Angelina Jolie’s Hidden Gem Rom-Com Is Now Trending on Netflix
The movie “Life or Something Like It,” starring Angelina Jolie, is ideal for viewers seeking a unique, heartwarming romantic comedy. Although this 2002 film initially underperformed at the box office and received some criticism from critics, it’s now gaining popularity, currently ranked #1 on Netflix. Fans of movies like “Just Like Heaven” (2005), “Sweet Home Alabama,” and Julia Roberts’ “Runaway Bride” will appreciate this film. It’s a captivating enemies-to-lovers story that offers charm, emotion, and a touch more complexity than usual love stories.
Despite the fact that Angelina Jolie’s most acclaimed performances are typically associated with intense dramas and action films such as Changeling, Salt, Gia, and Girl, Interrupted, her filmography houses several overlooked masterpieces. With her recent resurgence and rave reviews for her role as Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s production, this presents an opportune moment to reevaluate some of her earlier work that showcases her versatile acting abilities. One such hidden gem is the romantic comedy Life or Something Like It – a delightful film that has been underappreciated since its initial release.
Angelina Jolie’s Life Or Something Like It Is An Underrated Early 2000s Rom-Com
A Unique & Reflective Enemies To Lovers Story
In this film titled “Life or Something Like It,” we see a young Angelina Jolie sharing the screen with Edward Burns (from “Millers in Marriage”) and Christian Kane. This heartfelt and earnest production harks back to the 80s, unashamedly carrying its vintage charm. The narrative revolves around Lanie Kerrigan, a successful Seattle reporter who appears to have it all – a promising fiancé and an opportunity for a high-profile job in New York. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a street psychic who predicts her imminent death, and his prophecies begin to unfold. This event causes Lanie to reassess her entire existence. In the process, she rekindles her relationship with a grouchy cameraman, who turns out to be more than just a colleague.
In a unique twist on the classic enemies-to-lovers trope, Life or Something Like It presents an original and thoughtful perspective. This film delves into the complexities of balancing ambitions, relationships, and life choices, particularly when they don’t align perfectly with someone else’s. Despite its weighty themes, it manages to avoid becoming overly negative. Instead, it exudes a comforting warmth, much like a heartfelt conversation with a friend on a peaceful Sunday morning. Fundamentally, the movie serves as a subtle reminder that even when your career, location, or relationship don’t meet your idealized expectations, there can still be beauty in the journey if you keep an open mind.
Angelina Jolie Didn’t Deserve A Razzy Nomination For Life Or Something Like It
Jolie’s Performance Has Been Praised By Audiences, But She Was A Razzie Favorite
Although Angelina Jolie isn’t your usual lighthearted romantic comedy lead actress, it was unexpected for her to be nominated at the satirical award show. Instead, her portrayal as Lanie in this context is even more remarkable given her extensive experience in intense, dramatic roles. She doesn’t exude excessive cheerfulness, but rather Jolie imparts a unique allure and an eccentric, slightly chaotic aura that suits someone dealing with the news they have only a week left to live. Her softer, emotional scenes with Pete are particularly moving, not forgetting the memorable scene where she incites a crowd of striking workers to sing “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.
| Angelina Jolie Razzie Nominations | |
|---|---|
| Title | Character |
| Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001) | Lara Croft |
| Original Sin (2001) | Julia Russell, Bonny Castle |
| Life or Something Like It (2002) | Lanie Kerrigan |
| Beyond Borders (2003) | Sarah Jordan |
| Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003) | Lara Croft |
| Alexander (2004) | Olympias |
| Taking Lives (2004) | Illeana |
It’s significant to mention that during the initial phases of the debatable Razzie Awards, Jolie was somewhat exposed to criticism. She ended up receiving seven nominations in total for “Worst Razzie Loser of Our First 25 Years,” which might account for her nomination for “Life or Something Like It“. The movie’s flaws weren’t related to Jolie’s acting, but perhaps the critics were not favorable towards seeing her in a romantic comedy, given she is often associated with dramatic or action-packed roles. This could be one reason why she hasn’t explored the rom-com genre again.
Why Angelina Jolie Hasn’t Starred In A Proper Romantic Comedy Since Life Or Something Like It
Angelina Jolie Suited Darker Roles Better At The Time, And Critics Thought So Too
By the time the movie “Life or Something Like It” was released, the actress had already ventured into romantic comedies with the films “Love Is All There Is” and “Playing by Heart”. Although neither film was a commercial success, “Playing by Heart” received positive reviews from critics and currently boasts a 61% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It’s also important to note that Angelina Jolie’s most notable films of the ’90s were laying the foundation for her reputation as an exceptional actress. She won a Golden Globe for her role in “Gia”, and both the Oscar and Critics’ Choice Award for her performance in “Girl, Interrupted”.
It’s not uncommon for well-known actors to star in movies that don’t do well critically. However, the film “Life or Something Like It” is notable in her career because she hasn’t revisited romantic comedies since then. Although she hasn’t explicitly discussed her feelings about director Stephen Herek’s movie, she once mentioned about “Playing by Heart” that she felt a strong desire to act and desired freedom. It’s possible that her decision to avoid the genre could be linked to her affinity for emotionally intense roles. As she stated in an interview with Vanity Fair, “I’m a very sensitive person, and I wear my emotions on my sleeve.
It’s not unexpected that Jolie achieved greater prominence in a distinct field following the movie Life Or Something Like It. Subsequently, she focused more on criminal dramas, thrillers, and action flicks. Her proximity to romantic comedies is only seen in the film Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Lately, she seems to be drawn towards less intense roles, which might suggest a change in her priorities. Remarkably, Jolie has mentioned why she takes on fewer films, acknowledging that she entered the industry primarily to assist her mother with bills, which led her into situations where she felt “very, very distant from feeling comfortable.
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2025-04-21 02:18