Critic Reviews

Aided by a nimbly voluble script by Kat Coiro and Ritter, it emerges as an amusing kaleidoscope of contemporary urban angst and romantic aspirations.

It's a trifle, but at least it doesn't star Katherine Heigl.

It all sounds dreadful, like the pilot for another brainless comedy series on network TV, but it grows on you.

There's certainly an audience for this sort of slick, self-absorbed comedy and the appealing casting augurs well for a brief theatrical run. But the film will most likely find its real home on the small screen, with attentive viewers curled up on the couch with a dish of ice cream.

Director Kat Coiro - who co-wrote with Ritter - spices up the formula just enough to keep us watching, while Bosworth adds versatile edge to the BFF banter.

Unfortunately, the potential for screwball comedy is wasted because L!fe Happens never finds its thematic tone or comedic rhythm.

Most appealing is Kate Bosworth, whose sharp humor as Deena has a bite that dares you to dismiss her. Even if you might dismiss her film.

The only really believable character ends up being Bilson's chaste Laura, who snags herself a slot on the reality-show competition "America's Last Virgin."

Coiro, who directed and co-wrote the film with Ritter, has a firm hold on snappish humor and bookish references, but the whole thing sags under a creaky narrative structure.

Life Happens still has the obligatory relationship cracks and repairs to wade through but it's finally tolerable.