A Ride Through Relationships and Responsibility

Read Time:4 Minute, 31 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Plan B
–

Genre: Comedy, Romance
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 30m
Director(s): Brandon Tamburri
Writer(s): Jean S. Monpère, Brandon Tamburri
Cast: Jamie Lee, Jon Heder, Shannon Elizabeth, Tom Berenger, Kate Flannery, Vernon Davis, Michael Lombardi, Subhah Agarwal
Where To Watch: available now in select theaters and via VOD and digital

RAVING REVIEW: PLAN B embraces the chaos of life’s unexpected moments and turns them into a humorous ride through questionable choices. The film revolves around Piper Brennan (Jamie Lee,) who finds herself in a complicated situation after an ill-advised fling with her quirky neighbor (Jon Heder.) Instead of confronting the problem head-on, she decides to rewrite her future in the most unconventional way possible, leading to a cascade of comical and dodgy moments. What could have been an intense drama remains lighthearted as the film explores relationships, personal growth, and the messiness of human decisions with a playful tone.

Lee brings Piper to life with charm and wit, transforming a character that might otherwise be hard to root for into someone relatable. Piper’s relentless pursuit of the “perfect” father for her unborn child, after an awkward one-night stand, becomes the central comedic element of the film. Lee’s portrayal captures Piper’s flaws without losing the audience’s sympathy. While we might question Piper’s actions, her desperation and misguided plans are endearing enough to keep viewers invested. Lee keeps the humor flowing, even in moments of awkwardness, which helps maintain the film’s momentum.

Heder’s portrayal of Evan (yes, the one and only Napoleon Dynamite is back,) the unsuspecting neighbor, adds a touch of lovable awkwardness. Known for his unique comedic style, Heder takes the character beyond a one-dimensional archetype, giving Evan a genuine emotional depth. His quiet affection for Piper is sweet, even if it contrasts sharply with her chaotic energy. Heder’s ability to balance comedy and sincerity gives Evan a lasting impression as more than just the butt of the film’s jokes. His awkwardness is a foil to Piper’s more frantic decision-making, creating a fun dynamic between the two characters.

Michael Lombardi, who plays Cameron—the businessman Piper targets as her new “baby daddy”—is another film highlight. Cameron embodies everything Piper wants: stability, success, and charm. However, as their relationship progresses, cracks in Piper’s plan begin to show. Lombardi’s performance highlights Cameron’s appeal, but an underlying tension keeps the audience wondering when Piper’s elaborate deception will unravel. The relationship between Piper and Cameron injects a layer of suspense into the otherwise lighthearted tone, compelling their scenes.

The supporting cast, particularly Subhah Agarwal, shines as Maya, Piper’s best friend. Maya is the film’s moral compass, constantly trying to steer Piper in a more ethical direction. Although her advice is often ignored, Maya’s presence grounds the film, adding depth to the comedic chaos. Agarwal plays the role with just the right balance of humor and sincerity, giving the film heart without pulling focus from the comedy. The friendship between Piper and Maya is a relatable touch, as many of us can empathize with watching a friend make questionable choices despite our best efforts to help.

The performances, particularly from Lee, Heder, Lombardio, and Agarwal, keep the film afloat. Heder’s quirky charm and Lee’s captivating portrayal of Piper work in tandem to create a dynamic that’s both funny and heartfelt. The supporting cast adds to the film’s quirky humor, with each actor embracing the offbeat tone of the story.

PLAN B may not break new ground in the romantic comedy genre, but it knows how to have fun with its premise. It takes familiar rom-com elements and adds a unique twist, making it feel fresh while still delivering the charm audiences expect from the genre. Piper’s morally ambiguous choices are handled with humor, letting the audience enjoy her antics without judging her harshly. The balance of comedy and character growth gives the film its heart, and while it may not be a groundbreaking entry in the genre, it’s undeniably entertaining.

Please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestr for more reviews.

You can follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. My social media accounts can also be found on most platforms by searching Overly Honest Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of JOKE ZERO, FUTURE PROOF FILMS, QUIVER DISTRIBUTION]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.