Can a bromantic comedy survive a pact to stay single in New York City?
In short: Three friends navigate the complexities of modern dating after swearing off serious relationships. When their pact begins to crumble, they must confront the very commitments they once avoided. This 2014 directorial debut explores the tension between male camaraderie and the vulnerability required to find a lasting romantic connection.
The narrative centers on Jason, Daniel, and Mikey, three friends living in New York City who decide to remain single after Mikey faces a divorce. Their resolve is tested when they each find themselves drawn to new partners. Jason becomes involved with Ellie, a book author; Daniel develops feelings for his friend Chelsea; and Mikey finds himself pulled back toward his estranged wife, Vera. Despite their initial agreement to avoid serious entanglements, the trio struggles to keep their burgeoning romances hidden from one another.
The film, written and directed by Tom Gormican, was originally titled Are We Officially Dating? and appeared on the 2010 Hollywood Black List of notable un-produced screenplays. Production began in November 2012, featuring a cast that included Zac Efron, Miles Teller, and Michael B. Jordan. Following its premiere in Los Angeles on January 27, 2014, the film saw a wide release on January 31, 2014, under the banner of the reconstituted Focus Features.
Critical reception was largely unfavorable. Reviewers frequently cited the film as formulaic and lacking in humor, with Rotten Tomatoes reporting a 23% approval rating based on 142 reviews. Critics like Peter Travers of Rolling Stone noted that while the lead actors were talented, the material itself relied heavily on clichés. Despite the negative critical consensus, the film remains a notable entry in the mid-2010s romantic comedy genre, even earning Zac Efron an MTV Movie Award for Best Shirtless Performance.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: That Awkward Moment
- Also: Wikidata — That Awkward Moment · CC0
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