Although these relationships formed from unlikely and improbably circumstances, the screenwriters and natural acting ability of Owen and Vince took over and it felt like you were actually watching a "real" relationship form.
My prime example is when Owen and Rachel McAdams' characters sat on the beach and Wilson sort of stumbles on his words while flirting. He bickers with her about how she has to wait for his hands to be "set" for the game of slaps. It was very cute and VERY realistic...
That's what makes this comedy so great. As unrealistic the plot and circumstances, the relationships, friendships, and true love that makes the comedy so funny are no less real than those you are a part of every day.