Your Place or Mine

2.5 out of 5 stars

We come to that time of year when the latest romantic comedy vies for the attention of all lovers worldwide. Even for the less romantically inclined, Valentine’s Day allows us to break free from the skeptical and depressing awards seasons movies. With the release of Your Place or Mine, Netflix has jumped on this tradition with two of Hollywood's mainstays in the world of romance and laughs, Reese Witherspoon and Ashton Kutcher.

In her directorial debut, Aline Brosh McKenna moves from the writing desk to the director’s chair with her latest creation. She introduces us to Debbie (Witherspoon) and Peter (Kutcher), who have been friends for over two decades despite living different lives after a brief love affair. She is a single mother who lives in California with her 13-year-old son, Jack (Wesley Kimmel). Despite being overprotective, Deb is a good mother who has allowed her son to become the centrepiece of her life. On the other side of the country, the branding executive lives the high-flying life of few attachments and moves between relationships frequently. Yet, they both talk daily and maintain their connection long distance until Deb takes a class in New York and has to find someone to care for Jack. This is Peter’s moment to help out his friend and volunteer his apartment for her to live in the Big Apple while he watches over her son. As they switch lives for the week, everything goes haywire for both of them in their fish-out-of-water experiences. The only question is if they will finally realise they are suitable for one another along the way.

Despite their rom-com track record over the years, these two actors suffer from a lack of chemistry throughout the film. Admittedly, they do not spend much time together on screen, but very little of this story says they should come together. Three key elements become a distraction and work against the central characters getting together beyond their personal connection. The first problem is that the inevitable romantic distraction for Witherspoon’s character in New York is too convincing and looks to be a better option for her. The second is that the two sidekicks in Los Angeles are the better comedians, they steal every scene they are in and will make the viewer want more of them. Tig Notaro and Steve Zahn are masterful in their roles and deliver a line with such humorous finesse, they may cause many to wish they were the leads in this film. Finally, the desired father/son connection between Jack and Peter becomes more compelling than the primary relational focus of the movie.

For those yearning for a romantic comedy to break free from the dramatic tension of 2023, Your Place or Mine is serviceable, but will fail to capture the hearts of the faithful romantics. Granted, it does rely heavily on a romance between beautiful people that many desire to see, except the fireworks never manage to light on-screen. This film may not have the charm of a Hanks/Ryan classic or grab your heart like a McConaughey/Hudson silly romance. Still, it can’t hurt for those looking for a bit of romance this holiday season.

REEL DIALOGUE - Are Christians allowed to be romantic?

Romance has been a part of literature, music, plays, and films throughout the centuries, but can it be found in the Bible? God can be considered the creator of all things, and romance is one of his best creations. This statement may sound bizarre to some, but the Bible is viewed as a love letter to His creation.

Also, within the context of a pure and committed marriage relationship, romance increases the enjoyment of love for one another and even God. The Song of Solomon is a book filled with romantic demonstrations of love between a bride and groom. Displays of affection that are encouraged and applauded by God as a part of his inspired word.

Song of Solomon