Man Up (2015)

"God, you're such a cynic!"

"And you're such a romantic!"

Nancy (Bell) is a single, 34 year old writer, who is unlucky in love.  On the way to her parents 40th anniversary party, she meets Jack (Pegg), a 40 year old aspiring artist.  Jack mistakes Nancy for his blind date, Jessica (Lovibond), and Nancy decides to just go with it.

Jack is in the midst of a divorce and is a romantic at heart.  Nancy is frustrated by the endless string of set-ups from her friends.  Despite their differences they hit it off.  But their happy night is threatened by the madness around them: Jack's ex wife (Williams) and her new beau (Campbell Moore), an obsessed classmate (Kinnear), frantic phone calls from Nancy's sister (Horgan), and the real Jessica.  Can they find love, and make it to the party for Nancy's parents?


I discovered this film while pursuing Simon Pegg's filmography on Netflix.  The description sounds like the typical romantic comedy, but thanks to a stellar script by Tess Morris and direction by Ben Palmer, it rises above the cliches.  The characters are interesting and the story veers just enough to keep you guessing what will happen next.

The script and direction are aided by great performances.  American actress Lake Bell dives into a realistic British accent and brings a realism to Nancy.  Pegg is quirky and likeable as Jack, talking a mile-a-minute from the beginning.  Bell and Pegg have excellent chemistry, and both have a varied career, popping up in different genres.  Rory Kinnear is creepy as Sean, but still brings the laughs.  Sharon Horgan, Harriet Walter, Ken Stott, and Paul Thornley are funny as Nancy's family.

It is funny and honest, while still delivering the beats you expect in a rom com.  A definite must-see.

Man Up (2015) 88 minutes
Rating: R for language and sexual references
Director: Ben Palmer
Starring: Simon Pegg as Jack
Lake Bell as Nancy
Sharon Horgan as Elaine
Rory Kinnear as Sean
Ken Stott as Bert
Harriet Walter as Fran
Ophelia Lovibond as Jessica
Olivia Williams as Hilary
Stephen Campbell Moore as Ed

Paul Thornley as Adam