Movie #12 : No Hard Feelings

 "No Hard Feelings" directed by Gene Stupnitsky and was released into theaters in June of 2023. Now I was putting of seeing this movie, so I bought it at home with my family off Amazon Prime from $16.99. I really like Jennifer Lawrence, but I was not sure if the plot was for me. I am not a huge fan of age gap movies, but this one... it was funny.

In "No Hard Feelings" J-Law plays 32-year-old Maddie who is originally from Montauk. She is an Uber driver until one day her car gets impounded for unpaid property taxes. Many rich families have been buying summer homes in Montauk, making it impossible for locals to live there. One of these families is selling their old Buick in exchange for dating their 19-year-old son, Percy, and taking his virginity before college. Maddie pursues Percy but he is awkward and wants to get to know her before they are intimate. This pushes Maddie to do some reflection, but also sends both of them into hilarious situations. But Percy's leaves for Princeton in the fall. Will Maddie be able to pull this off? Watch to see.

Now, this movie's premise was very strange. Although Percy is an adult, it is very clear from his character that he was very sheltered and is still a kid. He loosens up to Maddie but only after many dates. I do not think this movie would have ever been made if the gender roles were reversed and it is sad to see many relationships with this age gap in Hollywood. Yet, this movie is tasteful and recognizes that this is not a normal relationship and thing to do. J-Law does a spectacular job. 

Andrew Barth Feldman plays Percy, and he does a great job. This is one of his first films and to be a co-lead to J-Law must feel crazy. His casting was perfect especially because he is actually in the same age range as the character he is playing. He also had this scene where is sung "Maneater" and played the piano and let me tell you that he is talented. In real life, Feldman is going to Harvard, so his definitely got it.

I really like the theme of gentrification and how many rich families buy summer homes on the coast which drives up the living costs for locals. I live in Massachusetts, and I see it happen all the time. Summer homes go empty during the winter and many towns become ghost towns. Then during the summer, you see two different people. Your average person and then a person dressed in Vineyard Vines from head to toe. It's insane. Many people, like Maddie, have live there for generations and it is so sad to see these people get pushed out for those who do not even live there full time.

There was one seen that was absolutely insane. It had J-Law completely nude beating 3 people up on the beach. At first, I thought it was a body double, but no it was her. She did it because she thought it would be funny. And it was! It was truly hilarious and probably one of my favorite scenes in the movie. My other would have been when Percy maced Maddie. This movie was just all around funny.

I totally recommend this movie to all adults. It was a fun watch!