MovieChat Forums > How Do You Know (2010) Discussion > How Could Brooks Make Such a Dud?

How Could Brooks Make Such a Dud?

posted 14 years ago by Brian Scott Mednick
4 replies | jump to latest

Jim Brooks is one of my all-time favorite directors, having made two classics - Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News - as well as fine films like As Good as It Gets, the underrated I'll Do Anything, and Spanglish. But this???

There is no chemistry between any of the actors. Witherspoon is not at all likeable - the whole film is hard to like. Nicholson is wasted in a throwaway role - and he is sadly hoarse, bloated, and downright unhealthy looking.

This is two hours of yuppies whining and drinking, with a few scenes Brooks himself seemed to rip off from his own Broadcast News but without the same results. This is an unfunny, dull, annoying mess.

[–] thamilehighguy 14 years ago

were you ever able to lure any victims to Coopers?

[–] Brian Scott Mednick 14 years ago

Yes...I had a friend for dinner.

[–] AsYouWishButtercup 14 years ago

I knew the reviews for this movie were pretty lack luster, but I always love Jim Brooks movies and TV shows. I did think the movie had an As Good As it Gets feel, but in the end it was just dull. You're right about Nicholson. After discussing how Reese has no chemistry with any of her male leads, my friend and I discussed how bloated Nicholson looked and wondered why he even bothered to phone in his part. He either needs to hang it up or pull himself together.

[–] Desertman84 14 years ago

This was a more character-driven than plot-driven.
Keep that in mind.