THE STORY – Jackie, president and CEO of Air Cruz, runs a tight ship in her business, including a rigid anti-fraternization policy for all her employees. When a new sexy lawyer begins working for her, that policy becomes very tested.
THE CAST – Jennifer Lopez, Brett Goldstein, Betty Gilpin, Amy Sedaris, Tony Hale, Rick Hoffman, Jodie Whittaker, Mary Wiseman, Bradley Whitford & Edward James Olmos
THE TEAM – Ol Parker (Director), Brett Goldstein & Joe Kelly (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 96 Minutes
If anything has shown us that Brett Goldstein is truly like his foul-mouthed but loveable character from “Ted Lasso,” it’s been his certified lover boy press tour for his new film “Office Romance.” Not only did he (and co-writer Joe Kelly) write co-star Jennifer Lopez’s role specifically for her and make himself the love interest, but he’s been winning hearts across the internet by showing his adoration for and knowledge of her filmography, making the lead-up to their collaboration all the more exciting. The wait is over, and director Ol Parker’s “Office Romance” delivers in giving us plenty of NSFW moments and steamy chemistry between the two. While the film follows a standard rom-com format, the real fun lies in a never-ending funhouse of delightfully unhinged supporting actors.
Jackie (Lopez) and Daniel (Goldstein) might not appear to be a likely match — she’s the successful CEO of airline company Air Cruz, while he’s a reserved British lawyer who works under her — and yet there’s more there than meets the eye. Particularly, they’ve had bad luck with relationships, including hearing someone cry about their ex-wife or dealing with a sloppy, drunk first date. Their worlds collide when his legal expertise is suddenly needed (after his boss, played by Bradley Whitford, chokes on a burrito) for a deposition, and soon enough, they can’t get enough of each other. Sometimes literally, like when Daniel gets an erection right in front of Jackie after shaking her hand. That classic dirty British humor is on display throughout the film, and Goldstein regularly references differences between the two cultures, particularly in the use of a certain four-letter C-word that does not go over well with HR (played by the always funny Tony Hale).
Things truly get steamy between these two when they head to the Dominican Republic for another legal procedure, where no one can stop them from violating the company’s harsh no-relationship policy, like Jackie’s workaholic, pregnant assistant Sydney (Betty Gilpin). It’s here where Lopez and Goldstein really get to lean into these characters’ chemistry, whether it’s the way they lovingly hold each other’s hands while dancing or get closer until there’s barely any space between them. Even just watching the small smiles on their faces when they share kisses is enough to get someone giddy. But there’s also a bit of naughty NSFW action from time to time, like their own version of the foggy “Titanic” window in a propeller plane and some hanky panky that they engage in at work, which turns up the heat even more in this film. There is something to be said about the fact that Goldstein wrote this role for Lopez, but he doesn’t do anything against the norm with her character. It’s pretty much your standard rom-com leading lady, and while Lopez always does well in these types of films (see her extensive filmography as proof), it doesn’t give us anything we haven’t seen before. But looking at this gorgeous woman is never a hardship, and seeing Goldstein get to be her leading man is satisfying enough. He deploys his usual stern demeanor and cheeky humor to essentially bring the leading man version of Roy Kent to life, and, while that also is something we’ve seen from him before, it still works well.
Like any other rom-com, there are plenty of tropes that this one relies on that stop it from truly separating from the pack. Their whole relationship is a gamble from the start, not only because employees can’t date, but also because of Jackie’s fraught standing with the company board and the legal cases she’s involved in stemming from her friendly nature with clients. Speaking of, all the numerous legal issues this company finds itself in lead to some convoluted drama, but let’s be real, no one is really here for that. There’s also tension between her and her father (Edward James Olmos), who founded Air Cruz, which adds another layer to why many in her company don’t respect her and think she only got the job through nepotism. Those storylines add more intrigue with her character, but the film doesn’t find them interesting enough to dwell on. Daniel also comes with a bit of baggage, mainly involving his firecracker sister, who is in prison for a grisly crime, but that plot is mainly relegated to the side. It’s another one that adds more depth to a character, but not enough time is spent with it. The true ace with “Office Romance” is the onslaught of comedic on-screen talent among the supporting players. Gilpin’s work-obsessed Sydney is a literal riot as she refuses to take maternity leave, leading to an insane bonding moment between her, Daniel, and Jackie at the office. Another scene where she quietly fights with Daniel while her newborn naps is a great moment that spotlights her comedic timing and Jim Carrey-esque, exaggerated facial expressions. Amy Sedaris, Hale, and Whitford all add extra fun and ridiculousness in their limited cameos as well.
There’s no denying that “Office Romance” is a straightforward rom-com at the end of the day, but it’s filled with Goldstein magic that we’ve come to enjoy to make it a fun watch. Seeing these two get steamy on screen is worth the price of admission (or subscription) alone. Still, viewers also get the added bonus of naughty British humor and iconic supporting players going wild. It’s a breezy film that anyone can enjoy, but please remember, don’t watch this one at work unless you want to get a call from HR.
