Definitely, Maybe cleverly twists the romantic comedy genre with its memorable set-up. Ryan Reynolds plays Will Hayes, who is about to get divorced from his wife, who is unseen at the beginning of the movie.
His daughter Maya, played by Abigail Breslin from Little Miss Sunshine, demands to hear the story of how Will met her mother. He agrees but he creates a challenge for Maya - he will tell the story but he will not use real names so she will have to figure out which character is her mother. It is, Maya says, "a love story mystery".
Will has three romantic interests in this film who are very different in personality and style. And yes, one's a blonde, another a brunette and a third a red head. So far, so typical. This film does a nice job though in the way it presents them and it is easy to see why Will could pick any one of the three.
Running parallel to the romantic storylines (and often contributing to them) is the story of Will's career. At the start of the movie he is working in advertising yet in the flashbacks he is political and idealistic, dreaming of some day being president. As much as this is a story of relationships, it is also a story of growing up.
Ryan Reynolds is fun as Will, particularly in scenes with Breslin who is as cute and adorable as ever. Their chemistry is good and I can buy their relationship, though Reynolds looks far too boyish and young to be the father of a girl her age.
The three love interests are played by Elizabeth Banks, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher. They fade into and out of the story as Will grows up but each establishes themselves well. Fisher is cute as a copygirl working on the Clinton campaign who does not have faith in politicians, Weisz as a columnist involved with an older writer (played superbly by Kevin Kline) whilst Banks brings a girl-next-door charm to Emily.
We know that Will marries one of those three characters yet we also realise that things will not work out for them. They will get divorced at the end of this film.
The mystery plays out with several twists though perhaps lasts a little long before Will completes his story. The character realises in telling the story that he still cares for one of the characters and seeks her out in a typical romcom ending.
It is the only thing that feels out of place, ending in a kiss that doesn't match the build up, nor the situation. There is a moment when he looks up at the apartment building that could have been a satisfying and unusual end to the film.
It is a small complaint in a film that touches and is prepared to admit the truth that love and relationships do not always work out. That people get hurt and we are not always sure what we wanted until after the chance has passed to get it.
Definitely, Maybe is an interesting and unusual romantic comedy that is cute, playful yet also reflects on idealism, growing up and missed opportunities. Sure it's contrived, but the film is witty and charming enough to remain enjoyable throughout although I will be amazed if you don't see the answer to the 'love story mystery' coming a mile off.