"Celeste and Jesse Forever" - Film Review

Celeste and Jesse Forever is a romantic film masquerading as something more unusual than your typical rom-com. And to an extent it is a different film, showing a divorced couple who still acts like not much has changed … until they’re forced to confront the nature of their relationship. This is an interesting premise that plays out with some messy results, but it’s not nearly as messy as it could have been. The film relies on lots of clichés. Granted the tropes it utilizes are often handled well, and the film finds a lot of charm in its formulaicness. This primarily comes from its performers who are all very likeable and funny.

The film actually becomes more about Celeste (Rashida Jones) as Jesse (Andy Samberg) starts to get over the break up more readily than her. This is perfectly fine as Rashida Jones is ready to carry the screen time and makes her break down come off as more amusing than sad. The film was co-written by Jones and it’s quite possible the role was written with herself in mind.

The film handles its subject matter a tad too neatly but there’s still lots of funny, sweet, and occasionally even surprisingly deep material here. The slighter elements (including a turn by Emma Roberts as a trashy popstar) are ultimately overcome by some good performances and an amiable, breezy tone. 

Grade: B-