Latest news with #MATERIALISTS
New York Post
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- New York Post
‘Materialists' review: Dakota Johnson goes from ‘Madame Web' to meh matchmaker
movie review MATERIALISTS Running time: 116 minutes. Rated R (language and brief sexual material). In theaters. Watching the new, unromantic, non-comedy 'Materialists' can feel like going on a shaky first date. There's something… off. Advertisement Is it 'Past Lives' writer-director Celine Song's love-triangle script, which is unnatural and stilted even by the standard of rom-coms such as 'Maid in Manhattan' or 'Two Weeks Notice?' Or is it star Dakota Johnson's stainless-steel 'tude as New York matchmaker Lucy? The always cool actress is auditioning to play the Terminator here. If you answered 'all of the above,' you're correct. Advertisement Yet our unease is partly by design. Song isn't so much trying to join the romantic comedy canon as she is firing a cannonball directly at it. 'Materialists' doesn't make you laugh or smile. Of this particular movie experience, Nicole Kidman might say, 'We come to this place to ponder, analyze and wince.' I flipped from being intrigued by the mysterious characters and tantalized by the luxury real estate to sitting there perplexed by the weird plot escalations that, while meant to drag rom-coms down to earth, drag viewers out of the film instead. On rare occasions, I was entertained. 4 Dakota Johnson and Pedro Pascal star in 'Materialists.' AP Advertisement At the start, the pieces are familiar to anybody who's seen 'The Wedding Planner' or 'The Wedding Singer.' There's Lucy, a love-averse young professional who's obsessed with her job in the relationship biz. Her sole criterion for her own future husband is that he be rich. Then — hello! — she meets a millionaire named Harry (Pedro Pascal) at a wedding at the Lotte Palace, and he sweeps her off her feet with his confidence and metal credit cards. Uh oh. At the same fete, she also reunites with a poor but hot former flame named John (Chris Evans). Whoever will she pick?! Advertisement 4 Lucy (Johnson) meets Harry (Pascal) at a wedding, and they start dating. AP The first half goes down as easily as a glass of 1990s bubbly, but there is an undercurrent of darkness. Song throws in cutting, albeit overwritten, observations about modern courtship — a k a you better have looks and money. Lucy adamantly insists, 'It's math,' and compares her job to working at the morgue. She finds matches for clients that 'check most of our boxes': Income, height, age, race, BMI. When Lucy hears about a surgery in which men get their leg bones broken to add six inches of height, she thinks it's a fabulous idea. Her matchmaking process is freakily clinical. It's practically the DMV — the Department of Marriage Vows. And the exercise mirrors the app-centric way people search for significant others nowadays. How depressing. 4 Lucy, a matchmaker, is an off-putting character, by design. AP Indeed, the men and women she works with are uniformly sad, vapid and shallow. There's not a single person in this movie you'll want to spend more than two minutes with. What we assume, of course, is that Lucy will learn that love is an intangible thing — a spark, not arithmetic. Advertisement That sort of happens. While one message is that people are more than numbers, the takeaway is far from upbeat or celebratory. What the statistics actually conceal are ugly, nasty qualities in people. Mostly that they're liars and creeps. Lucy herself is unpleasant-to-odious, again on purpose. The movie acknowledges that she's awful, and we're not meant to like her much at all. But off-putting characters must be more engaging than she is to justify the spotlight. 4 She's torn between Harry and John (Chris Evans). AP 'Materialists' lost me halfway through, admittedly, when it became more ambitious. A traumatic turning point is realistic and jarring; however, the film can't recover from it either. Advertisement Although I admired Song's aims to subvert a glossy Hollywood staple, I longed for the way her 'Past Lives' so simply and poignantly explored our 'what if?'s. Next to that, 'Materialists' is blunt and narratively messy. You can sense Song trying very hard to reach her ultimately unsatisfying and not-so-insightful end destination. En route, the acting is, frankly, ghoulish. Good for Johnson for breaking free from the embarrassing comic-book confines of 'Madame Web.' She still reads lines in a dreamy haze as if there is a crystal ball in front of her. And there's not much chemistry with Pascal or Evans, both of whom are fine, if a smidge somnambulic. Sadly, the follow-up from the director of 'Past Lives' had me dreaming about her past projects.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Materialists Twitter reviews: Emotional fans call it Chris Evans' best performance, ‘romantic dramedy is back'
Materialists Twitter review: Materialists, starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans, and Pedro Pascal released in theatres on Friday, and fans have already started flooding social media with their reviews. Materialists, the latest film from Celine Song, director of the acclaimed Past Lives, is being appreciated for its sharp, introspective take on the romantic comedy genre on social media. (Also read: Dakota Johnson reveals what attracted her to Celine Song's Lucy in Materialists) Starring Dakota as Lucy, a New York City matchmaker, the film delves into themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of modern relationships. Set against the backdrop of New York's elite social scene, Lucy finds herself torn between her charming ex, John (Chris Evans), and a wealthy financier, Harry (Pedro Pascal). A fan wrote on X, (formerly Twitter), "On Materialists hit me on such a deep vulnerable and personal level. Beautifully crafted, written and directed. Celine song displays love in such a beautiful way that even if you've given up on it you see the hope in a genuine true love." Another social media user reviewed the film and declared it Chris Evans' career-best performance. He wrote, 'Sharply written and insightful in its deconstruction of dating, love and romantic expectations in the modern age, Celine Song has delivered another achingly beautiful film that shows no signs whatsoever of a sophomore slump.' "#Materialists is the antithesis of a romantic comedy, but in doing so becomes the most romantic film of the year. Dakota Johnson is outstanding, giving a performance that is on a whole other level, Pedro Pascal is perfect, but it is Chris Evans with a career-best performance that will break your heart that steals the show." Another reviewer on X gave a beautiful account of the atmosphere in theatre and wrote, "Watched MATERIALISTS with a packed crowd tonight and when the credits hit the energy in the theater felt like Top Gun: Maverick. People were crying and cheering... i think even saw a spontaneous proposal. The romantic dramedy is officially back. (sic)" Calling it modern day Casablanca, a social media user said that Dakota's film is love story for the ages. "Materialists is a modern day Casablanca - a love story for the ages. Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans & Pedro Pascal all knock it out of the park, as did Celine Song. People clamoring for a grown-up movie that is not based on IP need to see it ASAP." A reviewer mentioned the film's quality to reveal that love is messy and immeasurable to the core, is thought-provoking. "Materialists quietly breaks your heart and stitches it back with something raw and true. It strips away algorithms and ideas of 'compatibility' to reveal love's messy, unmeasurable core. Chris Evans shines in a film that feels less like a story and more like a feeling. LOVED it." '#Materialists is so damn good. Celine Song etches herself as one of my favorite directors working today. Her writing of the dynamics of modern romance are so resonant and compelling. Some different thematics from Past Lives but the take on love is just as strong,' wrote a social media user. While many have praised the film, some viewers have expressed reservations. A social media user said, "Materialists wasn't for me. Found the writing unbearably bad at times, repetitive monologues about how love can't be reduced to numbers and checkboxes or whatever. Could've had something with more charming leads but only Pedro worked, Dakota and Chris made me roll my eyes." Another social media user pointed out how Zoe Winters stole the show from the main lead. "In Materialists (2025), you have three well established actors not giving you anything past a surface-level performance, then randomly have Zoe Winters giving you her all in the 20 minutes of screen time she gets (which was a weird a$$ storyline)." 'Materialists: I really wanted to like this movie but I don't think i did. An interesting dig at the current western dating structure, but redundant. A lot quieter than I expected, the camera lingers. Basically, if you're looking for love, pick someone and love them,' wrote a social media user.
News18
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Materialists FIRST Review Out: Chris Evans, Dakota Johnson's Film Is 'Funny And Modern'
Last Updated: Set to hit theatres on June 13, Materialists is primed to be a summer hit—blending aesthetics, smart storytelling and star power into a must-watch cinematic romance. Chris Evans and Dakota Johnson's Materialists is one of the most anticipated films. While everyone is eager to watch Celine Song's directorial in theatres, a premiere was recently held in New York. Following the premiere, several social media users took to their respective X handles and shared their reviews of the movie. Netizens heaped praises on Materialists and called it one of the best movies of 2025 so far. One of the social media users praised the makers for their 'refreshing" take on contemporary dating. Another shared that Chris Evans' film is not just 'fresh" but also 'modern". People also praised Chris, Dakota and Pedro Pascal's performances in the film and called it a must-watch. 'Loved Materialists. funny, sharp, modern in a way that's not distracting, and beautifully shot. Perhaps the best part, though, and this was true for Past Lives too, is that it takes the time to develop and have empathy for every vital character. One of my favourites of 2025 so far," one of the users wrote. 'MATERIALISTS is a refreshingly realist take on the transactional nature of contemporary dating until it wears its repetitive path out. Effective themes and character developments resolve far too neatly, and the realism fizzles into a predictable bow. Charismatic, but flawed," added another. 'I haven't been able to stop thinking about Materialists since i saw it last night. a truly layered, brilliant romance film that only Celine Song could make. Dakota, Chris and Pedro all deliver stellar performances that just make you *feel*. tears, laughs, smiles, I felt it all!" a third post on X read. Materialists is set to release in theatres on June 13, 2025. First Published: June 11, 2025, 10:43 IST
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Materialists early Twitter Reviews: Dakota Johnson, Chirs Evans and Pedro Pascal's romantic film earns rave reviews; fans say it's 'achingly beautiful'
The romantic satire Materialists is already making hearts melt ahead of its grand release this Friday, June 13. Directed by Past Lives filmmaker Celine Song , the film has earned rave reviews from fans and critics alike. Starring Dakota Johnson , Pedro Pascal , and Chris Evans , the film is a stylish, emotionally rich exploration of transactional relationships and personal evolution in New York City. Early reviews describe the film as a 'sweet, romantic slice of life' with layered commentary and nuanced performances that are 'achingly beautiful'. In the film, Johnson plays a matchmaker navigating her own romantic dilemma—torn between a wealthy bachelor played by Pascal and a struggling actor who happens to be her ex, played by Evans. But director Celine Song is quick to clarify that the story is not about choosing between two archetypes. 'It was never going to be a conversation about which flavour of a person,' she said. 'It's about the dating marketplace we all exist in—and the contradictions we live with when trying to quantify love. ' Song explained that the film emerged from her own reflections during her wait for Past Lives to debut, and from observing the subtle, often invisible power dynamics of dating. 'Pedro's character represents the pinnacle of straight dating value, while Chris' character sits at the bottom,' Song noted and adds, 'And yet, both are deeply lovable in very different ways.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Simple. Clean. Solitaire Play Solitaire Download Undo Dakota Johnson added, 'Yes, they're at opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of materialistic value—but they also offer vastly different emotional and spiritual value. Each man brings something unique to the question of soul evolution.' Those who caught the early screenings of the film and several critics have praised all three leads for their deeply affecting performances, with particular attention given to the layered portrayals that challenge conventional rom-coms. "Dating is hard. Love is easy. My heart!!! MATERIALISTS is achingly good," one fan commented. Another said, "I haven't stopped thinking about Materialists since watching it this morning. No one makes my heart ache like Celine Song." Sharing an honest review, another said, "I haven't been able to stop thinking about Materialists since I saw it last night. a truly layered, brilliant romance film that only Celine Song could make. Dakota, Chris and Pedro all deliver stellar performances that just make you *feel*. tears, laughs, smiles, I felt it all!" "Materialists is a marvel, showing us that true love is possible if we love ourselves first. Celine Song navigates a tricky balance of humor and realism, hitting a life-affirming space. Everyone is great, but Chris Evans gives an all-time best rom-com performance," wrote another. "MATERIALISTS is another gorgeous, achy love story from Celine Song. She broke my heart and put it back together in a soulful show & tell of modern romance. Chris Evans delivers his best work yet, and Zoë Winters is a major standout. Already longing to see it again. A real winner," wrote another. "This Materialists scene is the single best piece of acting Chris Evans has ever done. Exquisitely written and achingly performed; stunning vulnerability and resignation in his eyes and voice. The 'I see wrinkles' line is lovely, but there's another that takes your breath away," read another rave review. While still another said, "Materialists is not the rom-com that's being promoted, which should be obvious given that it's Celine Song. This is actually a razor sharp and even savage look at modern dating. I feel attacked as a short man, but it's quite good. The three leads are excellent." As the film heads into its theatrical debut this weekend, Materialists is already being hailed as one of the 'best romantic films of all time' with some hailing it to be Chris Evans' best performance to date. Another tweeted, "MATERIALISTS is amazing. Celine Song has crafted something really special across the board. This went places I wasn't expecting. Can't wait to see this again. Absolutely one of the best films of the year. " Still another chimed in agreement, "Materialists hit me on such a deep vulnerable and personal level. beautifully crafted, written and directed. celine song displays love in such a beautiful way that even if you've given up on it you see the hope in a genuine true love." Check out some of the early reviews below: Described as sharp, seductive, and socially astute, Materialists appears poised to become a breakout hit and cultural conversation starter. With a distinct visual style and a script that dares to explore the murky space between what we say we want and who we actually fall for, Song's latest offering looks set to redefine the modern romance genre.
