The Five-Year Engagement (2012)

Running Time: 124 mins
Directed By: Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Emily Blunt, Jason Segel, Chris Pratt, Alison Brie, Mindy Kaling, Rhys Ifans
Screenplay: Jason Segel and Nicholas Stoller
UK Release Date: 22nd June 2012 UK

Quick Plot: Tom proposes to girlfriend Violet one year after meeting, but they gather many obstacles such as grandparent deaths, sister’s becoming pregnant and new jobs before they can eventually tie the knot.

Review: Funny man Jason Segel’s latest screenplay was supposedly written with only one female lead in mind and that is British sweetheart Emily Blunt, who’s grace, beauty and charm continues to glide through Hollywood despite the fact she has, arguably, not had her ‘breakout’ film to date. The Five-Year Engagement could be one of her best, cookie monster impression included.

Favourably keeping her sweet British accent, Emily Blunt is like a breath of fresh air for the film, making this Apatow production a little different from the normal nudity crude fest. The Five-Year Engagement’s central source of enjoyment could solely be based on her charming presence, although Blunt is somehow more alluring opposite her co-star. Here, Segel keeps to the adorable, child-like character he’s known for, even with the bare bum shots, but he has been better.

Another wickedly proficient performance from Rhys Ifan’s means he is, once again, a little bit of a baddie which would have been delightful to have seen further explored. Alison Brie’s accent is justifiably excellent and her main moments on-screen are delightful.

This is in no way a stereotypical Rom-Com, with much more comedy than cliché terminal chase scenes or grand gestures of love from the top of a tower. Two major scenes strike out as the funniest involving a chase between Segel and Ifans plus Sesame Street impressions from Blunt and Brie. There are comical moments which might not be as funny on a second viewing, but enough for it to be seen more times and still enjoyed.

The main downfall for the film was the presence of scenes feeling as though they should be in the ‘deleted scenes’ extra on the DVD. With a 20 minute shorter runtime, The Five-Year Engagement could have been the perfect Com-Rom (more comedy and then romance) the trailers proclaimed it to be, making the ending feel a little less prolonged. A few cuts might have meant a few irritating and unnecessary characters could have been dropped to give more room for the leads. Even though they are fully developed, Blunt and Segel are the key attraction to the film’s likability so more time on them and less on supporting characters, such as the infuriating sandwich co-worker, could have upheld the film

Another success for Segel and co. that is sure to remain on top for the Rom-Com’s of the year. Blunt is superb and Segel lives on to reign as one of the funniest at the moment.

3.5/5

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