Celeste and Jesse Forever 
Starring: Rashida Jones, Andy Samberg, Ari Graynor, Eric Christian Olsen, Elijah Wood, Emma Roberts, Chris Messina, Will McCormack
Directed by Lee Toland Krieger
Rated: R
Run Time: 91 mins
Genre: Comedy/ Drama
Opens Friday August, 17, 2012
By Lisa Minzey
Another screening we caught this week is the romantic comedy, Celeste and Jesse Forever. Star Rashida Jones and Co-Star Will McCormack cowrote the screenplay, playing off their relationship as best friends as inspiration.
Celeste (Rashida Jones) and Jesse (Andy Samberg) have known each other since they were kids. They are each other’s best friends so it was only natural that as they aged, they fell in love and got married. It appears to be the perfect blend of relationship – friends and romance. Over the years as they have matured into their adult personalities, Celeste realized she maybe wanted something different, maybe Jesse to grow up and start taking responsibility for his life, instead of the slacker/ artist he is. For the past few months, they both have decided to try life as a separated couple to see how things work out.
Although they are currently separated, they are still living life like nothing has changed. They still see each other every day, hang out and act as if nothing is wrong. Everyone else around them is confused by their situation, but neither one sees an issue with it.
It’s not until when at dinner with engaged couple Beth (Ari Graynor) and Tucker (Eric Christian Olsen) that it gets to be too much for them to bear and they scold Celeste and Jesse. Beth throws down an ultimatum – either divorce or get back together.
Apparently, Jesse and Celeste have been living together, but only while Jesse tried find a new job and home. He is currently living in his studio behind the house he once shared with Celeste.
Celeste doesn't mind, she just wants Jesse to be happy. What was only to be a temporary living situation is turning into stagnation in the future their relationship. When Jesse listens to fellow friend Skillz (Will McCormack) to start dating, is when their relationship starts to change. Jesse breaks the news to Celeste, who actually encourages Jesse to starting dating. Celeste is putting on a front thinking this is what she wants, but is it?
When Jesse runs into a girl he previously dated a few months prior and drops a bombshell – he’s going to be a father, which it hits home with Celeste. Their marriage is now officially over or are they? Celeste has a difficult time coming to terms that Jesse is moving on without her, finally becoming the man she wanted him to be. Will Celeste be able to find love again or will her stubborn ways continue to be a barrier to her future happiness? Will Jesse and Celeste ever be able to be friends again that the love is gone?
What some may compare to 500 Days of Summer, Celeste and Jesse Forever is a unique romantic comedy in the fact that It starts from the point of where most traditional rom-coms end. It’s a refreshingly honest story of love come and gone with a comedic spin.
Catch Celeste and Jesse Forever when it opens in theaters August 17th.
