Love Happens (PG-13) (2009)

Don’t let the saccharine sounding title keep you away, this is not a bad little soirée into the complicated ins and outs of human relationships. Burke Ryan (Aaron Eckhart) is a motivational speaker and self-help author who specializes in grief counseling. He comes across as confident, caring and in control of his own demons. Eloise Chandler (Jennifer Aniston) is a free-spirited florist who, though lovely, talented and bright, has a penchant for picking losers when it comes to romance.

Initially meeting in a hotel lobby, Ryan and Eloise do not immediately connect. Ryan, focused on his book tour, and Eloise, determined not to get involved with another man, are both preoccupied. The chemistry between the two “ships in the night” needs a little work.

Seattle makes an interesting backdrop for the semi-romance that develops between the two, perhaps because it is reminiscent of Sleepless in Seattle, a modern romantic classic. Never reaching the heights of true love, the romantic connection between Eloise and Ryan stays stuck in limbo. One relationship that stands out in the film is the strong bond between Ryan and his agent and best friend, Lane Marshall (Dan Fogler). We should all have such an advocate in our lives.


All right, the big question that lurks like the proverbial elephant in the room, “Is it a chick-flick?”  Well yes, but it’s entertaining and not too sappy to tolerate for an hour and a half.