No Hard Feelings features a strong lead role for an actress of a specific type. It is the role of a confident, fearless, hard-drinking, unapologetically promiscuous, fiercely independent, hilariously deadpan, imperfectly beautiful, and notably aging woman. It is a role that is absolutely perfect for an actress along the lines of Amy Schumer, Melissa McCarthy, or Rebel Wilson.
Unfortunately, these actresses are nowhere to be found in the movie, nor are any other actresses who exhibit a similar personality or physicality. Instead, the makers of No Hard Feelings chose to cast the electrically charismatic, effortlessly attractive, and endlessly talented Jennifer Lawrence. Though Lawrence is technically the right age for her thirty-two-year-old character, the fact that she is still flawlessly beautiful and doesn’t look a day over twenty-five makes her an ill-fitting choice from the get-go.
The character, whose friendship/romance with a nineteen-year-old boy is at the center of the film, is constantly referred to as aging and/or old. Even when comparing her to a teenager, however, the idea that anyone could look at Lawrence and criticize her youthful appearance for being anything but perfect is verging on insulting and also exposes some pretty hefty sexism/ageism that can still be found at the heart of many Hollywood productions. Actresses simply aren’t allowed to age in the industry and, when they do and can still find work, are often given roles that make it overtly clear that they are no longer considered to be in their prime.
That being said, Lawrence has built a wonderful career on frequently playing roles that are much too old for her and making the absolute most out of them. From Silver Linings Playbook to American Hustle to Joy, Lawrence spent a good chunk of her twenties inhabiting characters that would have been better suited to her in her present-day thirties. As her deservedly Oscar-winning work in Playbook proves, however, she still has the ability to shine brightly in roles where she isn’t necessarily the best fit. Against all odds, Lawrence manages to grab onto the reins of her No Hard Feelings character and perform yet another miracle. She may not be the best choice for the role, but, man, does she manage to give it her all while also displaying her nonstop affability.
The story of the film is simple. Two well-meaning helicopter parents (the likable and funny Laura Benanti and Matthew Broderick) are looking to hire a woman to romance and devirginize their shy and socially awkward teenage son (Andrew Barth Feldman) so he can gain confidence before going off to college in the fall. Lawrence, in desperate need to save her house, applies for the job and lands it. The task turns out to be much more difficult than she anticipated, however, as the emotional and psychological walls Feldman and his parents have built around him are seemingly impossible to permeate. The two eventually develop a friendship that has a slight though evident hint of romance.
No Hard Feelings has its many charms. There are three or four big laugh scenes that make the film memorable and worthwhile (one of which involves a brazenly naked Lawrence attacking a group of obnoxious teenagers). There are also several other chuckle-inducing moments that supply the film with a steady stream of humor.
Unfortunately, there are also a few unnaturally extravagant gags (such as a naked Feldman grappling onto the hood of a speeding car that is trying to outrun the police) that fall flat and hurt the film’s overall momentum and believability. At just over a hundred minutes, the film also struggles to have enough good material to make for a fully involving feature film. The pacing drags at times due to moments and side characters that feel like little more than excess padding to fill in the runtime.
No Hard Feelings’ primary saving grace can be found in the performances of its two leads. Despite being miscast, Lawrence’s undeniably magnetic personality, interior strength, and highly watchable screen presence still manage to persevere and be amongst the film’s main attractions. Feldman is simply adorable as the innocent, good-natured teenager who timidly, endearingly, and honestly rides the line between adulthood and childhood. The chemistry between the two of them is priceless, lively, and, ultimately, quite sweet.
No Hard Feelings is a flawed movie that still has a lot going for it. It manages to make the most of some of its faults (such as Jennifer Lawrence’s casting) and still be a moving and energetic comedy that hits quite a few of the right notes. Its misfires are notable, but its strengths mostly make up for it so that its overall impact is pleasant and amusing.
GRADE: B-
