Was this 2009 romantic comedy a masterpiece or a collection of stereotypes?

Entertainment · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: When it arrived in February 2009, this ensemble-led romantic drama sparked intense debate. While audiences gave it a B+ CinemaScore, critics were far less kind, some even comparing the viewing experience to consuming something far more toxic than a bad drink.

Directed by Ken Kwapis, the film follows the intersecting romantic struggles of nine individuals, anchored by Gigi, a woman prone to misinterpreging romantic signals. The narrative explores various relationship dynamics, from the infidelity of Ben and Janine Gunders to the complicated friendship between Anna Marks and Conor. Other characters include Beth Murphy, who navigates a long-term relationship with Neil, and Mary Harris, an advertising sales professional who manages various digital communications. The plot also touches on the fallout of Ben's affair with Anna, which ends after a tense confrontation in a closet.

The production, which began in Baltimore in 2007, notably eschewed the typical romantic comedy settings of New York, Chicago, or Los Angeles, opting for Baltimore exteriors instead. While the exterior scenes were captured in Maryland, the production utilized Los Angeles for its interior sets. The film's soundtrack was released by New Line Records in early February 2009.

Despite its massive commercial success—grossing over $178.8 million worldwide against a $40 million budget—the film faced a polarized critical reception. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 42% approval rating from 167 reviews, with critics arguing the ensemble cast was reduced to mere stereotypes. The reviews were particularly biting: Peter Travers of Rolling Stone described it as a Peter Travers of Rolling Stone described it as a "true S&M date movie," while The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw offered an even harsher comparison to a glass of punch containing Anthrax. Despite these scathing critiques, the film's domestic box office earnings reached approximately $93.9 million.

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