DVD review: Man Up (7 out of 10)

It has to said that not all of Simon Pegg’s film projects are a raging success.
Simon Pegg and Lake Bell in Man UpSimon Pegg and Lake Bell in Man Up
Simon Pegg and Lake Bell in Man Up

Putting the Hollywood blockbusters aside, the smaller films don’t always go down well.

His most recent project, Absolutely Everything, wasn’t that great, but Man Up was far better.

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While Pegg has the main credits, it’s Lake Bell who takes the plaudits in this rom-com.

New Yorker Bell, sporting a quite brilliant British accent, plays Nancy, a 34-year-old single woman who emotionally seems to be going nowhere.

One day she is mistaken by Pegg’s character Jack as his blind date but instead of owning up, goes along with the deception.

They have a great time. However, when she finally does admit to the truth it all gets very complicated.

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The best scenes are with Pegg and Bell who have a decent chemistry and thankfully it mostly revolves around them.

Some of the other characters, however, aren’t as strong.

Rory Kinnear is wasted in what has become a standard role in these types of movies - the weird and demanding ex-boyfriend.

Olivia Williams playing Jack’s ex-wife, plus Harriet Walter and Ken Stott as Nancy’s parent are very accomplished actors and give their all in limited roles.

But while there are some low-key moments in the movie, there’s also plenty to enjoy for an overall feel-good factor.

Film details: Man Up (15) 88mins

Director: Ben Palmer

Starring: Lake Bell, Simon Pegg

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