In fact, all of Heigl’s movies, all of which—barring “Knocked Up,” which was wildly popular—garnered the same average reviews, are perfect for a girls’ night. How is this so, considering her films’ awful reviews? Because her movies are awesome chick flicks.
Heigl has been criticised for always playing the same role—that of an uptight, desperate single female who falls in love with an immature man-child. She falls for Seth Rogan’s character in “Knocked Up” despite his lack of looks, employment, money,and maturity. She falls for Gerard Butler’s character in “The Ugly Truth” despite his grotesque misogynistic ways and unhygienic habits. Expectedly, she falls for Josh Duhamel’s character in “Life as We Know It,” even though he is the definition of a “player.”
If Heigl plays the same helpless, weak, flat character in each film, then should feminists take a stand by boycotting her films? Should the fact that her films do not preach the importance of being a strong independent woman stop us from enjoying them? Of course not.
Heigl’s films are like candy. It may not be good for your teeth, but as long as you brush your teeth from time to time, you can get away with eating it. Chick flicks are always criticised for being unrealistic, unintellectual and unambitious. This is perhaps because most critics are looking for originality, art and genius. What they forget is that films are supposed to entertain. And “Life as We Know It” certainly entertains.
Another thing people forget is that her speciality is comedy. This genre has always been dominated by men; they are often seen as funnier than women. People laugh at a man in a dress, but not at at a woman in pants. Yet Heigl manages to excel in this area. She knows comedy better than most women in the genre; she is actually funny.
In “Life as We Know It,” Heigl plays Holly Berenson, best friend of Alison and arch rival of Eric Messer, played by Josh Duhamel, who is best friends with Alison’s husband, Peter. Peter and Alison had once tried to set Holly and Messer up on a date, which failed miserably. When Alison and Peter have a daughter, Sophie, they name Messer and Alison as her godparents. Tragically, Alison and Peter die, leaving Sophie with Messer and Holly as her guardians. The film follows the three as they try to cope with the loss of Alison and Peter and make a new family.
As a chick flick, the film was a hit. The directors were able to quickly revert to comedy after the tragic deaths of Peter and Alison, without it feeling rushed. Although the film is clearly about the budding romance between Holly and Messer, the film also takes great care to emphasize that Sophie is the most important piece of their relationship.
The film is entirely predictable; if you have seen the trailer, you know exactly how it will end. This, however, should not stop you from seeing it. Heigl brings the film together with her amazing wit and humor, which actually beats that of Duhamel’s. If all else fails and you get physically dragged to the cinema by a chick-flick-loving friend, just remember that for a couple of hours, you get to stare at Josh Duhamel.
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