In line with the previous blog, last night I went to go watch, with my three girlfriends, the movie "He's Just Not that Into You."
Single (and some married) women have been waiting for this movie to be released like we wait for the latest bad jeans pictures of beautiful celebrities. Ok, maybe we don't wait for those (and actually feel for those celebrities, but I digress). Needless to say, we have been waiting for this movie forever!
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the back story of this book and movie, it all started by the genius writers from the tv show Sex and the City. Carrie was dating Berger, and Miranda went out with a guy who never called back. The girlfriends were trying to console Miranda by telling her, "He's probably busy," or "He probably lost your number," etc. But, Berger butted in and interjected the now infamous piece of advice that transformed the world, "Miranda, it's simple, he's just not that into you."
As shocking as it is, women console other women by giving well-meaning, but toxic pieces of advice, "Maybe he just lost your number," "He's just intimidated by your success," "He's having a rough week," etc. All of these excuses are lost to the one insurmountable truth...he's just not that into you.
This fictional advice resonated with one of the (single) female writers of this episode. She approached the straight male (married) writer, and they collaborated in writing this hit book; and now there's a movie based off of it.
Last night was the opening night that we had been anticipating since Miranda had been blown away from Berger's advice, so my girlfriends and I got to the theater early. As we took our seats we were amazed at how many men came with their women (they were getting lucky tonight, no doubt...I'm jealous), and how many people were not at the theater (for opening night). Two male Devil Dogs (young Marines) came in the the theater and sat down, without women. I had to ask, "What are you doing here?"
"We're not gay if that's what you mean."
"No, I was just wondering what two guys are doing here by themselves."
"The ticket counter dude told us this is a f*&% funny movie."
With that we sat down and started watching the most anticipated chick flick in years.
The 1st five minutes of the was the funniest thing I've seen years. Both men and women were roaring during the opening scenes. I cannot overstate the hilarity of these first few minutes...we were hooked! Don't worry I won't give away any spoilers to this movie...so fast forward to the end credits...
My biggest opinion about the movie is it stayed true to the book, until the end. The movie ending was a typical Hollywood ending, which was somewhat disappointing; and once you see the ending you'd laugh that I think it's disappointing.
But, the movie is really good, it's just that it did not stick to the message of the book; and that was disappointing.
The book basically says women should not pursue a guy or give any energy to a guy who has exhibited any evidence that he's just not that into you (i.e. he didn't ask her out, call her, he's married, won't ask her to marry him, etc).
The movie/book emphasizes 99.9% of the women in the world are the rule, not the exception (i.e. when a guy doesn't call you, don't wait around for him). Yet, the movie ends with some of the main characters being "exceptions" to the rule rather than being the rule. I think it would have been much more empowering to women to see some of the character remain the rule rather than the exceptions.
Nonetheless, the movie was awesome and the last ten minutes does not impact the lessons that can be learned from this movie and book. Some of the biggest lessons are:
1. Happiness is a choice
2. Being alone is better than being in a miserable or unfaithful relationship
3. You are enough...I am enough
4. As much as we (women) don't want to admit it, some of the "rules" still exist
6. When going to chick flicks, women are the best dates
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