3.0 Score
Pros
- Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae
Cons
- Everything besides Kumail Nanjiani and Issa Rae
Final Verdict
One of the most shallow "chick flick" movies of 2020. Recommended to be watched only during the really bored lockdown evenings. But once the COVID pandemic ends, stay away and watch something else.
The Lovebirds (Netflix Originals movie) is about a couple in the fast lane to splitsville. They accidentally careen into murder and take off on a wild race to find the killer and clear their names. – Netflix
The movie is originally produced by Paramount Pictures and was meant to be released in the theatres on the 3rd of April. Due to the COVID19 pandemic and the theater lockdown this did not happen. The rights were later on sold to Netflix, and the digital release date was set for the 22nd of May.
Related article:
The 5 most anticipated spring movies that will be postponed due to coronavirus pandemic.
It is directed by Michael Showalter, an American comedian, producer, writer, and director. He played in several films and television shows and directed movies like The Big Sick (2017) or Hello, My Name Is Doris (2015).
The biggest star of the movie is definitely Kumail Nanjiani who has been working with the Showalter in the previously mentioned movies. His recent work and the next big role is playing Kingo Sunen in the ETERNALS. The upcoming superhero movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe that should be released on the 12th of February 2021. This role will either open his doors to big studios and help him get critically acclaimed roles or forever keep him in the “C”-class actor box.
Kumail’s partner is played by Issa Rae (Jo-Issa Rae Diop), a Senegalese–American actress, writer, and producer. She is mainly known for her work on the web series called Awkward Black Girl that was released on Youtube in 2011. Issa also appeared in several movies and TV shows, as well as music videos produced by Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z or Drake.
The Lovebirds – the cast.
- Kumail Nanjiani – Jibran
- Issa Rae – Leilani
- Kyle Bornheimer – Brett
- Joe Chrest – Red Robe Man
- Kenneth Kynt Bryan – Bounce Dancer
- Mahdi Cocci – Keith
- Andrene Ward-Hammond – Officer Martin
- Kelly Murtagh – Evonne
- Matthew Rimmer – Police Officer
The Lovebirds – the official Netflix trailer.
The Lovebirds – Netflix Originals movie review (no spoilers)
Hm, I am not sure where to start but one thing is clear. I haven’t watched a so shallow “chick flick” movie in a while. The main characters, meaning Jibran and Leilani are taking the stage in 100%. Their performance is really good and some scenes are even funny. The chemistry between them really works and it is visible they enjoyed it and had fun. On the other hand, the rest of the characters simply does not exist.
Last but not least, the plot is extremely weak, and the directing is really, but really bad.
Honestly said, if this movie would ever make it to the theatres, it would be a disaster. So well done Paramount Pictures for seeling the movie to Netflix and avoiding the embarrassment. As this is only the second Netflix Originals movie released during the COVID pandemic, it actually might end up with some positive reviews.
But if you are hesitating if you should watch this movie or not I say, keep it open. I recommend watching this movie only when you will have 90 minutes where you will be bored shitless. Otherwise, watch something else. If you like crime movies for example, Spenser Confidential could be a great option.
Final verdict.
The Lovebirds is one of the most shallow “chick flick” movies of 2020. Recommended to be watched only during the really bored lockdown evenings. But once the COVID pandemic ends, stay away and watch something else.
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