How a formulaic romantic comedy became a surprising box-office success for CBS Films
In short: Released in 2010, The Back-up Plan marked Jennifer Lopez's return to cinema after a three-year hiatus. While critics largely panned the screenplay as predictable and generic, the film defied negative reviews to become a financial triumph, ultimately standing as the highest-grossing project in the history of its studio.
Directed by Alan Poul in his feature film debut, the production follows Zoe, a woman who pursues single motherhood via artificial insemination only to encounter a potential partner, Stan, on the same day. The narrative explores their evolving relationship as they navigate the complications of an unexpected twin pregnancy. Despite the star power of Lopez and co-star Alex O'Loughlin, the film struggled to impress reviewers. Critics frequently described the script as bland and formulaic, with some comparing the experience to a shallow television commercial.
The critical reception was notably harsh, reflected in a 17% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a score of 34 out of 100 on Metacritic. Roger Ebert famously criticized the film for its lack of depth, while others noted that while Lopez delivered a charming performance, she was ultimately undermined by unrelatable characters and a tired plot. Nevertheless, the movie resonated with audiences, earning $77.5 million against a $35 million budget. This financial performance secured its place as a significant milestone for CBS Films at the time.
Beyond the box office, the project served as a final screen appearance for actor Tom Bosley, who passed away months after the release. The film also garnered recognition at the 2010 Teen Choice Awards, receiving nominations for Best Romantic Comedy and Best Romantic Comedy Actress. Following its theatrical run, the movie maintained momentum on home media, debuting at number two on the DVD and Blu-ray charts in August 2010, trailing only the sixth season of the television series Lost.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Back-up Plan
- Also: Wikidata — The Back-Up Plan · CC0
- Also: Wikidata — The Back-up Plan · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/entertainment-the-back-up-plan.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Films · More in Entertainment · Latest · A–Z · All topics
