Ok, what’s the lowest, yet relatively harmless, thing you’ve ever done? Snuck into a wedding? Abused “take a penny/leave a penny?” Left a fake address/number for a telemarketer? In the days of dot-matrix printers, I used to go to downtown office buildings for all my copy needs. Just walk into a big building, push the button to a random floor, and look for a copy room. People always believe that if you pass a certain level of security, you belong. Sure, why not? This was before the internet and the increased paranoia of 9/11, btw, so security wasn’t often a great issue; it was more like, “who would be here by accident?” Not sure I could get away with the same now if I tried and, luckily, I don’t need to.
Speaking of getting away with one, Nancy (Lake Bell) accidentally acquires a blind date meant for another woman in Man Up. On a London bound train for her parents’ 40th anniversary, Nancy befriends the kind of woman (Ophelia Lovibond) who would push a self-help book on you. No, I’m not going to give extra attention to the book in question. Off-putting conversation leads to Nancy tuning out and falling asleep; she awakens to discover a gift in book form. In her attempt to return the undesired present, she meets Jack (Simon Pegg) who is carrying the same book, a recognition marker that she is “Jessica,” his blind date. Sure, go with it, Nancy, I mean “Jessica.” What harm could it do?
First dates have got to be some of the hardest writing there is, so I’m giving Man Up a break here, but honestly, despite a compatible-as-written demeanor, I didn’t see any chemistry between Bell and Pegg in Act I. The two consume an enormous amount of alcohol just to sustain stilted and mildly awkward conversation. At the bowling alley, fun happens probably because Nancy need not be Nancy pretending to be Jessica pretending to know anything about her blind date. And alcohol. Never discount alcohol for the creation of fun.
I know what you’re thinking — “let me get this straight: the plot gimmick is hardly inventive; it takes a while to get going; it looks and feels like it was shot in one weekend; and it stars two people you’re not going to fall for … how could you possibly like this film?” Man Up turns violently with the introduction of pin monkey Sean (Rory Kinnear); he knows this woman as “Nancy” and isn’t 
keen on Jack. The both predictable (frustration, anger) and unpredictable (ex-wife?!) results give Man Up a flavor it was lacking.
The would-be Old Maid spinster routine is so steeped in English comedrama that it has even been adapted by Americans like Ms. Bell, Anne Hathaway and Renée Zellweger. Rest assured; it’s the same idea – hopeless not-so-young-any-more-and-on-the-verge-of-spoiled-eggs failure discovers love only when she’s not looking for it. It’s a classic plot because human nature is human nature. Of course Cinderella wants to go to the ball. Of course Bridget Jones wants to wear an outfit to attract her boss’ attention. Of course Elizabeth Bennet wants to fight zombies. Wait. That’s not right. Anyway, no, I’m not going to be sympathetic every time a not-so-young single woman discusses how many pounds-per-year a certain potential suitor is worth, but a woman who will deliberately work a stranger’s ex- just so he can earn closure? Yeah, I’ll go to bat for that screenplay.
♪Such a pity
‘Bout Jack and Nancy
Un-American “kids” going on a date spree
Jacky’s bids his wife “ta ta”
Nancy introduces herself as, “Jessica”
Suckin’ on Heinekens inside the rock ‘n’ bowl
Jack learns she’s “Nancy,” lie’s gonna take a toll
Jacky say, “hey Nancy, or whatever your name is
Why the Hell did you get in my biz?”
And say a
“Oh no, mid-life goes on
Long after the shadows of twenty are gone
Say a
“Oh no, lies are drawn
From disappointment at dusk til dawn” ♫
Rated R, 88 Minutes
D: Ben Palmer
W: Tess Morris
Genre: Bridget Jones’s day planner
Type of person most likely to enjoy this film: Romantic single fortysomethings
Type of person least likely to enjoy this film: The rigid
♪ Parody inspired by “Jack & Diane”
