Movie Review: ‘Office Romance’

On Netflix on June 5 is ‘Office Romance,’ the latest project from prolific writer/actor Brett Goldstein (‘Shrinking’) which seeks to update that stalwart of the 2000s, the Jennifer Lopez rom-com.

​On Netflix on June 5 is ‘Office Romance,’ the latest project from prolific writer/actor Brett Goldstein (‘Shrinking’) which seeks to update that stalwart of the 2000s, the Jennifer Lopez rom-com.   

On Netflix on June 5 is ‘Office Romance,’ the latest project from prolific writer/actor Brett Goldstein (‘Shrinking’) which seeks to update that stalwart of the 2000s, the Jennifer Lopez rom-com.

Directed by Ol Parker (‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’), the comedy was co-written by Goldstein and fellow ‘Ted Lasso’ scripting alum Joe Kelly, and also stars Betty Gilpin (‘GLOW’), Edward James Olmos (‘Battlestar Galactica’), Tony Hale (‘Arrested Development’) and Bradley Whitford (‘The West Wing’).

Related Article: Betty Gilpin, Tony Hale, and Director Ol Parker Talk ‘Office Romance’

Initial Thoughts

Jennifer Lopez has spent a chunk of her career in the rom-com genre, so you have to think she’d be looking for a noteworthy script to make her big return. Unfortunately, the result with ‘Office Romance’ is more a mid-tier example of a will-they-won’t-they-you-know-they-will story.

Script and Direction

Brett Goldstein and Joe Kelly wrote on ‘Ted Lasso.’ Goldstein also co-created, co-wrote and appeared on ‘Shrinking.’ While some accommodation must be made for not comparing those Apple TV series to a 90-minute rom-com, it’s still startling how basic this screenplay feels compared to the layered work of the shows.

Ol Parker, meanwhile, does a decent if uninspiring job of directing, letting a talented cast do their thing and keeping it visually basic.

Cast and Performances

Lopez can do this sort of role in her sleep, and sometimes seems to be here. For this part, Goldstein access his usual easy charm (less gruff than other roles) but really serves to be a fairly bland love interest.

The highlights are around them: Betty Gilpin as Lopez’ right-hand woman Sydney, delivers withering put-downs and sass, while Bradley Whitford snacks on scenery in amusing fashion as Goldstein’s legal pit  bull boss.

Final Thoughts

‘Office Romance’ is inoffensive but far from the entertaining charmer it could have been given all the talent involved. It needs to report to HR for a refresher course on comedy.

‘Office Romance’ receives 62 out of 100.

What is the plot of ‘Office Romance’?

Jackie Cruz (Jennifer Lopez), President and CEO of Air Cruz, runs a tight ship in her business, including a rigid anti-fraternization policy for all her employees, which is severely tested when a sexy new lawyer (Brett Goldstein) begins working for her.

Who is in the cast of ‘Office Romance’?

Jennifer Lopez as Jackie CruzBrett Goldstein as Daniel BlanchflowerBetty Gilpin as Sydney BloomAmy Sedaris as Julie SchatzTony Hale as George DudekBradley Whitford as Peter VanceEdward James Olmos as Captain Jack Cruz

List of Ol Parker Directed Movies:

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