REVIEW: How to be Single

ADVICE on being single isn’t something that’s regularly sought or given, it’s kind of implied that we know how to be unsuccessful in love. 

In fact, it’s the opposite that provides the challenges, fuelling a mega industry which teaches us how to find and keep our ideal partner. 

The latest movie from the Drew Barrymore stable sets out to tackle this neglected subject, and does so in a very entertaining and humorous way. 

The simple question it raises is this: is it sometimes better to be on your own than in a relationship? 

In the same way that ‘Deadpool’ is this year’s anti-hero movie, ‘How to be Single’ might just be the anti-romantic comedy that you’ve been waiting for. 

The film is set in New York, a city full of lonely hearts seeking the right match, be it a love connection, a hook-up, or something in the middle. And somewhere between the teasing texts and one-night stands, what these lovebirds all have in common, is the need to learn how to be single in a world filled with ever-evolving definitions of love. 

The story centres on recently single Alice (played by Dakota Johnson) who rejoins the dating scene and stumbles from relationship to relationship with the help of her crazy new friend Robin (played by Rebel Wilson). 

It’s brought to you by the same writing team responsible for the 1999 hit, ‘Never been Kissed’, so with Drew Barrymore producing, you know what to expect. It’s definitely going to be sweet and funny. 

Rebel Wilson adds a level of ‘Bridesmaids’ style comic mayhem to the already witty script, and ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ star, Johnson, is well cast as the confused and vulnerable lead. 

This is the kind of film that critics dislike but audiences enjoy. It’s not going to win any awards but it will make you laugh, it might bring a tear to your eye and it may also just leave you pondering the most important of all relationships, the one you have with yourself. 

We score it a worthy 3 out of 5 stars.