By Ethan Stinson

Released just in time for Valentine’s Day, Amazon Studios’ “I Want You Back” stands as a solid entry among the expansive library of romantic comedies available for couples to enjoy during the holiday. Although it sometimes falls for the genre’s conventional trappings, a charming pair of leads and clever romantic story render the film a worthwhile watch on any date night or Valentine’s Day.

“I Want You Back” stars Charlie Day (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”) and Jenny Slate (“On the Rocks”) as Peter and Emma, a pair of strangers who meet after being dumped the same weekend. Conspiring to help one another win their exes back, a wrench is thrown into their plan when the two begin falling for each other.

Based on its premise, the film blatantly pulls cards from other romantic comedies, namely “Forgetting Sarah Marshall.” Bearing an overarching “will they, won’t they?” conflict, it may also seem derivative of films like “When Harry Met Sally…”

Despite its lack of originality in the storytelling department, “I Want You Back” stays afloat because of its leads’ charm and chemistry. Showing restraint compared to their past works, Day and Slate both flex their comedic chops while portraying honest humans, rather than caricatures. The humble nature of their performances reflects in the development of their characters’ relationship, which progresses organically, rather than feeling rushed like in other romance films. This natural progression is further benefited by multiple setbacks and moments of uncertainty, much like how real-life relationships progress.

Whereas Peter and Emma are portrayed as real humans, the same cannot be said for the supporting cast, namely, their exes and replacements. Depicted as egotistical individuals, the over-exaggerated way the characters are written often awkwardly contrasts with the more grounded leads. However, making the exes unlikable also greatly benefits Peter and Emma’s relationship. By establishing their exes’ horrid personalities from the get-go, it is established that they are deserving of someone better. Thus sets the stage for their chance meeting and their ensuing romance.

The moments leading up to and following their first encounter do contain some humorous moments. Focusing mainly on Peter and Emma coping with their break-ups, the sporadic nature of the first act’s comedy causes the film to get off to a slow start. 

However, the initiation of Peter and Emma’s plan in the second act greatly helps the film find its footing, showcasing a plethora of gut-busting moments for viewers to enjoy. Showing the desperate singles as they attempt to sabotage their ex-lovers’ new relationships, viewers are presented with an abundance of hilarity and comic relief which relies on a mixture of physical comedy, awkward banter and the close-calls that ensue. 

Although its unoriginal premise and slow start keep “I Want You Back” from prevailing as a new classic romance film, its charming performances, honest characters and realistically-paced story and relationship development prove the genre still has plenty of new ground to cover. For couples or romantics looking for a new worthwhile romantic comedy to enjoy, the film is surely worth the watch.

Image from Prime Video via YouTube