The Reel Review
Burned out on dating but in need of money, twenty-something Leah accepts her grandmother’s matchmaking challenge to go on 40 consecutive dates over 40 nights in exchange for a year of free rent. Bailee Madison, Joel Courtney and Annie Potts star in this romantic comedy.
This low stakes, formulaic rom com from music director Andy Delaney (Jesse McCartney, Paula Abdul, Spice Girls) and screenwriter Sarah Howard (in her feature film solo debut) is contrived, corny and predictable. It also lacks onscreen chemistry between its miscast romantic leads and sometimes Madison (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, Bridge to Terabithia) just tries a bit too hard to be funny.
That said, it is nice to see Annie Potts as the wisecracking grandma and there are at least a handful of chuckles from some of the more unusual dinner dates. If you are in the mood for a very predictable rom com, go for it, but keep expectations low. This one is pretty lackluster.
REEL FACTS
• Fort Lauderdale-born Bailee Madison first got her start as a child in commercials and has won three Young Actress Awards for her appearances in Bridge to Terabithia and The Last Day of Summer.
• Joel Courtney’s film credits include The Kissing Booth films and Super 8.
• 40 Dates and 40 Nights was filmed in Houston, Texas.
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