Sorry, this movie sucks

Great Film overall

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Tom (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) arrives home all eager to celebrate Valentine's Day with his girlfriend Sara. He even plans on asking Sara to marry him and has gathered four of his closest buddies to witness the occasion. Much to his dismay, however, he discovers upon entering the house that Sara has packed her bags and left him a Dear John letter, effectively putting an end to Tom's vision of eternal marital bliss. Further complicating the issue is the fact that one of Tom's friends, mistakenly believing he's going to a party, has invited a bunch of hot young ladies from his bar to join in the festivities.You could be forgiven for assuming that "What Love Is" began life as a theatrical work, since writer/director Mars Callahan has filmed it in the form usually reserved for stage-to-screen adaptations. It all takes place on a single set, with the characters declaiming at one another in that histrionic way that stage actors alone are wont to do. The result is an inert, talky, claustrophobic work riddled with heightened dialogue, pseudo-profundities, long-winded speechifying and manic performances. Each character is given his moment in the spotlight – whereupon he proceeds to air his grievances concerning women, gays, straights and each other - then hands the microphone off to the next person, who pretty much does the same.Then we get the distaff view of things, as the ladies who arrive for the party barricade themselves in the restroom to discuss at exhausting length the outrageousness and inadequacies of men.Finally, it all comes down to the mixing of the sexes as the party moves into high gear and the characters engage in verbal jousting about the problems and pitfalls of romantic relationships.The movie indulges in any number of requisite stereotypes, ranging from the loudmouthed, homophobic misogynist to the lisping, swishing homosexual (played by Callahan himself) and just about everything in between.In the final analysis, a game cast – which includes Matthew Lillard, Sean Astin and Anne Heche, among others – is let down by inferior filmmaking and material.

Really enjoyed the way the characters interact and it really hit home in many of the scenes. Liked the witty dialogues and the way the characters each had a defining feature but were actually more than met the eye. What I really did not like was the girls' bit, found it a bit distasteful and generally a bit off, just didn't feel as well built and as complex as the guys' monologues. Definitely suggest you watch it, especially loved the little twists at the end, left me with a fun feeling after seeing it. Conclusion: Must see, although don't expect much from the girls...

This so well written that everyone is down on it because most movies are written by a whole group of non-writers. I think Callahan's big mistake is wrting this for the screen, where it can't be appreciated. He should be writing for the stage, this screenplay is as good as anything Mamet, McNally or Lanford Wilson writes. As a film it is static with it's one set, but it is great theater. I would love to see this performed on a stage where it would be appreciated. As for the actors, all gave a believable performance, except the gay character which was more caricature than real person. And that pole dance fantasy which just didn't fit the rest of the film.

i started to watch this expecting it to be mildly amusing but overall watchable, and ended up not being able to force self to watch to its end.within 5 minutes it grated on my nerves from a non stop barrage of unrealistic dialogue between supposed friends which just didn't let up,and far from being a witty and interesting take on male/female perspectives it just seemed trite and annoying with 'maybe' the occasional observation that would have been funny if i wasn't already so far gone as to not care.if it wasn't so full-on in your face trying to force the characters views on you it may have worked,but am sad to say it is full on and doesn't work at all in my opinion,only giving it a 3 rating and thats because there's a small possibility it improved after i gave up watching it( which i doubt).