As the film started, with a delightful transition from a send up of a meet cute first date scene straight out of a typical rom com to jumping head to 4 years into the relationship and a smart, clever fight between the Nanjiani and Rae which is absolutely hilarious, and rather insightful into the state of long term relationships. These are two of the funniest people working in movies right now and they are also both good actors so they make a strong start. It made me question my initial assumptions. Perhaps this film will be way better than expected.
And yes it was. The film does rely on a problematic gimmick to get its story across. The idea of making laughs out of police victimization of people of colour is a very fine line, but these folks have nailed it. They walk that line perfectly, often commenting quite effectively on the social issue itself. The film actually does a great job of examining racism, sexism as well as other issues. Lovebirds isn't exploitative. It ends up being quite liberating.
But mostly it is damn funny. Damn funny. Rae and Nanjani are both smart and hilarious. Most comedies show you all the funny bits in the trailer. This film has so much hilarity throughout it couldn't all fit in a trailer. It even avoids a lot of rom com cliches by telling a story about a couple already in love discovering what it is about them that works as opposed to the typical story of people falling in love.
So Lovebirds is a surprising winner and proof you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.
The Lovebirds
Starring: Kumail Nanjiani, Issa Rae, Anna Camp, Paul Sparks
Director: Michael Showalter
Writers: Aaron Abrams, Brendan Gail
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