Film Review: Delightful ‘Life Happens’ Proves Truth is Funny

PatrickMcD — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:10:54 -0400

CHICAGO – Is it possible to be addled in encroaching middle age? Because “Life Happens,” a film about an ex-party girl turned single mother, starring “it” girl Krysten Ritter, actually is quite funny, and gets those laughs simply by applying some simple truths to a unique situation. Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, Justin Kirk and Kirsten Johnston co-star.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Ritter, who just opened this week as the title character in the awkwardly titled sitcom “Don’t Trust the B—— in Apartment 23,” carries this comedy on her shoulders, which she also co-wrote. She is an impressive scene stealer, but also allows the very strong supporting cast to get their moments. The script relies on some time honored stereotypes – twentysomething virgin, chirpy Mom, horny social misfit, dismissive boss – and turns them on their ear by leading them into unexpected directions. All of the actions of the films evolve from well-established background circumstances, and by the end the laughs come just from the preconceived missteps of the well-developed characters.

Kim (Krysten Ritter), Deena (Kate Bosworth) and Laura (Rachel Bilson) are young adult roommates in a Los Angeles bungalow. The film frantically starts out with Kim and Deena fighting over the last condom in the house, as they both have potential mates in their bedrooms (Laura doesn’t participate, she has promised herself to remain a virgin until marriage). Deena wins the rubber competition, and one year later it is discovered that Kim has a newborn boy resulting from that night. The father, an Australian surfer, decides he’s not ready to be a Dad, and leaves Kim to raise their son.

This throws the household into a tizzy, as three young women aren’t exactly equipped to deal with child rearing. Kim misses her old life, Deena is a struggling writer and Laura continues to grab any odd job the City of Angels offers. This allows Kim no social life beyond caring for her boss Francesca (Kristen Johnston), but things are about to change when she meets Nicholas (Geoff Stults) at a work event. She convinces Deena to double date with Nicholas’s friend Henri (Justin Kirk), and the balance of the roommates’ friendship is about to shift as a result.

“Life Happens” continues its limited release on April 13th, including Chicago. See local listings for show times and theaters. Featuring Krysten Ritter, Kate Bosworth, Rachel Bilson, Justin Kirk, Geoff Stults, Kristen Johnson, Jason Biggs and Seymour Cassel. Written by Krysten Ritter and Kat Coiro. Directed by Kat Coiro. Rated “R”

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Life Happens”

Women in Life: Krysten Ritter (Kim), Rachel Bilson (Laura) and Kate Bosworth (Deena) in ‘Life Happens’
Photo credit: PMK*BNC Films

Continue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “Life Happens”

HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: 10 Pairs of Anytime Passes to ‘L!fe Happens’ With Kate Bosworth

HollywoodChicago.com — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 17:55:41 -0400

CHICAGO – In our latest “R”-rated, single-motherhood comedy edition of HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film, we have 10 admit-two run-of-engagement anytime movie passes up for grabs to the new film “L!fe Happens” starring Kate Bosworth! In Chicago, “L!fe Happens” opens exclusively at AMC River East on April 13, 2012.

“L!fe Happens” also stars Jason Biggs, Krysten Ritter, Rachel Bilson, Seymour Cassel, Rhys Coiro, Justin Kirk, Kristen Johnston, Andrea Savage, Geoff Stults and Fallon Goodson from writer and director Kat Coiro and writer Krysten Ritter.

These anytime passes can be used at Chicago’s AMC River East at the showing of your choosing during the film’s theatrical run. To win your free anytime movie passes for “L!fe Happens,” just answer our question in this Web-based submission form. That’s it! Directions to enter this HollywoodChicago.com Hookup and win can be found below.

The movie poster for “L!fe Happens” with Kate Bosworth, Jason Biggs and Krysten Ritter.
Image credit: PMK*BNC Films

Here is the synopsis for “L!fe Happens”:

“L!fe Happens” is a comedy from director Kat Coiro that’s centered on three young women: Kim (Krysten Ritter), Deena (Kate Bosworth) and Laura (Rachel Bilson). They all live under the same roof in Los Angeles. When one of Kim’s one-night stands results in an unexpected pregnancy, things take a sudden turn for the trio.

With the help of her girlfriends, Kim must cope with single motherhood as she jumps back into the dating scene amid the fear that toting around a tot can be a dating buzzkill. Also featuring Jason Biggs, Seymour Cassel, Rhys Coiro, Justin Kirk, Kristen Johnston, Andrea Savage, Geoff Stults and Fallon Goodson, “L!fe Happens” takes a look at single living, friendship and the joys of life’s curveballs.

The movie trailer for “L!fe Happens” can be watched now below.

To secure your free “L!fe Happens” passes, you must be logged into your HollywoodChicago.com Web site account. If you don’t yet have one, you can quickly register here. Having a free Web site account with a valid e-mail is required to win this Hookup.

Next, simply answer our question. You must submit your answer using this confidential, Web-based submission form. Comments have been disabled on this page.

You must include your first and last name, e-mail address and physical mailing address in your submission. Your personal information will not be sold or shared, will be kept strictly confidential and is only for awarding winning entries. Please answer our question below.

What’s been the biggest curveball in your life and how’d you handle it?
Note: Comments are disabled on this page.

This HollywoodChicago.com Hookup is simple: 10 HollywoodChicago.com readers will be randomly selected as the winners of our “L!fe Happens” Hookup! The winners will be snail mailed their run-of-engagement anytime movie passes at our expense. Good luck!

Disclaimer
HollywoodChicago.com LLC is a promotional partner with the studio and
its partners and doesn’t assume any liability for this giveaway.

By ADAM FENDELMAN
Publisher
HollywoodChicago.com
adam@hollywoodchicago.com