No Hard Feelings (2023)

Release Date: June 23, 2023
Director: Gene Stupnitsky
Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti, Matthew Broderick

So, there I was, back at the cinema again to see No Hard Feelings for a second time – and yeah, it was that good. Jennifer Lawrence finally dipped her toes into the comedy waters, and let me tell you, she didn't just dip them; she cannonballed in. Lawrence playing a down-on-her-luck Uber driver in need of cash and willing to do pretty much anything (or anyone) to keep her head above water? Pure comedic gold.

Jennifer Lawrence: A Comedic Revelation

Alright, I've been a J-Law fan since The Hunger Games days, but I had no clue she could pull off comedy like this. Her character, Maddie, is a hot mess – broke, desperate, and just unhinged enough to go along with a wild scheme that involves "dating" a 19-year-old introvert named Percy. The fact that Maddie is so bad at lying about her age followed by the TikTok-famous “Right now ?”) line had me in tears – and I’m clearly not alone, as it turned into a viral moment online. The girl has timing, and not just in the action scenes we’re used to seeing her in.

And that beach scene? Don’t even get me started – I was crying with laughter. I won’t spoil it, but just know Lawrence gives it everything. If you ever doubted she could carry a comedy, this movie will put those doubts to rest.

Young, Awkward Percy: A Perfect Balance

Andrew Barth Feldman – my dude, where did he come from? He absolutely nails Percy, the dorky, super-sheltered kid who has zero friends and is as clueless about life as a person can be. From his awkward shyness to his overly rehearsed "normal" behavior, Feldman’s Percy is hilarious. He plays off Jennifer’s chaotic energy perfectly, making every moment believable and, honestly, heartwarming in a really ridiculous way. I mean, who knew watching a nerdy guy lose his virginity to someone trying way too hard could be so sweet?

Plot: A Wild, Slightly Ridiculous Ride

The story goes like this: Maddie needs money, and Percy's parents offer to pay her if she can, well, “bring him out of his shell” before he goes off to college. The idea is bonkers, but Maddie’s so desperate for cash that she jumps in. And even though the whole plot hinges on this crazy “deal” between her and Percy’s parents, it actually unfolds with a lot more charm than you’d expect. Maddie might be in it for the money, but as she spends more time with Percy, they both start changing in ways they didn’t expect.

But make no mistake – this is still a raunchy comedy. From insane misunderstandings to some truly wild attempts to make Percy loosen up, it delivers the laughs. And it’s refreshing to see Lawrence going for it, putting herself in one hilariously awkward situation after another, especially when she’s hustling as hard as she is in this movie.

The Viral Line: "How Old Are You? …Right Now?"

Alright, I’d be remiss not to mention the line that has officially become a TikTok staple. When Maddie tries lying about her age to seem more… relatable (we’ll say)

Maddie Barker: "Well, I know you were looking for someone early to mid-20s. I’m slightly older."

Allison Becker: "Right. How old?"

Maddie Barker: "I just turned 29."

Allison Becker: "Recently?"

Maddie Barker: "Last year."

Laird Becker: "So you’re 29?"

Maddie Barker: "Last year."

Allison Becker: "And how old are you, like, right now?"

Maddie Barker: "One more year older."

Laird Becker: "So 30."

Maddie Barker: "Yeah... 32."

This line has become such a TikTok hit because Jennifer Lawrence’s delivery absolutely nails that awkward, evasive humor!

It's ridiculous and honestly speaks to the whole vibe of No Hard Feelings – a movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously and gives you every opportunity to laugh your head off. Every time I see that meme, it makes me want to re-watch the whole thing just to relive the insanity.

Standout Scene: The Beach Brawl That Had Us in Tears

One scene that solidifies No Hard Feelings as a new comedy classic is the unforgettable beach fight. Picture this: Lawrence’s Maddie, fully committed and hilariously fearless, is grappling (quite literally) with a group of teenage bullies. It’s the kind of comedy you don’t often see, balancing slapstick and unexpected laughs with just enough shock value to make it memorable. Lawrence throws herself—literally and figuratively—into the chaos, and the physical comedy here is pure gold. This scene alone is worth the watch, showcasing Lawrence’s full commitment to delivering laughs and giving the audience one of the funniest movie moments of the year.

Final Thoughts: Lawrence Was Born to Do Comedy

So here’s the deal. This is Lawrence’s first big comedy, and I hope it’s not her last. She’s a natural, and seeing her jump into a genre that lets her be unfiltered, even outrageous, is genuinely fun. She’s still got that movie star charm but doesn’t mind getting a little down and dirty for the laugh, which, honestly, makes it even better.

If you’re looking for a film that’ll make you laugh, cringe, and laugh some more, No Hard Feelings is your movie. It’s light, it’s raunchy, and it’s the perfect dose of comedy we all needed. I’m giving it a solid 9 out of 10 – and I’d say it’s worth seeing twice. Or three times. Whatever. Just grab some popcorn, sit back, and let Jennifer Lawrence remind you that even movie stars need to get a little crazy now and then.

Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (9/10)