I Give It A Year

Writer/director Dan Mazer's romantic comedy is firmly in Bridesmaids territory rather than Notting Hill.

Josh (Rafe Spall) and Nat (Rose Byrne) decide to wed after only a few months of dating. From the beginning, it’s obvious the couple are not particularly compatible. Nat is more career-focused, while Josh is a chilled out and fun-loving writer. And there problems don't only stem from each other, but from encounters with bickering relatives, a tactless best man, a marriage guidance counsellor, an ex-girlfriend and a charming businessmen. It is not going to be easy to try and keep to their vows.

The film offers a unique twist on a tired genre, focusing on two people who clearly are incompatible. Mazer has come up with a witty script with memorable moments, including a cringe-worthy game of charades, an embarrassing incident with a digital photo frame and a disastrous attempt at a threesome. After years of working with Sacha Baron Cohen, it is easy to see where he gets the inspiration for his jokes.

Despite the good laughs, I Give It A Year is somewhat predictable, with the outcome fairly obvious from early in the film. Mazer attempts a few twists and turns but there are no surprises here.

While Aussie, Byrne, is attractive and her English accent flawless, her character is not particularly likeable and spends most of her time moaning. Spall is entertaining but, again, his character is rather irritating and it’s hard to believe they got together in the first place. While there are some films in which you want the lead couple to make it work, this pair are hard to root for.

In terms of the supporting cast, Simon Baker gives an average performance as the businessman Nat becomes attracted to while Anna Faris is likeable and entertaining as Josh's charity worker ex Chloe. Stephen Merchant is hilarious as Danny, Josh’s inappropriate friend and best man. Meanwhile, Minnie Driver is unusually funny as Nat’s sister Naomi.

While I Give It A Year is fun, full of light entertainment and has some good performances, the movie is let down by a predictable story and a couple who are not really believable.