Summary
- Jack Nicholson’s final film,
How Do You Know
, was a critical and commercial flop, failing to live up to his storied career. - Despite a stacked cast and experienced director, the film suffered from a bloated budget and lackluster script and direction.
- How Do You Know
was one of the biggest box office bombs of all time, losing an estimated $100 to $140 million in total.
As a longtime film critic with a deep appreciation for the art of storytelling and the nuanced performances of legendary actors, I can’t help but feel disillusioned when I come across a production as disappointing as “How Do You Know.” Having spent decades immersed in the world of cinema, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Jack Nicholson at the peak of his career. His ability to captivate audiences and bring complex characters to life was unparalleled.
Jack Nicholson is renowned as one of the finest American actors in history. His impressive body of work, showcased in films like “The Shining,” “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Terms of Endearment,” “Easy Rider,” “As Good As It Gets,” and “A Few Good Men,” has solidified this status. He has acted in numerous other productions, some of which he chose not to participate in.
I used to be excited about the prospect of seeing acting legend Jack Nicholson on the big screen again. But alas, that dream seems out of reach now. At 87 years old, he’s been informally retired since 2010, and I haven’t seen him in a major film role since then. He made a brief appearance at a Lakers game in 2023, but don’t get your hopes up for another movie comeback from him anytime soon.
The Plot of How Do You Know
The movie “How Do You Know” focuses on the complex love story between Witherspoon’s character, Lisa Jorgenson, Wilson’s character, Matty Reynolds, and Rudd’s character, George Madison. In the film, Witherspoon portrays Lisa, a passionate softball player who feels heartbroken after being dropped from the US Olympic team. She starts dating Matty Reynolds (Wilson), a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Meanwhile, Lisa befriends George Madison (Rudd) through a mutual friend, yet he is already in a relationship. As their bond deepens, Matty becomes jealous, and George deals with legal issues. It turns out that George’s father, Charles (Nicholson), has falsely accused him of a crime that Charles himself had committed.
As someone who has gone through a few heartbreaking breakups myself, I can understand the complex web of emotions and decisions that Lisa finds herself in. In this situation, Lisa and Matty have both decided to move on, and she starts pursuing George once he becomes available. However, she’s still hesitant to fully commit due to her past experiences. Matty, on the other hand, is desperate for another chance with Lisa, pleading with her to give their relationship another try.
How Do You Know Was a Mess of Critical Disappointments
As a passionate gamer, I was really hyped up when I first heard about this movie. With an impressive lineup of actors led by James L. Brooks, the creator of “The Simpsons,” I couldn’t help but feel excited. However, as I dug deeper into its development history, I began to sense some troubling signs.
Despite the careful making of How Do You Know by Brooks, the film received harsh criticism. The acting was commended, but Brooks’ disjointed and haphazard script and direction were heavily criticized. Audiences also showed their disappointment with an average rating of “C-” on the usual “A” to “F” grading system. On Rotten Tomatoes, the movie earned a 31% approval rating from critics and a mere 25% rating from audiences. These scores are among the poorest in Nicholson’s career, although they don’t quite reach Man Trouble’s astounding 7% critical acclaim.
The critics were in consensus that the movie’s characters seemed disjointed and unconnected, even with the central theme of a love triangle. Notable critic Roger Ebert noted the film’s formulaic approach, implying a reluctance to deviate from typical romantic comedy norms. Additionally, several reviews commented on the production having a low-budget appearance in spite of its astronomical budget. The romantic aspects failed to delve deeper than shallow attempts at emotional complexity.
One of the Biggest Box Office Bombs of All Time
Despite the unfavorable criticisms, the movie’s financial performance was even more disappointing. In its debut weekend in December 2010, “How Do You Know” only managed to earn $7.6 million. This dismal figure placed it below other films released at the same time such as “Tron: Legacy,” “The Fighter,” and the live-action “Yogi Bear.” When a live-action “Yogi Bear” film outperforms your production, starring Jack Nicholson no less, it’s clear that something is amiss. By the second week, “How Do You Know” plummeted to 11th place at the box office and soon vanished entirely. The negative buzz from critics and audiences didn’t help the ailing film. Ultimately, “How Do You Know” collected a paltry $48.7 million against its expensive budget of over $100 million. Taking marketing and other expenses into account, experts estimate that the movie lost anywhere between $100 to $140 million.
As a film critic with over two decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen my fair share of Hollywood legends come and go. Some gracefully retire, leaving behind a legacy of brilliant performances and memorable roles. Others, like Jack Nicholson, seem to fade away from the spotlight, leaving their fans wondering if they’ve truly hung up their acting shoes.
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2024-07-20 22:31