Movie date: Laggies

MOVIE DATE

It's not often that I get to review a movie directed by a woman.

Shelton is something of a dynamo, writing and producing on top of directing.

She's worked on a bunch of cool flicks such as Humpday and Your Sister's Sister.

It's a pity that I even have to bring up the fact that she's a female film-maker, but it's just such a rarity.

Thing is, I really tend to like female artists, and she's no exception.

Shelton has created a really cool flick here.

There are a lot of women - and also men - who will relate to Knightley growing out of her social circle.

Laggies is deft in the way it shows how friendship can be a sort of a trap.

The scene where Knightley is guilt-tripped for missing out on her friend giving birth actually made me squirm.

All of us have been on the receiving end of that sort of talk.

Knightley has great chemistry with Rockwell, though I suspect he has great chemistry with everyone.

His loosey-goosey jokiness could win anyone over.

He has a way of creating instant intimacy and camaraderie.

If you're in the mood for something quiet and humane, this should be your choice for the week.

Recommended, especially for those 20-somethings still in the process of getting their brains together.

Knightley should do more contemporary pieces. It's a delight to see her do something flighty and modern.

Like her earlier movie Begin Again, this is a step away from her usual dramatic flicks.

Her character, Megan, is not a nice person. Yet her situation is something most of us can relate to.

After all, don't we all occasionally wish we didn't have to work and could watch TV all day?

It's also a nice change to see the arrested development theme reversed, and not revolving around a man-child.

We've seen too many of such movies, so the female perspective is refreshing.

The story is sweet and charming, albeit predictable and a little contrived.

Thankfully, the comedy is actually good and the performances, superb.

Knightley may have impressed, but she couldn't have done it without the strong support from Rockwell and Moretz.

Rockwell could well be the star of the show.

The scene where his protective dad interrogates Megan is priceless.

His easy chemistry with Knightley keeps you entertained and leaves you wanting more.

It's a pity that the last act is a cop-out.

Nonetheless, the feel-good emotions will be there when you walk out of the cinema.

STARRING: Keira Knightley, Sam Rockwell, Chloe Grace Moretz, Mark Webber DIRECTOR: Lynn Shelton THE SKINNY: Megan (Knightley) keeps the same friends since high school, and now her sweetheart (Webber) wants to get hitched. Spooked, she spends a week at the house of a young girl (Moretz) she just met. The girl's dad (Rockwell) is suspicious of Megan at first, but eventually love blooms.

RATING: PG13

THE CONSENSUS: Knightley and Rockwell shine in this amiable little flick.

This article was first published on Oct 8, 2014.
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