Definitely, Maybe'

Overall Impressions:
It's a rarity that a rom-com has you second guessing yourself. This happens to be one of those rare exceptions. It's a simple story, you'll expect the outcome, that's a given, but you'll have moments where you wonder about 'who' -- I won't divulge any more than that for now. As the story begins with a disclaimer for the viewer, suggesting 'names have been changed', I sort of set myself up for a cop-out ending, where the whole thing could have been a lie, all the women were actually the same person or some rubbish like that. I'm glad to report they didn't go down this route & it is precisely as it's said, 'only names had been changed'.

The story is about a young daughter who has a handful of clues to work with, to figure out who her mother is. As the clues are given of the 3 prominent women in her father's life, we too obtain these pieces to the puzzle.

Each of the 3 relationships had their "Awwww" moments, and we could root for each of them to work as a couple, (though I was against 1 in particular, they still had their moments) and these relationships develop over numerous years, crossing paths & overlapping on numerous occasions. I'm glad about this, clear cut relationships that were only begun after another would be far less realistic. If I was to point a flaw it would probably be that the guy seemed to have it pretty easy in the 'lady' department.

Naturally, in the end, the girl works it out a little quicker than us, (probably because she too is a creation of the writer,) but it's justified well and keeps it believable. Beyond this it also becomes about the little girlie wanting her father to find the love of his life & remain happily ever after. Though handled with finesse, this was treading the predictable path, but frankly it's the only way you'd want it to end.

All 3 actresses did a good job of holding up a unique identity, they didn't simply depend on having different hair colours, which is the first thing I noted on the posters. There is probably some symbolism as to what each character reflects, but I won't go down that analytical route. In addition, from the supporting cast I think Kevin Kline deserves a special mention.

Above all though, the film rests on the shoulders of Ryan Reynolds. His films have had him quite a range of characters in a small time-frame, all of top quality. He definitely maybe has huge potential to become a phenomenal success. I'm rather miffed I missed out on the chance to see him at a press conference due to other pre-arrangements.

Overall, it's a nice fluffy puzzle. A perfect film to take your hot date on. Though they mayn't appreciate you drooling over the on-screen ladies present, they may be engaged enough to not notice. ;-)