Rating: 2/5 stars

Unfortunately, you may not be able to forgive the new romantic comedy, starring Reese Witherspoon (“Big Little Lies”) and Ashton Kutcher (“The Ranch”). “Your Place or Mine” had great potential with a decent premise and a great cast. However, this movie is about as funny and romantic as a root canal. 

The movie revolved around two long-distance best friends who change each other’s lives when Debbie pursues a lifelong dream and Peter volunteers to keep an eye on her teenage son. Most of the movie captures Debbie and Peter’s situations separately while showing hints of romance, but the characters never seem to actually engage until the end.

Viewers would expect more amusing anecdotes scattered throughout with comedy literally being in the name of the genre. For this movie, though, the comedy fell flat. You will be disappointed to witness a comedy that reminds you of “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” instead of “50 First Dates.”

The predictability was mesmerizing. It was a safe choice that never strays from the “friends to lovers” trope. The entire movie seemed like it was a 2003 wannabe, but even that failed due to the digital age of 2023 which was entirely evident in the film. 

A word to the wise: when producing a romantic comedy, do not depend entirely on the charm of its principal actors. Typically, romantic comedies can survive purely on the strength and chemistry between the leads. However, in “Your Place or Mine,” Witherspoon and Kutcher possess absolutely no bubbly compatibility.

We deserve more of the bright, buoyant Witherspoon, but in a better film. The writing and direction appeared to be set to autopilot this time around. This movie begs us to watch it for light entertainment when we are sick and it is our last resort.

This is not a film to ditch halfway through watching it, but it also does nothing to persuade a rewatch. 

“Your Place or Mine” would be a great movie choice while you are doing your homework. You will not get distracted by it or even remember what it is about. It is bland and perfect for background noise. 

Image from Netflix via YouTube