No Hard Feelings

By: Jamie Steinberg

I admit that when I saw the commercials for No Hard Feelings that I assumed it was it was another coming-of-age raunchy humored movie in the vein of Judd Apatow featuring well-known celebs known for their comedic abilities. However, this is a Universal Pictures film feels more like a John Hughes 80’s rom-com. Director Gene Stupnitsky does a tremendous job at bringing this goofy but good-natured movie to our big screens and cementing it as a tremendous Summer 2023 must-see.

Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence) is in her early thirties, driving for Uber in Montauk and pretty close to seeing $0.00 come up as the balance on her bank account. That is until her world gets turned upside down when her car is repossessed by her ex-boyfriend Gary (Ebon Moss-Bachrach), her late mother’s home is about to be foreclosed on and she’s on the cusp of losing her other part time job as a bartending at a seafood-themed bar. With no other ideas, she turns to Craigslist where she finds a listing that offers a Buick Regal for anyone willing to date their son and get him out of his shell (with a bonus of taking his virginity) before he heads off to Princeton. Barker thinks this should be a piece of cake, but that is until she actually meets the clueless, awkward, anxiety-riddled Percy (Andrew Barth Feldman).

Lawrence really gives this role her all! She holds no punches (literally, she gets punched in the larynx) and brings this comedy up another notch a la comedic starlet sensations Anna Faris and Emma Stone. Her commitment to physical comedy is impressive and her comedic timing is exceptional. The beach scene is a standout (I wish I could say more). You’ll really fall for her clap backs and insults. In fact, as my friend who saw the film with me said, “Jennifer Lawrence did a really good job. I’m glad I took you up on going to see it.” Viewers will also enjoy the performance by Feldman, who joins the big screen from having spent time on the Broadway stage. His wonderfully weird Percy is the great foil to Barker’s bravado. Plus, director Stupnitsky excels at mixing absurd with sincerity – just catch his previous flick Good Boys and you’ve got to watch his most recent project “Jury Duty” on Amazon Freevee.

No Hard Feelings is the perfect combo of heart and humor and stars Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman truly bring them both with their performances. Fans of the female lead will continue to be in awe of this leading lady and find a new found appreciation for her level of commitment to comedy.