User Reviews

Evans and Monaghan have really good chemistry on screen. I am surprised at the quality of Evan's acting chops. I think the guy is pretty talented. He's able to pull off drama and comedy well.

We won't even know their names. "Me" (the Narrator) is a movie scriptwriter who gets assigned to write a script for a rom-com. He does not exactly have an easy time writing this since he has not really been in love. Then one day, our reluctant romantic meets "Her", the ideal girl of his dreams. However, she happened to be already engaged to a "Stuffy" guy. With his circle of friends around him giving him "sage" advice, will our Narrator get his script written. and win Her over in the end?

The script of "Playing It Cool" by Chris Schafer and Paul Vicknair is smart and witty as modern rom-coms go, chock-full of nuggets of armchair "wisdom" about the relationship between men and women. Under its original title of "A Many Splintered Thing," this script actually found itself into the Black List, a yearly survey of the "most liked" (though not necessarily "best") motion picture screenplays not yet produced. Other famous graduates of this Black List were "Slumdog Millionaire," "The King's Speech," "Argo," and "American Hustle." Admittedly, this one is not exactly at those levels though.

"Me" was played by Chris Evans, whom I have not seen as a regular guy on screen for a long time since he began donning superhero costumes. After seeing him in all these major action films, it took a while to get used to seeing him playing an ordinary lovestruck guy. He gets to wear various costumes as his imagination runs with various characters, including a female one. He was actually quite good as this charmingly unsure character, sweet-talking not only to his co-star, but also to his female fans in the audience.

"Her" was played by the very attractive Michelle Monaghan, whom I only remember as the female love interest in action films like "Mission: Impossible 3" and "Source Code". This girl really has an arresting presence, you would not wonder why Evan's character falls hard for her. The two of them look good together and have a smart chemistry between them that makes this screen romance work.

The supporting actors (Topher Grace, Aubrey Plaza, Luke Wilson) playing the Narrator's unconventional writer friends add a lot of color in the story as they discuss his love problem from different points of view. Evans was actually reunited with his a couple of his fellow Marvel superhero buddies here. "Mr. Fantastic" Ioan Gruffudd was funny as he plays Her's fiancée Stuffy. "Falcon" Anthony Mackie was sleazy as he plays Bryan, the Narrator's manager with a thing for Malaysian women. Matthew Morrison and Ashley Tisdale have cameos as the actors in the rom-com Evans was trying to finish.

In his full-length feature film debut as director, Justin Reardon was fortunate to have gathered an impressive cast of young actors to bring the crackling script to life. It is still a rom-com though, not exactly my thing, but this is not bad. It still follows the same basic formula though that we have seen time and again. However, there was interesting storytelling technique, crisp cinematography, snappy dialogue, and quirky visuals to keep audiences' attention up to that final romp across San Francisco at the end. 6/10.

A Hollywood screenwriter (Chris Evans) is assigned to write a rom-com. The problem is that he wants to write action and has never been in love. Being abandoned by his mother at an early age has left him commitment phobic. His group of writer friends include Mallory (Aubrey Plaza), Lyle (Martin Starr), Samson (Luke Wilson), and Scott (Topher Grace). It's love at first sight when he meets a woman (Michelle Monaghan) at a charity event except she already has a boyfriend.

Writers Chris Shafer and Paul Vicknair also wrote Chris Evans' directorial debut. So it's not a shock to see Evans involved in this one and he probably brought along all these friends of his. The premise has limited bite and even less originality. There's nothing new here. Plaza does have great fun playing the wackiest of the group. The romantic couple is saved by Evans' inherit personal charms. I love Monaghan but she's not better than peak Meg Ryan. There's even a diner scene but this movie is nowhere near the icon. Other problems include the use of the lead characters in the imagined stories. They are obviously trying hard to be magically charming but all they do is to leave the movie in neutral. They lack anything interesting to justify taking a break from the plot such as there is one. Generally, this is a bland rom-com with one or two funny side characters.

Rom-Coms are not the easiest to make. If you try to make a real good one that is. But even the "bad" ones make their money back mostly. And I wouldn't categorize this as a bad one. Does it have some misplaced dialog and some clichés in it? Yes, though it's not the first one to do so and its lead actors are charming enough for you to not care too much about that.

While the inevitable outcome is predictable, there may be a few obstacles along the way that are kind of refreshing to see. And while our main protagonist could easily slip into unlikeable territory, Chris Evans is there to save him from that fate. No pun intended, for a decent effort. Nothing more, but certainly nothing less either

Nicely directed , the cast is Hilarious from Chris Evans, Aubrey Plaza to Topher Grace .. started with a well put Hilarious bits , tuned down then the romance peaked which just the definition of romance comedy.

The scenario escalated gently and understandably , the "Narrator" explained exactly how things work on a romance comedy then the movie just stared showing what has been explained , also the flashbacks for each story any of the guys tell was spot on.

the only thing i'v noticed , which not just here in this movie but also in the recent ones is that the writers generally trying to spread the idea of "it's okay to cheat on your partner if you're trying to finding love" !!! i don't know but it feels kinda wrong to me, yet it wouldn't serve the purpose of the movie here or the concatenation of the event..but still ;)

there are two movies that almost run parallel with each other with obvious identical similarity, this 'playing it cool' is almost like the other most pathetically boring 'lovesick'. i really don't know if these screenplay writers are just roommates renting the same apartment together, or they are just renters next to each other, or on the same floor. but these two screenplays are just as bored as each other, and the difference is so little, only the storyline shuffled a little bit. but obviously, the budget of 'playing it cool' is several times bigger than the 'lovesick', less roles, compensated by mucho kids players instead. but both so-called 'romantic comedy' turned out to be so boring, so exaggerated, so pretentious, and so contrite, and both should never be approved to be produced. the investors of these two movies should have give their money to the charities, at least the money won't be wasted like this.

There have been many great rom-coms over the last 10 years, but it's a largely dead genre, at least when it comes to movies that make it into theaters. 'Playing it Cool' is just about as cliche as they come with this genre, even though the film tries its darndest to do the opposite. Chris Evans and Michelle Monaghan play the two central characters, both of which I love in just about anything, but they are given next to nothing with this script. It's also the only film Justin Reardon has ever directed, which should tell you something about how this film was received within the industry. Perhaps the worst part is that it feels long at 90 minutes. That's when you know something is wrong with your pacing, writing, and direction. 'Playing it Cool' contains a few moments of genuine charm, purely from its actors, only to be outdone by the next extremely cliche plot point.

5.4/10

Saw this on Amazon Prime and it really surprised me, anything but the usual romantic comedy, with a good script, dialogue and plot, but most importantly a great cast, none of whom I could fault. Interestingly this movie was released the same year as 'Before We Go', another great romantic movie starring Evans.

A screenwriter (Chris Evans) is assigned to write the screenplay of a romantic comedy by his agent Bryan (Anthony Mackie), but he has difficulties to deal with the theme since he was abandoned by his mother when he was a boy. He unsuccessfully tries to have information about love from his friends that are also writers. When he meets a beautiful woman (Michelle Monaghan) in a charity event, he is shaken by the unknown feeling and they become friends. Further, he discovers that she is engaged of a man that represents stability for her.

"Playing It Cool" is an annoying, silly, boring and disappointing romantic comedy with an awful story of a man that does not believe in love due to a traumatic experience in his childhood. Indeed it is a collection of clichés. The characters are shallow and not well developed. The beautiful smile of Michelle Monaghan is the best that this film can offer. There are also many cameos only to give their names to the credit. My vote is three.

Title (Brazil): "Deixa Rolar" ("Let It Go")

Playing It Cool tells the story of a guy(Chris Evans), who doesn't believe in love. He is a screenwriter by profession. He is told to write a script for a romantic comedy by his boss, Bryan(Anthony Mackie). Being someone who doesn't believe in the concept of falling in love but would rather keep it casual with every girl he meets, he struggles to write the script. He seeks ideas & inspiration from his group of friends including, Scott(Topher Grace), Mallory(Aubrey Plaza), Lyle(Martin Starr), & Samson(Luke Wilson) on matters regarding love. However, he fails to get inspired. When a woman(Michelle Monaghan) enters his life, he starts falling for her. However, things get complicated when he finds out that she's in a relationship with a guy named Stuffy(Ioan Gruffudd).

Playing It Cool is my new favorite romantic comedy. Though the ending is predictable & follows the classic romantic comedy formula, the movie itself rarely goes in the direction of clichés. Even when it does, the characters of the film are very aware of it & mock themselves or others for it. Another thing I love about the movie is that it's a romantic comedy told from the male perspective. This film is totally out of the box because till the end of the movie, we never find out the hero & heroine's names. I don't think this has ever been done before. Chris Evans is unforgettable as the Narrator. It's nice to see Evans play a character who is a player & a habitual liar, which is the complete opposite of Steve Rogers/Captain America, his most famous character. Evans excels not just in the comedic moments but, in the emotional scenes as well. Evans' narration is the heart & soul of the film. Michelle Monaghan is outstanding as Her. The chemistry between Chris Evans & Michelle Monaghan is natural & electrifying. Topher Grace is great as Scott. Aubrey Plaza is brilliant as Mallory. Martin Starr is hilarious as Lyle. Luke Wilson is good as Samson. Ioan Gruffudd is impressive as Stuffy. Philip Baker Hall is spectacular as Granddad. Anthony Mackie is awesome as Bryan. The supporting characters are effective. Playing It Cool is a must watch for women who love romantic comedies & men who are skeptical of them.

Just need to relax, have a good moment Actors beautiful and cool

5/10 - a deeply average romance regardless of the occasional heartfelt moment

The writing is obnoxious in ways to which the creative team seems to be oblivious. Finding out the protagonist is an LA screenwriter is a RED FLAG -- telling us that (chances are) the writer lacks worldly experience (outside of showbiz in LA) and lacks imagination (or even just research into other fields).

The writer (Evans) and his pals live privileged lives (affluence without real work) in a fantasyland version of Venice Beach, Malibu, etc. The story takes all that for granted (like it's just air, natural and common for all), then expects us to care about the characters and their silly activity. That oblivious presumption, permeating the whole movie, is obnoxious and repellent. So after maybe 15 minutes I can see that this movie is a waste of time.

Life goes by too fast to watch movies like this. I stopped watching.

All of the actors were appealing, and Topher Grace displays impressive talent and craft, being entertaining & amusing in the subtle details of his performance. I really hope he gets lots of great material for years to come, but it looks unlikely, given this movie was made six years ago, and TG's career seems to be rather quiet and low profile for the past several years.

Michelle Monaghan sold it to me, not Chris. Probably because she is not the focus of the movie as much.

They do work great together, enough for me to believe it.. But for a story about romance that seems playful and fun, it certainly tip-toes too much between the line of a fantasy (or purposely-written-that-way romcom, in this case) and the depressing reality of self-doubt and realization of how sometimes we aren't as special as we would like to be, or how sometimes, someone might be happier with someone else because we can never be sure of anything (much less ourselves). Most people have probably felt that way, if they haven't been as lucky throughout life. I like that stuff because I can relate! Not many movies I've seen take such an approach to love. It is certainly appropriate that the context of most of the dialogue and interactions are done by a group of friend-writers. People that normally overthink stuff! It was fresh and well written.

But the ending is a little bit weak, and doesn't wrap up well. As if the state of their relationship is not completely earned. It does leave you thinking about stuff, and that's probably the problem for me.. all the realistic stuff slaps you in the face as it banishes in thin air. Although charming, you are taken out of the movie, probably by personal experiences. And I'd like to think it was made with that in mind, but it clashes with your enjoyment of the story.

Not to say I didn't enjoy it (if the hard earned 7 doesn't give it away). It's kind of fun and sometimes memorable! And it did have one good line I'd like to remember.

If you are here for Chris, you won't be disappointed. So give it a watch! If you are reading reviews, you've given your first step. Why go back and out the door? Give it a chance! Be willing to regret it for the rest of your life.

* Ah! Anthony Mackie isn't in it as much, just so you know.

Which is a startling achievement.

The definition of smug is "having or showing an excessive pride in oneself or one's achievements." And this strange, self-conscious, and terribly annoying film takes that notion to levels I have never seen.

Which is saying something because I watch (and review) a lot of films.

The smugness is so extreme that -- a horrible failing for a reviewer -- I am at pains to describe it.

It uses devices to enhance its smugness which, when the script was initially being pitched to the money guys, must have sounded positively brilliant, but, in reality, are as much fun as a root canal.

It starts with massive backstory -- but. then gives you a giant screen caption "backstory" so YOU know the WRITER KNOWS that this. and therefore you are part of an INSIDE JOKE.

It dispenses clichés like an ATM that has taken a lightening strike. Memories of a sexy babysitter, a mother who abandoned the narrator, friends who want to go to Malaysia because the women there appreciate under-sized appendages ("and you can rip them up"); old girlfriends who, after a single phone call, will meet you at a street corner, hop in your car, and perform an oral act below window level while the local cop nods approvingly....

It is almost as if --- this seems to be the real story -- someone in Hollywood, on a dare, was asked to take the worst script he could find and get it produced with a handful of A-List stars.

And actually won the bet.

I like to talk about "connection" in my reviews and how important it is for the viewer to relate to the material on screen. The only way for a viewer to connect with this film is if the viewer is currently institutionalized for psychotic narcissism.

Perhaps I am not being clear. This is not merely a bad film, because a lot of Indies are called that when in fact they actually represent someone's attempt to make a really good film ... which failed.

This is a bad film because someone who considers themselves smarter than everyone else in the room went out of their way to prove it.

Which, as I said, makes it the smuggest film ever made.

(Go back to top line of review. Wash. Repeat.)

Playing It Cool has its cake and almost eats it too. The film knows that average no-brainer romantic comedies are dopey, but insists on delivering one anyways.

When Chris Evans isn't playing Captain America, he still makes for a charismatic lead in downplayed productions. There are some funny quips within the circle of self-entitled screenwriters Evans' character surrounds himself with. The friendship they all have with each other feels authentic. The pack is made up by a sensitive Topher Grace, an aloof Luke Wilson, an amusing Martin Starr, and Aubrey Plaza using her knack for dry wit once again. The latter buddy is a nice addition since this proposes a Scott Pilgrim vs. the World reunion for Plaza and Evans.

Playing It Cool has all the flare of a project brought to us by first-time filmmakers who are still brushing up on how to – funny enough – play it cool. Playing It Cool is worth a look.

There is virtually nothing good about this movie. It had no charm. It had almost no plot. It wasn't funny. It wasn't well acted. The "connection" between the two romantic leads was about as believable as a unicorn falling in love with a giraffe.

Rom Coms aren't supposed to be the tightest movies of the cinematic sphere. The boy always gets the girl. Two people who deny their love always get together. Obstacles impede forward movement until they finally give way to the inevitable. That's the genre. We all know where it's going, and it never changes. That said, as a viewer, we should want to see the two romantic characters unite. We should care about their obstacles and yearn for them to wake up to the reality and possibility of the power of their togetherness. In this movie, I couldn't have cared less about everything. It's surprising, actually, because the cast is not a bunch of indie unknowns. I recognized every major character (except the female lead) by face, if not by name. The budget couldn't have been tiny. And yet, this was a movie with as much substances as Wonder bread, and was about as unappetizing at Wonder bread as well. Terrible acting. Terrible script. Terrible story. Not a single romantic moment. No chemistry. Idiotic tropes. The one thing I enjoyed was when the movie was over.

Rom Coms are notoriously terrible, because most of them are sloppily done for quick commercial release for mindless profit. Occasionally, if there are just a few redeemable qualities, Rom Coms can be fun to watch, if in the mood or late at night or if mourning the loss of a love. This movie, however, had almost nothing to make it worth even a look. Save yourself two hours. Avoid this like the plague. It's a waste of time. It's a waste of space. It's a waste of effort.

I've seen worse, but this movie is truly bad.

Put in with my kids as it said rated G. More like 14A or R. Good movie though. But not for kids.

Is Chris Evans supposed to be appealing because he isn't. Worse yet, the character he plays is unlikeable. Michelle Monaghan is clearly appealing, but the character she plays is also unlikeable. Considering they're the leads in a rom-com, that doesn't bode well for the movie. In fact, within 20 minutes of starting the movie, it was time to find something else to watch.

Playin It Cool tries too hard to be cool by trying too hard to be quirky and clever. It falls flat on all fronts and really has nothing going for it. Even if you're just looking for something to watch on a rainy Sunday, there's so much better out there to spend your time with.

I never quite understand why people feel the need to over analyse every movie they ever see and look for some deeper hidden meaning, not every movie needs to be Arthouse and edgy. Sometimes it's good to just sit back and enjoy something less heavy and enjoy it for what it is.. light entertainment. This fell under that category for me and really hit the spot. Funny in parts, great actors and likeable quirky characters and some sweet moments.

It was refreshing to see Chris Evans portray this kind of role after quite some time. He is a screenplay writer who is forced to write a rom-com. He is a person who doesn't believe in love after a traumatic incident involving his mother. He believes his life is perfectly fine with his bunch of friends, his grandfather, and occasional flings. He has a deadline coming up, his agent is pressurizing him, and he has no clue what to do. He has a severe writer's block until he meets her at a charity event. Love at first sight for him. A friend and support for her. He confesses his love, but she is already engaged. Now, it is up to him to fight or let go. There are a few laughs here and there throughout the movie.Chris Evans keeps the energy and spunk alive. Michelle also plays her part well, as the girl torn between love and stability. On the flip-side, I found the story clichéd in some places. On an afterthought, quite a treat if you are a Chris Evans fan.

Playing It Cool

Yet another formulaic romcom that misses the mark. Chris Evans tries his very best in this role but the script is so fatally flawed.

1, the girl he fixated on is in a committed relationship, for her to even enter into a "friendship" with a man who she knows fancies her is both cruel to him and cheating on an innocent man. We cannot like her or have sympathy for her.

2, romcoms have to have a barrier to the couple getting together, but to jolt a man on his wedding date is an ultimate betrayal and unforgivable.

3, the woman opening has sex with another man whilst getting married to another, she has the morals of an alley cat.

4, his friends tell him to proceed pursuing her, no friend would do this. No no no.

5, the gathering crowd scene in the pursuit of love where a man says " you going to wreck someone's wedding day" as if that was a good thing is morally reprehensible.

6, no relationship can survive built upon the carnage of wrecked lives.

The script was appalling and sent all the wrong messages, these writers should never work again who created this tripe