Jennifer Lawrence Effortlessly Shines in ‘No Hard Feelings’

Review: Jennifer Lawrence Makes It Look Easy in No Hard Feelings

The supposedly bawdiest comedy of the year is actually pretty tame.

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The Premise

The trailer for No Hard Feelings, set to hit theaters on June 23, had promised viewers a hard-R, raunchy comedy featuring the talented Jennifer Lawrence in the lead role. The film’s premise—an older woman hired to seduce a teenage boy before he heads off to college—seemed to hark back to the risqué comedies of the past. However, upon watching the film, it becomes evident that No Hard Feelings is lighter in tone and intent than its initial buzz suggested. While it flirts with taboo subjects, the film ultimately leans towards sweetness and decency.

Jennifer Lawrence’s Performance

One of the greatest assets of the film is Jennifer Lawrence’s performance. Fans of Lawrence, who have been eagerly waiting for her to showcase her comedic talent, will not be disappointed. In No Hard Feelings, Lawrence proves her charm and comedic timing, effortlessly handling both physical and dialogue-heavy scenes. Her character, Maddie, is a slacker with a sharp tongue, but Lawrence imbues her with enough tartness to prevent the film from veering into treacle territory.

Andrew Barth Feldman’s Breakout Role

Andrew Barth Feldman, a rising theater star, impresses in his second film appearance as the awkward teenager Percy. Rather than resorting to mere caricature, Feldman infuses Percy with nuance, showcasing his vulnerability and occasional dark streak. Feldman rises to the challenge of acting opposite Lawrence, and the chemistry between the two actors is palpable, tinged with complexity due to the nature of their characters’ relationship.

The Issue of Ethical Responsibility

Some online critics have decried No Hard Feelings as a “groomer” movie, due to the age gap between Maddie and Percy. While the film acknowledges this ethical concern, it sets clear boundaries and portrays the parents’ request as coming from a place of genuine love rather than creepiness. That being said, viewers with sensitivities towards such subject matter may still find the film off-putting. No Hard Feelings primarily focuses on themes of growth and maturity, rather than exploiting the mechanics of seduction and sexual negotiation.

A Surprising Tame Film

No Hard Feelings, with its summertime coastal Long Island setting, has a laid-back and mellow vibe. Despite occasional bursts of raucous energy, it prioritizes a more relaxed experience for the audience. While this tonal choice may be a slight disappointment, it still offers an agreeable and fleeting pleasure. However, it leaves one hoping that Jennifer Lawrence will have the opportunity to delve further into the comedy genre in future films, potentially exploring darker and more challenging roles. Meanwhile, Andrew Barth Feldman could continue to explore the edginess uncovered in No Hard Feelings or choose to embrace simpler, lighthearted roles.

Advice for Lawrence and Feldman

Both Jennifer Lawrence and Andrew Barth Feldman have proven their talent in the comedy genre, and it would be exciting to witness their future projects. Lawrence could benefit from pushing the boundaries of her comedic range and exploring more complex and provocative characters. Meanwhile, Feldman should continue to hone his ability to bring nuance and depth to his roles, as he did in No Hard Feelings. Ultimately, both actors should pursue projects that bring them joy and allow them to showcase their skills in their own unique ways.

Conclusion

No Hard Feelings may not live up to the initial buzz as a raunchy comedy, but it still delivers an enjoyable and heartwarming experience. Jennifer Lawrence shines in her comedic role, while Andrew Barth Feldman shows promise as a rising talent. The film’s exploration of ethical boundaries is handled with care, though it may divide audiences. For fans of Lawrence and Feldman, their performances alone make No Hard Feelings worth a watch. Ultimately, it leaves viewers longing for bolder and edgier comedy from these talented actors in the future.