J-Law is back and it’s a welcome return indeed! This weekend marked Jennifer Lawrence’s highly anticipated return to the big screen with No Hard Feelings, a racy and high-spirited coming-of-age comedy courtesy of Sony and Columbia Pictures. The studio has high hopes that this film can be the driving force behind the resurgence of R-rated theater releases, as audiences readjust in the aftermath of the pandemic. And if the early indications are anything to go by, things are looking up.
In No Hard Feelings, Lawrence plays the character of Maddie Barker, an Uber driver living in Montauk, New York. Maddie’s already tenuous financial situation takes a turn for the worse when her car gets repossessed, leaving her on the edge of bankruptcy. Just when things are looking dire, an intriguing Craigslist job advertisement offers her a beacon of hope. This ad, posted by a couple worried about their 19-year-old son, Percy’s lack of interest in relationships and intimacy, offers Maddie a chance to turn things around. If Maddie agrees to date Percy and help him navigate the world of adult relationships, they’ll reward her with a Buick Regal, which could be the answer to her financial problems.
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As the weekend loomed, projections suggested that No Hard Feelings would make a humble debut of about $12 million. However, defying these estimates, the audacious movie, which also stars Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy, Matthew Broderick as Percy’s dad, and Laura Benanti as Percy’s mom, is now projected to make a splash with an impressive $15 million on its opening weekend.
Image courtesy of Sony
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Lawrence’s Stellar Performance
The film has received mixed reviews from critics, with a 67% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, it boasts a solid 88% approval rating from audiences and a 4-star PostTrak rating. Notably, FilmSweep praised the film and highlighted Lawrence as a “comedy powerhouse”. It is widely agreed that Lawrence’s commanding performance is a highlight of the film.
Since her Academy Award-winning performance in Silver Linings Playbook, Lawrence has been rather out of the public eye. Known for her humor and down-to-earth persona, it’s somewhat surprising that this is her first full-fledged comedy role – which might set the tone for her future roles.
Lawrence’s portrayal of Maddie is multifaceted and nuanced, varying from broad strokes to subtle touches. A pivotal moment in the film that encapsulates her commitment to the character occurs when Maddie and Percy decide to go skinny dipping at midnight. Their clothes get stolen by some mischievous kids, leading to a show-stopping scene where Lawrence’s character, in her bare essentials, confronts and chases down the pranksters. It’s this kind of fearlessness, free from any semblance of ego, that made her a star in the first place. And we’re all for more such moments in her future roles.
To get a glimpse of No Hard Feelings, which is currently showing in theaters, you can watch the trailer below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ‘No Hard Feelings’ debut
What movie marked Jennifer Lawrence’s return to the big screen?
Jennifer Lawrence made her return to the big screen with the movie ‘No Hard Feelings’, a spirited coming-of-age comedy.
Who are the other notable cast members of ‘No Hard Feelings’?
‘No Hard Feelings’ features Andrew Barth Feldman as Percy, Matthew Broderick as Percy’s dad, and Laura Benanti as Percy’s mom alongside Jennifer Lawrence.
What is the expected debut weekend box office collection for ‘No Hard Feelings’?
Initially, ‘No Hard Feelings’ was expected to open with around $12 million, but it surpassed expectations and is now projected to debut with approximately $15 million.
Who is Jennifer Lawrence’s character in ‘No Hard Feelings’?
In ‘No Hard Feelings’, Jennifer Lawrence plays the role of Maddie Barker, an Uber driver living in Montauk, New York, facing financial difficulties.
What is the audience approval rating for ‘No Hard Feelings’?
‘No Hard Feelings’ received a solid 88% approval rating from audiences and a 4-star PostTrak rating.
6 comments
Andrew Barth Feldman and J-Law sharing screen? its like a dream come true for me!!!
whoa, $15m debut, not bad for an r-rated comedy, J-law is box office gold!!
Finally, J-Law in a comedy? About time. She’s always been funny in interviews and stuff, should be good.
Man, cant wait 2 see this!! J-Law back on big screen – gonna b a blast!
Mixed reviews, huh? Typical… but the audience seems to like it. End of the day, thats all that matters right?
not really a fan of raunchy comedies but might check it out for Lawrence. she’s a pretty solid actress.