No Hard Feelings Film Review: Can Maddie Help Awkward Teen Come Out of His Shell Before College?

INTRODUCTION.

No Hard Feelings (2023) is a Romance Comedy. It is one of those movies accompanied by a bidding war. Netflix, Apple, and Universal Studio locked horns but Sony Pictures Releasing and Columbia Pictures came out victorious.

No Hard Feelings is directed by Gene Stupnitsky from a screenplay he co-wrote with John Phillips. It stars Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman. Laura Benanti, Natalie Morales, and Matthew Broderick co-star.

This film was released on the 26th of June, 2023.

SYNOPSIS.

Maddie (Lawrence) thinks she’s found the answer to her financial troubles when she discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to “date” their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, and bring him out of his shell before he leaves for college. But awkward Percy proves to be more of a challenge than she expected, and time is running out before she loses it all – No Hard Feelings.

NO HARD FEELINGS FILM REVIEW.

The opening scene of No Hard Feelings is a mix of odd and funny. Picture a tow truck cruising and a cheerful tune playing in the background. The van belongs to Gary, who is en route to his ex-wife Maddie’s place to tow her car. Why? According to Gary, Maddie failed to pay the taxes on the house she inherited from her parents. However, deep down, we can sense that Gary’s true motive for this visit is to assert his power as a government worker and get back at Maddie for moving on from their relationship.

Maddie, a hardworking Uber driver, and bartender, finds herself in a dire financial situation and is willing to consider unconventional options. In her search for opportunities, she stumbles upon a surprising Craigslist ad. The ad’s proposal is rather unusual: she is asked to date a 19-year-old named Percy, who is about to enter Princeton University. Percy’s parents are concerned that he lacks experience in alcohol, parties, relationships, and even sex. They hope that Maddie, in her role as an “employee,” can quickly bring about a transformation in Percy’s life.

Once Maddie accepts the job, she becomes determined to give it her all, realizing that her financial situation is dire and needs to save her house. With that in mind, she contemplates the lengths she might need to help Percy break out of his shell. She understands her parents’ expectations are high, so she prepares mentally and emotionally to push the boundaries. Maddie is willing to explore various approaches, such as organizing social events, introducing Percy to new experiences, and providing guidance on relationships and intimacy, all hoping to catalyze a significant change in Percy’s life.

This movie blew me away! It had me laughing, blushing, and sitting on the edge of my seat. But imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon some negative reviews from some critics. I mean, seriously? Were we watching the same film?

The first thing that caught my eye was the film’s poster, featuring the talented Jennifer Lawrence, known for her role in Red Sparrow. Once again, she proved her mettle as a masterful action star with an added “gift” for seduction. I was in awe of her performance, and the chemistry between her and Andrew Feldman was unmatched. Every scene they shared was pure magic, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

This movie heavily relied on the protagonist’s performance; boy, did they deliver! Andrew, in particular, blew my mind with his facial expressions and body language. He is a timid kid because he played the role excellently. Jennifer Lawrence also exceeded expectations. Who knew she had such a knack for awkward comedy? Her comedic timing was spot-on, and she had me in stitches throughout the film.

The film’s soundtrack was mind-blowing! Major props to the genius composer and director for creating such an unforgettable auditory experience. The songs in the movie had this magical power to transport me to a whole new dimension of emotional connection. Some tunes were like mood-boosting potions that could lift anyone’s spirits. 

Now, let’s talk about the cinematography. It wasn’t like, “OMG, this is the most mind-blowing thing ever!” but it definitely held its ground. The camera movement was on point, capturing the scenes in a way that kept me engaged. They nailed it with long and short shots, adding a dynamic visual flair to the film. 

Calling all sad souls in need of a pick-me-up! If you’re feeling down, this film is an absolute must-watch. Get ready to unleash serious laughter therapy because this movie is here to cure those blues!

CONCLUSION.

No Hard Feeling is a rollercoaster of laughter, sensuality, and thrilling moments. It knew precisely what it was all about and didn’t try to be something it was not. It embraced its unique self and didn’t fall into the trap of trying too hard. It’s like that excellent friend who’s comfortable in their skin and effortlessly wins everyone over.

 This film left me thoroughly entertained and wanting more. Give it a chance, and you might discover a new side of Jennifer Lawrence that you never knew existed. This film is Rated R because of nudity, violence, and language.  You can watch No Hard Feelings in select cinemas.

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Images used in this work belongs to the respective movie and its copyright holders. We do not claim any legal rights or ownership over this image, and we appreciate the movie’s creators for sharing such a captivating visual.

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