'He's Just Not That Into You' review

Ginnifer Goodwin and Jennifer Connelly (Credit: New Line Cinema)

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Ready for a 127-minute study of communication and emotional breakdowns and the challenges of modern dating—with intermittent testimony from "real people," a la "When Harry Met Sally"? If so, here’s the scoop: Beth (Jennifer Aniston) wants to get married, but her longtime boyfriend (Ben Affleck) is against it and they split. Connor (Kevin Connolly of "Entourage") wants Anna (Scarlett Johansson), who wants married guy Ben (Bradley Cooper), who's unsure about things with his wife (Jennifer Connelly). Neurotic mess Gigi (Ginnifer Goodwin of "Big Love") just wants love to be less complicated, which doesn't work when she falls for her friend (Justin Long) who claims to have all the answers about reading people. Drew Barrymore also stars.

The buzz: Based on the popular book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo. Can the movie be as much of a pleasant surprise as last year's Valentine's Day-timed flick "Definitely, Maybe"? Do viewers want to hear endless lovelorn tales from a cast of beautiful, supremely recognizable faces?

The verdict: No one truly knows if dating has rules or if instincts can be trusted. "He's Just" finds a welcome way of talking it out, as Cooper and Goodwin best nail their respective uncertainties. Granted, the film's as crowded with characters as "Love, Actually" and often feels like a research paper/relationship seminar/blend of a Cosmo and Maxim article, which moves the focus away from the heart and closer to the mind. But it's a story where people make adult mistakes and adult choices and discuss real things in the real world.

Did you know? Apparently receiving a MySpace message is now synonymous with a booty call. And nothing says, "I'm not desperate," like sitting at home waiting for someone to contact you via MySpace.

Video: Watch Matt's review of "He's Just Not That Into You"

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