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Katherine Heigl and Josh Duhamel in Life as We Know It (2010)

User reviews

Life as We Know It

18 reviews
8/10

These reviewers are WAY too harsh, this is a quite enjoyable film

My wife's choice of film made me miss "The Town" and "The Social Network" which I preferred, but I'm not regretting this night. As a mere film lover, I have no idea how the two leads managed to make this script believable, but they did. Katherine Heigl is a known, reliable entity who's graced many a movie, but the real discovery for me was Josh Duhamel who conveyed all of his feelings to me, another guy, extremely well in situations I've never really encountered, perhaps better and more agreeably than any other male lead I can think of. Now I'm not sure why. The guy's quite a bit more handsome than me and everything's done with a light touch, but somehow, he's effective and simultaneously non- threatening, if that's the word.

Anyway, this film is far from perfect, but what it's attempting to explore is a bit mind boggling. How would two people who initially dislike each other find enough common ground to come together in the best interests of a child? You won't find a 'how to' here, but all the small moves and incidents rang true to me, and the result in the end, seems quite plausible to me, at least. Things happen when two people get thrown together like this and I doubt you'll have it illustrated more enjoyably than this any time soon.
  • socrates99
  • Oct 29, 2010
  • Permalink
8/10

Was prepared to not like this, but...

OK, so perhaps it's a bit formulaic. But getting through the process was unexpected. A very sweet story line, and some clunky transitions; however, the ultimate feel was very sweet and pulled at the heart strings. Life isn't simple, doesn't always go as expected, and requires a bit of effort. This film seemed to capture a wide variety of experiences and faced them with poignancy and humor.

I truly was expecting it to be all fluff, or very silly, and I didn't expect the film to tell the story as well as it did. Insight into different families, good times, bad times, and the mundane. No huge laugh out loud moments, but definitely some chuckles. I'm glad I gave it a shot. Give it a try sometime, and you just might be surprised, too.
  • jimpowellsf
  • Aug 13, 2011
  • Permalink
8/10

Very Real for a romantic-comedy

I am not a great fan of romantic comedies because, honestly, they all seem the same. This one proved me wrong! I actually laughed (unexpected) and even cried (really unexpected) during this movie. There is great chemistry between all the cast members . The premise that the story is based on is presented as very believable. I found myself immersed in the possibility of this happening in real life, not just reel life! I think the director brought out the best in the actors. Katie Heigl has more depth as an actor than I gave her credit for. Josh Duhmel proves to be more than just a pretty face. I really loved this movie and was so glad I went to see it!
  • valerieschechter
  • Oct 8, 2010
  • Permalink
8/10

I Laughed, I Cried, I wanted more...

"Life as We Know It" (2010). Having seen the film myself I was moved with empathy when the character of Holly Berenson discovers the death of her two best friends. This in turn causes an emotional breakdown in the local police precinct where she is joined by Eric (the other friend of the couple). I also thought the comedic timing was great as well with the chemistry within the cast. This was truly a film which held my attention. I laughed, I cried, I wanted more. The situation at hand was of two opposite people that have nothing in common; are abruptly placed as the legal guardians of their friends child, after the couple perish in an automobile accident. Soon after Holly and Eric Messer move into their friends home to make an attempt at raising the child. Throughout the film they show the difficult burden of raising a child before one truly knows they are prepared for such a step. The film concludes with a bond having formed over the three main characters Holly, Eric, and the little baby left in their care. This is a film that many should take the time to see and enjoy. The story shows how against the odds of tragedy two people can grow up and discover possibilities within themselves. The possibility to care for and further another human life.
  • goldfishchick
  • Oct 17, 2010
  • Permalink
8/10

Not bad for what it is

Katherine Heigl is so great and so is Josh josh Duhamel! Such a lovely rom-com, I've seen it before and enjoyed then too. I very much enjoy love stories even though I don't know what it's like for me. I must say though I think this has more sad stuff than comedy, but it's still excellent!
  • UniqueParticle
  • Oct 19, 2019
  • Permalink
8/10

Hit me on a level I didn't expect

This movie recently caught my eye on Netflix so one night I decided to watch it and idk why but it was both comedic yet pulled my heart strings. But firstly the casting for this movie is phenomenal. I've always had a soft spot for Katherine Heigl movies and yet again she smashes it out the park with her character. She plays her complex yet simple at the same time: she is funny, bubbly and goofy but also caring and emotional. A big surprise for me in this movie is Josh Duhamel. I always remembered him as Lennox from Transformers but he's actually really funny in this movie and like Heigl's character he has an emotional side that shows in some scenes and hits you hard.

Anyway Lets get onto the plot.. Its told well and makes complete sense. It all revolves around the two main characters (Heigl and Duhamel) adopting a baby girl after her parents/main characters best friends die in a car accident. And I will admit some scenes made me laugh and one scene in particular made me cry.. which is unusual for me so it definitely pulled my heart strings.

My final thought ]s on this movie are go and watch it. Its funny yet deep and is definitely given too much stick by critics and people alike. Good plot, characters and chemistry.
  • Jke_1245
  • Feb 3, 2021
  • Permalink
8/10

Cute film if you like these kind of movies!

  • ShelbyTMItchell
  • Oct 7, 2010
  • Permalink
8/10

Clichéd perhaps but fun and cute and definitely entertaining

  • Robert_duder
  • Mar 13, 2011
  • Permalink
8/10

Fun and loving

I don't care what the critics say, I liked it alot. Had it been made in the 40s it would have had Bogart and Bacall in it. But I'm a sucker for the 'stuck together, can't stand each other, I think we're falling in love' kinda thing. It's probably the best way to start a relationship that will last. Plus there's good chemistry between Heigl and Duhamel. The supporting cast is a bit of a weak spot. Some great, some good, some not so good.

All and all I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
  • norpatrinidad
  • Mar 5, 2020
  • Permalink
8/10

WHY this movie got a bad points and comments

One of the my favorite movies I've watched over and over again,the story is a bit of a classic story but I like it.I've always been interested in movies about disagreeable people falling in love with each other. People often have made bad comments on this movie and the score also came quite low and didn't understand why I took so low scores,on me why this movie is giving me pleasure every time I watch I don't think he deserves such a bad comment.The film makes me laugh and also touches some scenes and my point is 7.8
  • eberkerbatur
  • Mar 20, 2019
  • Permalink
8/10

Life as we know it

I'm glad I saw this movie before I checked out its review on Rotten Tomatoes. At that time it was 11% and I definitely wouldn't dare watch it if I'd known. The other day I watched it again and loved it just as much as the first time. Rotten Tomatoes is giving it a slightly higher percentage of rot today: 28%. Wow. It looks like the critics really hated this movie, whereas the viewers - quite the opposite. And I'm in the latter group. This IS life as we know it, and that's what I liked. The critics clearly are all childless, and they must be miserable people with low self-esteem because they would complain about silly stuff, for example, that Josh Duhamel is too good-looking to play this unexpected dad here. Well, hello, Josh is a real person, who happens to be gorgeous, and in real life with his wife Fergie they do have a baby and no one seems to be whining about the fact that Josh is changing diapers and dealing with his kid's vomit, so. It's not his fault that he was born like that, is it? And do we want to see an ugly guy in a romantic comedy? Duh. I like the fact that the story is really fleshed out. We get to see how it might work, and how the characters fall for each other and get to understand that they are a family. The screenwriter wasn't just trying to get from A to Z and to tick off everything on their list of what goes into a romantic comedy. This is a comedy but also a drama so you don't just see cheese all the time. All characters, even the minor ones, have good parts, they have something interesting or funny to say, so the main two characters aren't acting in isolation from everything and everyone else. That was cool, it made it more realistic and authentic. Other reviewers mentioned Duhamel and Heigl's chemistry and I must say this is the first thing that strikes you about this movie. They really do make a great couple. The script helps a lot, of course, but the chemistry is what they put into the movie themselves, and they are what really makes it worth watching. They work so good together that they make you totally root for them. And you kinda know that they must get together in the end but at the same time you're interested in the journey too. I give it 8 out of 10 stars on a romance scale. As a movie in general it does have its flaws, it's far from being a masterpiece. But as a romantic comedy, this is a very solid, enjoyable movie that is funny and warm. It shows you why some things are worth a sacrifice sometimes, and that's good. Raising a baby takes a huge effort and we all hate our kids sometimes, we hate our lives changing so much, and yes, marriage may seem like prison. This movie shows you that it's normal to struggle but if your heart is in it, you can make it work and be happy.
  • gornasa
  • Nov 13, 2016
  • Permalink
8/10

Warm and emotionally movie

Don't see negative reviews. This is a brilliant movie. Go watch it with your lover.
  • andinas
  • Apr 29, 2020
  • Permalink
8/10

Life as We Know It

I bought this film unsure and skeptical of the enjoyment I would have while watching it. Moments into the movie, however, I discovered these feelings were completely unwarranted.

This dramatic-comedy of sorts was an impeccable combination of happiness, sadness, guilt, insecurity, and self-discovery. I found myself clenching my side in pain from laughter, drying my tear-filled eyes, and cringing from embarrassment.

It is true that this movie is painfully unrealistic in many defining scenes, but that is the beauty of drama and/or comedy. I did not order a documentary -- I ordered a film whose main purpose was to elicit both forgotten and familiar emotions from within me -- and that it did, without doubt.

So, in short, I am very pleased with Life as We Know It, and I recommend it to anyone reading this review.
  • divingchamp
  • Nov 28, 2015
  • Permalink
8/10

You'll surely fall in love...with the movie

  • anscorp-agrion
  • Feb 9, 2011
  • Permalink
8/10

Downright Hilarious for both Men & Women

I just got back from a free screening of this movie and can honestly say that not only did I enjoy this movie, but the majority of the theater did too (over half of movie goers were aged 40+). This movie is a comedy / drama / romantic comedy and appeals to everyone from teenagers to older adults (whether you like chick flicks or not). Teenagers can laugh at plenty jokes and enjoy the likes and looks of Katherine Heigl, Josh Duhamel & Josh Lucas... while on the other hand, adults can truly enjoy and relate to the natural bond that develops between Heigl and Duhamel.

Overall the acting wasn't superb, but definitely good (especially for a comedy!). The chemistry between Heigl and Duhamel flows smoothly throughout the entire film and is enjoyable to watch. There were plenty of extremely entertaining characters in the movie that made it at times, impossible to stop laughing minutes on end. There were also a couple of sincere scenes that people can become emotionally attached to, as some viewers cried.

While this movie does not take you on an emotional roller coaster and is quite predictable, it does not take too much away from the humor or entertainment value of the film. Guys who don't like chick flicks will find this movie funny while women who love chick flicks will easily see this fit their taste. Not to many films can accomplish this.

In conclusion, I totally enjoyed this movie and will definitely purchase on DVD to watch again. I thought it was filled with lots of laughs, joy and if you're the type of person, tears. Don't let the predictability of the movie deter you from seeing it! This movie is comical to everyone and will surely entertain you. 8/10 stars for being a truly funny movie, but a little too predictable at times with an occasional slow scene.
  • coco720
  • Sep 29, 2010
  • Permalink
8/10

Very funny and very cute...

  • taylorkingston
  • Jun 14, 2015
  • Permalink
8/10

It was sweet

Aww i loved it. I think it was a very heart-warming and i have to admit, it was funny, then sad, then funny. I personally like Katherine Heigl, i think she is awesome since i started watching Grey's Anatomy, so maybe that may be on of the small reason's of why I liked it so much. The acting was great, though predictable since the beginning, but it didn't bore me so for that it makes it a 5/10...then with the acting and the story i decided to vote an 8/10...I liked the actors like Melissa McCarthy, last i saw her was on Gilmore Girls, and the...what do you call her? The woman who would from time to time visit them to check on the relationship and the baby? Yeah, her...i liked her i think she, after the baby, was the funniest character, mostly because it was unpredictable. Well for one's who haven't watched it...enjoy!
  • lilox-machado
  • Feb 5, 2011
  • Permalink
8/10

Memorable

8.0 stars.

This is a movie that somehow stays with you. The plot and the acting, and the story are not superb, but still, this will stick. Whenever I am reminded of it while flipping through the channels, or I see the name listed somewhere, it all floods back to me. Again, I have no idea why, but this movie just remains after most things have gone.

That being said, it's a story about many things. It's about a woman and a man who do not like each other as they struggle to navigate a difficult situation that has been thrust upon them. We get to see the brilliance of both actors, she, being the more adept at her profession, he being eye candy more than anything however, he shines in romantic comedies. He's one of my favorites, even though his acting skills are average. She has always been great, love all her work.

This has a star-studded cast, most of which were not quite at the big time in 2010, but wait till you see the cast. You will be surprised at all the recognizable faces that have since become household names.

I keep coming back to this film every few years, I will see it again in the next few years like clockwork.
  • MickyG333
  • Feb 20, 2025
  • Permalink

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