Movie Review: The Back-Up Plan

Jennifer Lopez? J.Lo? Is that name even relevant anymore? Since 2007's album Brave, Jennifer Lopez disappeared out of the limelight. The name that was always on the tabloids whether it be for music, movies, or personal life, Jennifer Lopez was one of the biggest celebrities of the new millennium...until she got married (this time for good...so far at least) and had kids. She disappeared for almost 3 years until the AMA (American Music Awards) last year in which she performed a new single from her upcoming album Love? And now, she's making her official comeback to the big screen with her latest theatrical release, The Back-Up Plan.

The Back-Up Plan is a romantic comedy film starring Jennifer Lopez as Zoe. The movie starts off showing Zoe getting artificially inseminated through a sperm bank in order to get pregnant. Through flashbacks we find out that she doesn't a feel a man is right for her at the moment, as she isn't able to find the perfect one but at the same time she really wants a child so, she feels getting inseminated is the best way to achieve that goal. Soon after she gets inseminated, of course, she meets Stan (Alex O'Loughlin, Whiteout) who at first seems like a jerk to her, but eventually they warm up to each other and fall for each other...if only it could be that simple. As she continues to develop feelings for Stan, her insemination proves to be successful and she becomes pregnant. Trouble. How does Stan take the news of the pregnancy? Does he stand by her Zoe or does he walk away? Does Zoe cope well with her pregnancy and balance a new love in her life? All these answers can be found by watching the movie. Now, the real questions are: How did I enjoy the film? Was it movie worth the anticipation? Was Jennifer Lopez successfully able to make a comeback or should she just become a stay-at-home mom? Keep reading!

Khizer's review:

The movie was excellent! It was a very refreshing romantic comedy and definitely did pass my expectations thus being worth the anticipation. What I liked most about this movie was that although the plot has its cliche moments it was unique in its own genre; instead of falling the typical pattern of a romcom, the story went in reverse order: she gets pregnant, then finds love, then delivers her kids, and then decides whether marriage happens or not. This made watching the movie even more interesting. Jennifer Lopez, who is no where near a shabby actress, pulled of this role with much ease. I think being pregnant and actually going through the process of delivering a child (twins for that matter) really helped her get into the role and gave her much comfort when acting many scenes. Her chemistry with Alex O'Loughlin was great and boy did she look gorgeous throughout the film! Jennifer Lopez is now 40, married, and has kids, but she still somehow manages to look hotter than ever, especially while sporting bangs! The movie does have its cheesy and cliche moments but that is expected from almost any romantic comedy. Also, if there are any animal lovers, there is a dog in the movie who is handicapped and on a wheelchair that is so cute and adds to the movie. This idea does steal a little from Along Came Polly, but nonetheless it is cute. The one problem I had with the movie was how they chose to introduce it; it just started off showing Zoe getting inseminated and then through flashbacks explaining why she did it. I would've preferred if they made the film a little longer and showed some more at the beginning about how she is over the dating scene and just wants children before showing her get inseminated. Other than that, the movie was great.

So the big question is, was Jennifer Lopez able to make a big comeback with this film? In general, yes. The movie was the #1 movie on its opening day, and eventually was #2 with the overall weekend box office making over 12 million. The movie had great anticipation and although getting some negative reviews, there are many positive ones as well. Commercially, yes, it was a good comeback movie. Was it a good comeback movie career wise? Well, she could've done better. Jennifer Lopez has shown her versatility as an actress from dramatic roles like Selena to an abused woman in Enough and a temperamental daughter-in-law in Monster-in-Law. Dramas, thrillers, romantic comedies, and action are all genres in which Jennifer Lopez can successfully pull off a role. However, since romantic comedies aren't always praised for the acting in the film, nor do they get much recognition during awards season, I think in that aspect this film wasn't the best role to choose. Regardless, I don't think Jennifer Lopez did this film for the purpose of critical praise and award nominations, but more to get back on the map, which I think this film will help her do. Romantic comedy well done. Jennifer's back and she's still from the block.

Khizer's rating: 3.5 stars