119 reviews
The movie is mostly about two actors just talking. It doesn't have the strongest start, but it turns into a little magical gem of a film. It's not your typical cute romcom; you probably need to be more of a romance movie fan than a romcom enthusiast. It didn't make me feel too mushy inside, which is basically how I judge romance movies, but I still very much enjoyed it.
The writers were important for this. It's essentially watching two ex-married individuals, everything else very much in the background. Their interactions felt genuine, showing a sense of maturity. Wasn't loudly bitter and bickering. The airport voice added a humorous touch, slyly responding to their conversation. The Instacart line made me giggle, and the movie had many little quips like that.
The dialogue-heavy approach allows us to get to know the characters while also letting Willa and Bill catch up as they relive moments from their past, which is the plot. Some of it is painful, and some provides clarity. As the movie progresses, the chemistry between the two characters gets better, and the conversations become deeper. It even imparts some life lessons. I initially thought it might be a wannabe version of Richard Linklater's "Before" Trilogy movies or Chris Evan's "Before We Go," but it offers a sensible twist, portraying an older couple reminiscing about their younger selves. I enjoyed it, and it also reminded me of "Destination Wedding."
The writers did a pretty good job. Of course, it's not a film for everyone, as many may not want to spend over an hour watching just two people talk. The budget seems noticeably low, particularly in the outside views of the snowstorm, resembling flakes in a snow globe. But that doesn't detract from what the movie aimed to achieve.
The movie isn't entirely grounded in reality; it incorporates elements like the universe working in mysterious ways, adding a touch of magic. It brought back memories of when I got stuck at the airport in Germany, where they powered down everything at night; I didn't expect airports to do that either lol. The story has some twists and turns, but it's more about the chemistry between the two characters and their connections to other people in their lives.
The writers were important for this. It's essentially watching two ex-married individuals, everything else very much in the background. Their interactions felt genuine, showing a sense of maturity. Wasn't loudly bitter and bickering. The airport voice added a humorous touch, slyly responding to their conversation. The Instacart line made me giggle, and the movie had many little quips like that.
The dialogue-heavy approach allows us to get to know the characters while also letting Willa and Bill catch up as they relive moments from their past, which is the plot. Some of it is painful, and some provides clarity. As the movie progresses, the chemistry between the two characters gets better, and the conversations become deeper. It even imparts some life lessons. I initially thought it might be a wannabe version of Richard Linklater's "Before" Trilogy movies or Chris Evan's "Before We Go," but it offers a sensible twist, portraying an older couple reminiscing about their younger selves. I enjoyed it, and it also reminded me of "Destination Wedding."
The writers did a pretty good job. Of course, it's not a film for everyone, as many may not want to spend over an hour watching just two people talk. The budget seems noticeably low, particularly in the outside views of the snowstorm, resembling flakes in a snow globe. But that doesn't detract from what the movie aimed to achieve.
The movie isn't entirely grounded in reality; it incorporates elements like the universe working in mysterious ways, adding a touch of magic. It brought back memories of when I got stuck at the airport in Germany, where they powered down everything at night; I didn't expect airports to do that either lol. The story has some twists and turns, but it's more about the chemistry between the two characters and their connections to other people in their lives.
- AfricanBro
- Nov 3, 2023
- Permalink
Meg Ryan and David Duchovny are both about 23 white lines deep, at the same play in New York. During intermission, they run into each other while smoking a cigarette. It's fate! They must make this movie together! They skip the rest of the play and have a snowball fight instead. This movie is the result.
Now, none of this probably happened. But, while watching the movie, you feel how this should have been a two-person play. The exchange of dialogue screams the blow is good. Both actors over worked and stretch face pallets make you wish you could have downloaded this in 480p. But you can't turn it off because you love the actors, and you give it 2 stars above what it deserves for the same reason.
Now, none of this probably happened. But, while watching the movie, you feel how this should have been a two-person play. The exchange of dialogue screams the blow is good. Both actors over worked and stretch face pallets make you wish you could have downloaded this in 480p. But you can't turn it off because you love the actors, and you give it 2 stars above what it deserves for the same reason.
- nick-scobee
- Dec 10, 2023
- Permalink
Greetings again from the darkness. Meg Ryan will forever be linked to her popular and beloved romantic comedies, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY (1989) and SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE (1989). She wore the crown of "America's Sweetheart" for years, and then after years of hard work, she pumped the breaks on her acting career, resurfacing periodically for a TV or film role, often in support. In 2015 she took her first shot at directing with ITHACA, in which she also starred, and now after an 8 year big screen absence, she's back as writer-director-producer and star of a film that harkens back much closer to her rom-com roots.
A massive winter storm rolls in - a Bomb Cyclone with Snow Thunder. This grounds all planes at a regional airport (it was filmed at the airport near Bentonville, Arkansas) where ex-lovers Willa (Meg Ryan) and Bill (David Duchovny) bump into each other for the first time since they broke up twenty-five years ago. Initial awkward small talk soon transitions into 'large' talk, and the two fall into rhythmic banter befitting of two who were at one time very close. He's a stockbroker on the way to Austin to meet with his demanding, much younger boss, and she's a wellness practitioner on her way to Boston. For emphasis, he wears a dark business suit and necktie, while she sports clunky boots and bouncy hair.
What follows is a passive-aggressive twist on Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy. In the industry, this is called a two-hander, as there are only two speaking parts - not counting the slyly intrusive airport PA announcer (credited as Hal Liggett?) - and the two characters carry on a conversation for most of the run time. Ms. Ryan wrote the script with Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn and based it on Dietz's play, "Shooting Star." It's a dialogue heavy approach designed to let us get to know the characters, but also allow Willa and Bill to catch up as they re-live moments from the past. Some of this is painful for them, and some of it provides previously lacking clarity. Memories and quirks pop up, and the manner in which they are addressed speaks volumes to how close these two once were. We learn their secrets as they each peel back layers.
Tom Petty's lyrics, "Most of the things I worry about never happen anyway" are utilized to effect here, and missed connections has multiple meanings. With Meg Ryan and David Duchovny past the 60 year mark, this isn't one of the cutesy rom-coms we've grown accustomed to with twenty-somethings. These are grown-ups who once shared dreams and are now taking stock of life and reality. Even the commentary on society is head-on rather than cleverly disguised as is common for this genre. Director Ryan and cinematographer Bartosz Nalazek insert more than a few falling snowflake shots, and the point is driven home about just how much has occurred since these two became a couple while attending the University of Wisconsin. As a writer, director, and actor, Meg Ryan certainly is in her wheelhouse here, and fittingly, she ends with a "For Nora" tribute to her late friend and mentor, Nora Ephron.
Opens in theaters on November 3, 2023.
A massive winter storm rolls in - a Bomb Cyclone with Snow Thunder. This grounds all planes at a regional airport (it was filmed at the airport near Bentonville, Arkansas) where ex-lovers Willa (Meg Ryan) and Bill (David Duchovny) bump into each other for the first time since they broke up twenty-five years ago. Initial awkward small talk soon transitions into 'large' talk, and the two fall into rhythmic banter befitting of two who were at one time very close. He's a stockbroker on the way to Austin to meet with his demanding, much younger boss, and she's a wellness practitioner on her way to Boston. For emphasis, he wears a dark business suit and necktie, while she sports clunky boots and bouncy hair.
What follows is a passive-aggressive twist on Richard Linklater's "Before" trilogy. In the industry, this is called a two-hander, as there are only two speaking parts - not counting the slyly intrusive airport PA announcer (credited as Hal Liggett?) - and the two characters carry on a conversation for most of the run time. Ms. Ryan wrote the script with Steven Dietz and Kirk Lynn and based it on Dietz's play, "Shooting Star." It's a dialogue heavy approach designed to let us get to know the characters, but also allow Willa and Bill to catch up as they re-live moments from the past. Some of this is painful for them, and some of it provides previously lacking clarity. Memories and quirks pop up, and the manner in which they are addressed speaks volumes to how close these two once were. We learn their secrets as they each peel back layers.
Tom Petty's lyrics, "Most of the things I worry about never happen anyway" are utilized to effect here, and missed connections has multiple meanings. With Meg Ryan and David Duchovny past the 60 year mark, this isn't one of the cutesy rom-coms we've grown accustomed to with twenty-somethings. These are grown-ups who once shared dreams and are now taking stock of life and reality. Even the commentary on society is head-on rather than cleverly disguised as is common for this genre. Director Ryan and cinematographer Bartosz Nalazek insert more than a few falling snowflake shots, and the point is driven home about just how much has occurred since these two became a couple while attending the University of Wisconsin. As a writer, director, and actor, Meg Ryan certainly is in her wheelhouse here, and fittingly, she ends with a "For Nora" tribute to her late friend and mentor, Nora Ephron.
Opens in theaters on November 3, 2023.
- ferguson-6
- Nov 1, 2023
- Permalink
I was so excited to see this movie. Meg Ryan back in a RomCom with a stellar cast mate! The beginning of the movie had animated snowflakes with that feel good sort of RomCom music.
Then it started, and that's where the feel good ended.
On our way home from the theater, we were struggling to find the words to describe adequately how awful this movie is. Awful may not even be correct... weird, bizarre, inane, incoherent. Truly one of the worst movies I've EVER seen, not just for 2023.
There was no chemistry between the characters, their backstory was incredibly convoluted, the writing was almost impossible to follow, and quite frankly it was downright boring. Neither character was sympathetic or redeeming, Meg Ryan's character was downright unlikable, there was an over abundance of unnecessary language, and a truly stupid and I guess "supernatural" interactions between the main characters and the airport voice... HUH???!!! That along with an overly long and awkward dance scene and poor directing/editing left us wanting our money back.
If you remember fondly the Meg Ryan movies of the 80's and 90's, stay in those times and memories and DON'T go see this movie. You will regret it!
Then it started, and that's where the feel good ended.
On our way home from the theater, we were struggling to find the words to describe adequately how awful this movie is. Awful may not even be correct... weird, bizarre, inane, incoherent. Truly one of the worst movies I've EVER seen, not just for 2023.
There was no chemistry between the characters, their backstory was incredibly convoluted, the writing was almost impossible to follow, and quite frankly it was downright boring. Neither character was sympathetic or redeeming, Meg Ryan's character was downright unlikable, there was an over abundance of unnecessary language, and a truly stupid and I guess "supernatural" interactions between the main characters and the airport voice... HUH???!!! That along with an overly long and awkward dance scene and poor directing/editing left us wanting our money back.
If you remember fondly the Meg Ryan movies of the 80's and 90's, stay in those times and memories and DON'T go see this movie. You will regret it!
- bcann-17946
- Nov 2, 2023
- Permalink
After many years, former lovers Willa and Bill get snowed in together, and are forced to look back, and communicate with one another.
I was genuinely white excited by this, the thought of David Duchovny and Meg Ryan uniting for a comedy, within ten or fifteen minutes, it became apparent that this wasn't going to be good.
Such a boring film, incredibly dialogue heavy, one where nothing actually happens, the pair literally sit there chatting with one another, sadly the dialogue is utterly drab and uninspiring. It's an incredibly boring film.
There is Also chemistry between Duchovny and Ryan, I'm a fan of his, not so much hers, I thought she was pretty wooden here, her acting was a bit sketchy.
If you're expecting a sweet, heart warming rom com for Christmas, my advice is watch something from your dvd collection, this was dire.
3/10.
I was genuinely white excited by this, the thought of David Duchovny and Meg Ryan uniting for a comedy, within ten or fifteen minutes, it became apparent that this wasn't going to be good.
Such a boring film, incredibly dialogue heavy, one where nothing actually happens, the pair literally sit there chatting with one another, sadly the dialogue is utterly drab and uninspiring. It's an incredibly boring film.
There is Also chemistry between Duchovny and Ryan, I'm a fan of his, not so much hers, I thought she was pretty wooden here, her acting was a bit sketchy.
If you're expecting a sweet, heart warming rom com for Christmas, my advice is watch something from your dvd collection, this was dire.
3/10.
- Sleepin_Dragon
- Dec 14, 2023
- Permalink
- gabriellaguerriero
- Nov 5, 2023
- Permalink
I don't get the negative reviews. Did you even watch the movie? Have you never seen a Nora Ephron flic?
Geez!
Meg Ryan has directed a sweet and clever tete a tete movie filled with quick sparring and sparkling dialogue between herself and David Duchovny.
The storyline is completely implausible yet completely identifiable to anyone over 40 years old. The absolute empathetic story of their past together bubbles up and echos to many of our generations experiences. The way in which they reconnect and have had so much happen yet still have so many of their original issues is familiar and endearing.
It's a lovely movie. I also can envision it as a play!
Just watch it.
Geez!
Meg Ryan has directed a sweet and clever tete a tete movie filled with quick sparring and sparkling dialogue between herself and David Duchovny.
The storyline is completely implausible yet completely identifiable to anyone over 40 years old. The absolute empathetic story of their past together bubbles up and echos to many of our generations experiences. The way in which they reconnect and have had so much happen yet still have so many of their original issues is familiar and endearing.
It's a lovely movie. I also can envision it as a play!
Just watch it.
I have never walked out of a movie before the end until today. This is the most boring movie I've ever seen. No chemistry between the only characters and all that they do is walk and talk about nothing that is at all interesting. Meg Ryan's wardrobe is just bizarre for a snowstorm weather time. She's wearing a white cotton dress with what is an ornamental sweater over it. I guess her boots were appropriate for travel to Boston. And how do neither characters know where they are stranded? And if it's a small regional airport as they say, how can they get lost ??
Dukovney has no comedic timing. Bad script, bad casting bad everything. Waste of my time and money.
Dukovney has no comedic timing. Bad script, bad casting bad everything. Waste of my time and money.
- jomalley52
- Nov 5, 2023
- Permalink
This movie is nothing like I thought it would be, considering what kinds of roles each actor has had in the past. After 16 minutes I considered abandoning it but my wife wanted to continue so we did. On DVD from our public library.
The two actors were born in 1960 and 1961, so they both were in their early 60s. It turns out that they were both W. Davis and they referred to each other that way frequently.
Meg Ryan is Willa and David Duchovny is Bill. It turns out they were sweethearts when they were in their 20s and eventually went their separate ways after finding out their life goals were different. Now they are both stranded in a regional airport when a storm, a bomb cyclone, arrives and all flights are put on hold. She lives in Austin and was headed to Boston, he lives in Boston and was headed to Austin.
So this is not a rom-com as I expected. Instead it is a fairly serious commentary on life, the difference in a trip vs a journey. The hard part is the movie only has these two characters and almost all the movie is them talking. I found that I could close my eyes and listen and not miss anything.
It has some redeeming qualities, but overall I don't rate it very highly and certainly would not want to watch it again.
The two actors were born in 1960 and 1961, so they both were in their early 60s. It turns out that they were both W. Davis and they referred to each other that way frequently.
Meg Ryan is Willa and David Duchovny is Bill. It turns out they were sweethearts when they were in their 20s and eventually went their separate ways after finding out their life goals were different. Now they are both stranded in a regional airport when a storm, a bomb cyclone, arrives and all flights are put on hold. She lives in Austin and was headed to Boston, he lives in Boston and was headed to Austin.
So this is not a rom-com as I expected. Instead it is a fairly serious commentary on life, the difference in a trip vs a journey. The hard part is the movie only has these two characters and almost all the movie is them talking. I found that I could close my eyes and listen and not miss anything.
It has some redeeming qualities, but overall I don't rate it very highly and certainly would not want to watch it again.
I just came here to laugh at the person who gave the movie a bad rating because "Airport announcements are nothing at all like that".
This is a rom-com, folks. It didn't break any new ground in its story. The two characters, all dialogue, has been done before and in some cases better (Before Sunrise ). The long lost lovers has been done before in some cases better (Before Sunset..lol) . The fantastical theme has been done before, sometimes better, and I won't name them all.
However, this was a good example of all of those, and if you didn't like it, I'd venture to say you are not a fan of those themes in general.
Duchovny did well, but Meg Ryan showed she still owns the rom-com genre. And to all the people who say they had no chemistry; I don't think you paid much attention. No, it was no Ryan/Hanks fare, but if you paid attention the whole point is that they were meant to act awkwardly towards each other for a lot of the movie. Once they finally broke down their walls and addressed their past mistakes and feeling, the characters grew closer and the chemistry came out. Even at the end, they were still unsure of themselves around each other and if there was any possible future.
This movie was fun, and I think both leads did a very good job of doing something difficult in carrying a movie where they were the only two characters, on the screen almost 1005 of the time, in a small setting.
This is a rom-com, folks. It didn't break any new ground in its story. The two characters, all dialogue, has been done before and in some cases better (Before Sunrise ). The long lost lovers has been done before in some cases better (Before Sunset..lol) . The fantastical theme has been done before, sometimes better, and I won't name them all.
However, this was a good example of all of those, and if you didn't like it, I'd venture to say you are not a fan of those themes in general.
Duchovny did well, but Meg Ryan showed she still owns the rom-com genre. And to all the people who say they had no chemistry; I don't think you paid much attention. No, it was no Ryan/Hanks fare, but if you paid attention the whole point is that they were meant to act awkwardly towards each other for a lot of the movie. Once they finally broke down their walls and addressed their past mistakes and feeling, the characters grew closer and the chemistry came out. Even at the end, they were still unsure of themselves around each other and if there was any possible future.
This movie was fun, and I think both leads did a very good job of doing something difficult in carrying a movie where they were the only two characters, on the screen almost 1005 of the time, in a small setting.
- paulcarr1302
- Nov 5, 2023
- Permalink
My wife really wanted to see this movie. She loves both actors so it seemed a no brainer. Ten minutes in I was ready to bolt. Unfortunately we stayed for the whole movie. Upon exit, my wife declared to anybody who could hear her; This Was The Worst Movie I've Ever Seen. I was less complimentary. Don't waste your time seeing this , life is too short. Your time would be better served spitting in the wind. If this doesn't send Meg Ryan back into retirement nothing could. These characters gave you nothing to like them. Tedious boring banter with nothing resolved at the end of this movie. Oh by the way Ducovney wasn't even interested apparently. Throw teenty bucks out your window and count yourself lucky.
- brooksidebro
- Nov 7, 2023
- Permalink
This move was excellent for people who grew up with Meg being America's sweetheart. It is a romantic fantasy for grown people with nearly grown children. NOBODY has approached life with children who are on the cusp of making their own defining life choices and not looked back at their own formative years and ask "what if?" It isn't a regret. It's just another part of growing as a human being and this movie captures it in a fun and beautiful way. It's not life changing stuff, it's just growing and empathizing with someone else's different experience than your's was. Particularly someone who was close to you and then drifted away. I can't even tell you how many people in my past I wish I could have an encounter like this. Trust me. If you're Genx and are a parent, this is a must see.
Long story short, this is entertainment for adults in a world run by children.
Long story short, this is entertainment for adults in a world run by children.
- wldsthrnboy
- Mar 27, 2024
- Permalink
- stevendbeard
- Nov 2, 2023
- Permalink
Who above 40 years old doesnt remember Meg Ryan in her younger years?! She was one of the ultimate American movie sweethearts who captured the hearts of millions of fans with her performances in several terrific romantic comedies (Sleepless in Seatlle, When Harry met Sally)
How times have changed...
The bad: sometimes it really is better to gracefully retire and let the past be the past.
Meg Ryan looks like plastic now, literally, because with all the plastic surgery done to her once wonderful and gorgeous natural face, she now looks kinda sad and plasticky.
Supposedly a comedy. Which it is NOT, because I didnt laugh once. Supposedly a romance, which it is NOT, because it was gutwrenching to watch. What it is, is truly dreadfully tedious and bland. Such a shame...
How times have changed...
The bad: sometimes it really is better to gracefully retire and let the past be the past.
Meg Ryan looks like plastic now, literally, because with all the plastic surgery done to her once wonderful and gorgeous natural face, she now looks kinda sad and plasticky.
Supposedly a comedy. Which it is NOT, because I didnt laugh once. Supposedly a romance, which it is NOT, because it was gutwrenching to watch. What it is, is truly dreadfully tedious and bland. Such a shame...
I hadn't read one thing about this but was excited to see Meg Ryan again - finally. And, she was great and quirky, and looked fantastic.
But after about six minutes I said to my husband, "Oh my God, this scene is dragging!" Little did I know...that was just the first six minutes of basically the same two-hour scene. The film is composed of mostly arguing and negativity in a dreary, empty airport setting. (And the two characters kept leaving all of their stuff all over the airport which drove us nuts. Cups, snacks, luggage, phones. This became very distracting.) Also, there were about 12 different shots of the same aerial view of some shut-down airport. I guess to indicate the passage of time. We didn't need a reminder that time was passing!
Also, when people are stranded in a airport due to weather, it's highly unlikely that the entire airport seems to be empty except for the two actors and about six other background wanderers.
I will give both actors credit for excellent acting. And over time you do kinda learn about their past relationship with several emotional disclosures, a few bits of wisdom, and two or three minor chuckles. Think of it as a Rom-Com - short on Com. Wait for streaming, watch 6-8 minutes and call 'er bueno. You'll feel better. (PS...still love you, Meg!)
But after about six minutes I said to my husband, "Oh my God, this scene is dragging!" Little did I know...that was just the first six minutes of basically the same two-hour scene. The film is composed of mostly arguing and negativity in a dreary, empty airport setting. (And the two characters kept leaving all of their stuff all over the airport which drove us nuts. Cups, snacks, luggage, phones. This became very distracting.) Also, there were about 12 different shots of the same aerial view of some shut-down airport. I guess to indicate the passage of time. We didn't need a reminder that time was passing!
Also, when people are stranded in a airport due to weather, it's highly unlikely that the entire airport seems to be empty except for the two actors and about six other background wanderers.
I will give both actors credit for excellent acting. And over time you do kinda learn about their past relationship with several emotional disclosures, a few bits of wisdom, and two or three minor chuckles. Think of it as a Rom-Com - short on Com. Wait for streaming, watch 6-8 minutes and call 'er bueno. You'll feel better. (PS...still love you, Meg!)
I had higher hopes for this movie. Lame is the best way to describe it. And unrealistic. No airport announcements are anyway shape or form the way
it was portrayed in this film. It made the movie unfunny. I was cringing as the movie went along. The writing wasn't good and the premise while it could have worked with different writing and no fake airport announcements just did not work. Jokes weren't funny. Honestly I couldn't see these two characters in a relationship. They had nothing in common whatsoever. I didn't understand the ending and as soon as the credits rolled I hightailed it out of the theater wishing I could get a refund.
- karencoleslaw-46755
- Nov 3, 2023
- Permalink
- kateenglishcostumes
- Nov 3, 2023
- Permalink
- wincardium
- Mar 26, 2024
- Permalink
During a snowstorm, exes Wilhemena "Willa" Davis (Meg Ryan) and William "Bill" Davis (David Duchovny) are rerouted to an airport interrupting their trips to Boston and Austin respectively. As the two meet by chance in the terminal and must wait for a break in the weather, the two converse catching up on what's happened in the intervening 25 years rekindling old sparks and opening old wounds.
What Happens Later marks the return of actress Meg Ryan to acting having taken a hiatus from working since we last saw her in 2015's Ithaca (which Ryan produced and directed). Directed and co-written by Ryan, the film is a loose adaptation of Steven Dietz' stage play Shooting Star who also serves as credited co-writer alongside Ryan and Kirk Lynn. Made for a modest $3 million What Happens Later underperformed opening in ninth place and only making $3.3 million over the course of its entire run and when accounting for marketing expenses was a significant disappointment. Critical reception was mixed with critics praising the leads while several and much of the audience had issues with the characters and narrative. While I appreciate the experimentation in place in tackling the romantic comedy genre from a different angle, What Happens Later ends up feeling like you're stuck with two unpleasant people at an airport with no means of escape.
While Meg Ryan and David Duchovny certainly have chemistry that shines through from their initial encounter in the concourse that serves as the primary setting for our story, the movie makes the characters they play less and less appealing with each passing moment as the more I learned about them the less I liked them as their exchanges playing broad stereotypes from either end of the political spectrum (with Ryan's character a new age liberal and Duchovny's a rigid practical conservative more aligned with the 80s or 90s than modern conservatism) and the fact that these are the only two characters in this movie (save for Hal Liggett's airport announcer who actually responds to direct questions from the two in a "quirky" way) means there is no respite from the abrasiveness of these characters nor are they interesting enough to justify how much time we spend with them. I'll admit I know very little about the play Shooting Star, but I did look up some broad notes about it such as it being roughly 60-70 minutes long and taking place in 2006 rather than modern day as What Happens Later does. If this material were shorter and taking place in 2006 I could maybe see it being better than this as it quickly wears out its welcome at 100 minutes, but this is all speculation on my part so for all I know the play has similar issues for me.
I honestly didn't expect much from What Happens Later, but even by the lowest standards of the rom-com which have been ever lowed thanks to the genre's oversaturation through outlets like Hallmark this fell well short of the points I look for in a movie like this. I was restless almost from the half-hour mark as the movie slowly stretched its way to 100 minutes with the ever accumulating bitterness and unpleasantness making this a sure fire way for date night to end up in a break-up.
What Happens Later marks the return of actress Meg Ryan to acting having taken a hiatus from working since we last saw her in 2015's Ithaca (which Ryan produced and directed). Directed and co-written by Ryan, the film is a loose adaptation of Steven Dietz' stage play Shooting Star who also serves as credited co-writer alongside Ryan and Kirk Lynn. Made for a modest $3 million What Happens Later underperformed opening in ninth place and only making $3.3 million over the course of its entire run and when accounting for marketing expenses was a significant disappointment. Critical reception was mixed with critics praising the leads while several and much of the audience had issues with the characters and narrative. While I appreciate the experimentation in place in tackling the romantic comedy genre from a different angle, What Happens Later ends up feeling like you're stuck with two unpleasant people at an airport with no means of escape.
While Meg Ryan and David Duchovny certainly have chemistry that shines through from their initial encounter in the concourse that serves as the primary setting for our story, the movie makes the characters they play less and less appealing with each passing moment as the more I learned about them the less I liked them as their exchanges playing broad stereotypes from either end of the political spectrum (with Ryan's character a new age liberal and Duchovny's a rigid practical conservative more aligned with the 80s or 90s than modern conservatism) and the fact that these are the only two characters in this movie (save for Hal Liggett's airport announcer who actually responds to direct questions from the two in a "quirky" way) means there is no respite from the abrasiveness of these characters nor are they interesting enough to justify how much time we spend with them. I'll admit I know very little about the play Shooting Star, but I did look up some broad notes about it such as it being roughly 60-70 minutes long and taking place in 2006 rather than modern day as What Happens Later does. If this material were shorter and taking place in 2006 I could maybe see it being better than this as it quickly wears out its welcome at 100 minutes, but this is all speculation on my part so for all I know the play has similar issues for me.
I honestly didn't expect much from What Happens Later, but even by the lowest standards of the rom-com which have been ever lowed thanks to the genre's oversaturation through outlets like Hallmark this fell well short of the points I look for in a movie like this. I was restless almost from the half-hour mark as the movie slowly stretched its way to 100 minutes with the ever accumulating bitterness and unpleasantness making this a sure fire way for date night to end up in a break-up.
- IonicBreezeMachine
- Dec 9, 2023
- Permalink
- Racingphan2
- Nov 4, 2023
- Permalink
The best way to summarize this movie is to take all the bickering from When Harry Met Sally, distill it through untalented writers, and set the entire thing in an airport. It has the typical romcom set-up of two people with opposite personalities as the romantic interests. I thought the idea of Leap Day as a magical day and the isolation of these characters in an airport was an interesting idea, but it was poorly implemented. Duchovny and Ryan are talented actors, but they have no chemistry, and the dialogue didn't help establish them as believable ex-lovers. I only stayed through the whole movie because I was there with a group of friends, otherwise I would have walked out halfway through when it was clear that it wasn't going to get better.
I like movies that make you think and allow you to riminess about one's past of what could have. I have a similar sorrowful situation that I went through growing up and I can relate to the movie. It was nice to see Meg back on the screen again, I haven't seen all her movies but the one that comes to mind is City of Angels. David was a perfect fit for this film as his character handled the unknowing news from his past with restraint since it changed the course of his life when it didn't have to. Both took pokes at each other, and I expected either one to get upset and storm off...but that didn't happen. The love they felt for one another over rid their pride. I thought the movie was fantastic, the acting was superb and the airport announcer hilarious. Thank you both for this great movie.
- MechanicForHireUSMC
- Mar 19, 2024
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- medina_sxe
- Jan 13, 2024
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This movie is advertised as a rom-com-it's not! Unfortunately, in What Happens Later, there was constant, tiresome dialogue, comprised of mostly sad revelations, sarcasm and arguing, and not much comedy.
Besides some comic relief, I think viewers were hoping for the answer to the question that the title suggests-What Happens Later? But that's not what we were given.
I felt like the writers weren't really sure where they were taking the characters or the plot. Too bad! The movie had a lot of potential, appealing characters, talented actors, and good acting. It was engaging at times, but overall, for me at least, it didn't deliver.
Besides some comic relief, I think viewers were hoping for the answer to the question that the title suggests-What Happens Later? But that's not what we were given.
I felt like the writers weren't really sure where they were taking the characters or the plot. Too bad! The movie had a lot of potential, appealing characters, talented actors, and good acting. It was engaging at times, but overall, for me at least, it didn't deliver.
I have seen some really bad movies that are intentionally bad but I thought this would be at least somewhat decent but I was mistaken. Only two members in the cast except for the terminal voice making announcements! The only dialogue is between Meg Ryan and David Duchovny through the entire movie! The both of them have a few conversations with the airport announcement voice a few times which was cute maybe once but not throughout the movie! I was hoping during the movie maybe the snowstorm would collapse the roof and kill them to end the movie! Best thing in the movie is near the end, (yes i actually stayed awake to watch it) where they both get personal with each other and tell secrets about themselves. I was going to give it a 1 but changed my mind with their personal details they revealed.