Sleeping with Other People - Review

R  |  95 min  |  Comedy
Review - Matt Mungle

**In select theaters September 18th*

Synopsis: A good-natured womanizer and a serial cheater form a platonic relationship that helps reform them in ways, while a mutual attraction sets in.

Review: Are Brie and Sudeikis strong enough character actors to salvage this meandering, poorly written, and completely uninspired sex comedy? Surprisingly, yes. In fact if you find yourself having to sit through this you will sort of gain a new respect for them both. But less for writer/director Leslye Headland. AS frustrated as you get with the repetitive scenes you find sympathy, somewhat, for the people in them.

Lainey (Alison Brie) and Jake (Jason Sudeikis) hook up for a one night stand in college and then do not see each other for over a decade. When they meet they find that neither has progressed at all in the world of dating and commitment. Lainey is still chasing after the same guy (Adam Scott) she was in love with in college and Jake just refuses to commit to anyone. They decide to become best friends with rule one being that they will not sleep with each other. Again. 

Both Brie and Sudeikis deliver solid and convincing roles. The subject matter could come off as campy or sophomoric but they both handle it with adult conviction. These are two people stuck in a friends zone but obviously destined for each other. They just have to find a way to see past all the other junk in their lives. 

It is written and directed by Leslye Headland who does a far better job directing than she does writing. The banter is too rehearsed and in no way believable. The wit comes across too thought out so that when delivered it seems deniable. The sexual moments may have seen cute and cutting edge in her head but play out as trite and out of place. 

This is an R rated adult film (for strong sexual content, language including sexual references, and some drug use) and I would not suggest it for a date night or to view with anyone you are not 100% comfortable with in a relationship. The dialogue and strong sexual content will be awkward for those newly acquainted or even certain mixed company.