Poetic License

Apatow shoots her mother with obvious affection, especially in her scenes opposite Dora. Yet, it’s the dudes who steal the show. Feldman and Hoffman have that magnetic chemistry.

Poetic License is one of the smartest, most heartfelt films of the year. It never tries too hard, is sentimental without being gooey, and is brilliantly anchored by an ensemble that makes the movie truly sparkle. If this is what Apatow is delivering with her first film, we can’t wait to see what she does next.

Poetic License has a classic sort of feel that makes it a very enjoyable watch. It keeps a good pace, mixes the heart with the hilarious, and spotlights an incredible collection of performers.

Poetic License is far from mere pastiche. It has a distinct, youthful sensibility and sources its comedy more from recognisably human behaviour than from profane, one-liner riffing.

It’s super funny, the performances are natural, and the whole endeavor is beyond charming. It’s a movie clearly meant to fit into the studio comedy mold, so it goes down easy.

Ultimately, what you see is exactly what you get with Poetic License – an average American comedy that unremarkably plays it safe.

Mann, Hoffman and Feldman are clearly having a good time, and their comedic chemistry carries the film. But for the most part, Poetic License feels just as aimless as Liz, wandering from scene to scene without much of a vision.