No Hard Feelings (2023)
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Listed byDM Editor
Updated
December 08, 2024
Movie Info
Year Released
Directed by
Top Cast
Runtime
104 mins.
Release date
June 15, 2023
Budget (In USD)
$45,000,000
Revenue (In USD)
$87,256,407
Movie Overview | No Hard Feelings (2023)
Tagline: Pretty. Awkward.
Synopsis
On the brink of losing her childhood home, Maddie discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to “date” their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, before he leaves for college. To her surprise, Maddie soon discovers the awkward Percy is no sure thing.
Writer
Gene Stupnitsky
John Phillips
Gene Stupnitsky
John Phillips
Producer
Justine Ciarrocchi,
Jennifer Lawrence,
Naomi Odenkirk,
Marc Provissiero,
Alex Saks
Justine Ciarrocchi,
Jennifer Lawrence,
Naomi Odenkirk,
Marc Provissiero,
Alex Saks
Storyline
In the heart of a sun-soaked Long Island summer, "No Hard Feelings" follows the unconventional journey of Maddie Barker (Jennifer Lawrence), a thirty-something who’s struggling with the dual challenges of financial instability and a stalled career. With her car being repossessed and her last job as an Uber driver now on the line, Maddie’s situation seems dire until she receives a peculiar job offer that could change everything.
The offer comes from the well-to-do and somewhat eccentric parents of Percy Baker (Andrew Barth Feldman), an awkward 19-year-old who has just graduated high school. Percy’s parents, Linda (Laura Benanti) and Mike (Matthew Broderick), are worried that their son, who has been sheltered and socially inept, will have a difficult transition to college life. To help Percy gain confidence and experience the outside world, they offer Maddie a substantial sum to "date" their son and help him break out of his shell before he heads off to university.
Initially, Maddie views the job as an easy way to resolve her financial woes. However, she soon finds herself entangled in an unpredictable and comically awkward situation. Percy is endearingly awkward and somewhat clueless, creating a series of hilariously uncomfortable moments as he tries to navigate the complexities of dating and social interactions. Maddie’s attempts to teach Percy the ropes of dating are filled with comedic mishaps, from disastrous dates to misguided attempts at rebellion.
As Maddie and Percy spend more time together, their initial arrangement becomes complicated. Maddie, who started off as a hired guide, begins to see Percy’s genuine kindness and unique perspective on life. Likewise, Percy’s earnestness and awkward charm gradually reveal a depth and sincerity that Maddie finds unexpectedly refreshing.
Throughout the summer, both Maddie and Percy face their personal insecurities and grow in ways they hadn’t anticipated. Maddie learns to embrace her own vulnerability and reassess her priorities, while Percy gains confidence and a newfound sense of self-worth. Their evolving relationship challenges the boundaries between obligation and genuine affection, leading to moments of both comedic and heartfelt introspection.
In the end, "No Hard Feelings" blends humor with heartfelt moments, culminating in a summer that transforms both Maddie and Percy’s lives. The film wraps up with a realization that sometimes, the most unexpected relationships can lead to profound personal growth and unexpected happiness.
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User reviews
An Unusual Romantic Comedy
Overall rating
3.6
Entertainment Factor
4.0
Story
4.0
Actors Performance
4.0
Cinematography
3.0
Sound Track
3.0
No Hard Feelings is an unusual romantic comedy that takes place in an affluent town in Long Island, during a hot summer. Maddie Parker, played by Jennifer Lawrence, is a struggling young woman who is having financial difficulties and is struggling to keep payments on her deceased mother's home, has her car, which she needs for her job, repossessed and there is little hope in sight until she gets a strange job offer. The parents, played by Matthew Broderick and Laura Benanti, of a naive 19 year old student, Percy Baker, played by Andrew Barth Feldman, headed for college, hires Maddie to "date" their son and "socialize" him, and get him out of his shell before he enters the university so that he will have an easier time there. Since the job pays well, Maddie thought that this was easy money to make her financially stable. She did not expect, however, that during this period, their relationship would become complicated as Percy is in need of a lot of support and Maddie, as she gets to know Percy, sees in him a kind and complicated person and Maddie grows to like him. Their comical relationship, with many incidents and learning and growing with each other changes both their lives. The summer actually unexpectedly transforms both Maddie and Percy in ways that they did not expect. An unusual story but sweet and heartwarming.
A Hilarious and Heartfelt Journey of Self-Discovery
(Updated: December 07, 2024)
Overall rating
3.6
Entertainment Factor
4.0
Story
4.0
Actors Performance
4.0
Cinematography
3.0
Sound Track
3.0
Gene Stupnitsky’s “No Hard Feelings” is a delightful romantic comedy that deftly balances laugh-out-loud humor with genuine emotional depth. Featuring a standout performance by Jennifer Lawrence, the film navigates the complexities of personal growth and unconventional relationships with both wit and warmth.
Jennifer Lawrence stars as Maddie Barker, a down-on-her-luck Uber driver facing the brink of financial ruin. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she’s hired by the quirky parents of Percy Baker (Andrew Barth Feldman), a socially awkward teenager heading to college. Tasked with helping Percy gain confidence and experience the world outside his sheltered existence, Maddie’s initial motives are purely transactional. However, the dynamic between her and Percy quickly evolves into something far more meaningful.
Lawrence delivers a performance filled with her signature charisma and comedic timing. She brings depth to Maddie, making her struggles and growth both relatable and endearing. Andrew Barth Feldman complements her perfectly as Percy, offering a portrayal that is simultaneously awkward, charming, and refreshingly genuine. His transformation throughout the film is both comedic and touching, capturing the essence of the character’s journey from insecurity to self-assurance.
Stupnitsky’s direction ensures that the film maintains a brisk and engaging pace. The screenplay, laced with sharp dialogue and clever situational comedy, effectively explores themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The humor is both clever and accessible, with a mix of situational comedy and character-driven jokes that keep the audience entertained without overshadowing the film’s heartfelt moments.
Visually, the film captures the laid-back charm of Long Island, with a sunny, vibrant aesthetic that complements the story’s light-hearted tone. The cinematography and setting provide a perfect backdrop for the unfolding comedy and romance, enhancing the film’s overall appeal.
“No Hard Feelings” excels in its ability to blend humor with emotional depth. The film’s exploration of how unexpected relationships can lead to profound personal growth is both insightful and entertaining. It’s a story about finding oneself through unconventional means, and it does so with a refreshing blend of laughter and sincerity.
For fans of romantic comedies looking for a film that offers both laughs and heart, “No Hard Feelings” is a must-watch. Its engaging performances, clever writing, and genuine emotional resonance make it a standout entry in the genre.