Players
Directed by Whit Anderson
★★½
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Description
Players. (L-R) Joel Courtney as Little, Liza Koshy as Ashley, Gina Rodriguez as Mack, Augustus Prew as Brannagan and Damon Wayans Jr. as Adam in Players. Cr. K.C. Bailey/Netflix ©2023.
Production Still Image
Credit
K.C. Bailey/Netflix
Copyright
© 2023 Netflix, Inc.
Players, the latest romcom on Netflix directed by Whit Anderson, plunges headfirst into the well-trodden territory of romantic comedies, embracing, for better or worse, the genre's formula with all its clichés and tropes. The film centers around Mack, a New York sportswriter portrayed by Gina Rodriguez, who, alongside her best friend Adam (Damon Wayans Jr.) and their entourage, follows a meticulously crafted playbook for successful hook-ups. However, Mack's romantic worldview is challenged when she unexpectedly starts to swoon over war correspondent Nick, played by Tom Ellis.
One of the film's standout elements is its unwavering commitment to the romcom genre. It unapologetically adheres to the established formula, embracing the predictable storyline and familiar character arcs that define the genre. While this adherence might be a point of critique for those seeking innovation, it provides a comfortable and nostalgic experience for viewers who appreciate the tried-and-true rom-com structure. That’s not to say that the film doesn’t leave the viewer wanting a bit more, because at the end of the day familiar isn’t that far from forgettable in the dictionary.
Despite the film's premise involving a group of friends essentially tricking people into one-night stands, Players at least manages to maintain a decent level of humor throughout. The acknowledgment of the not-so-woke nature of the central plot point is apparent, but the humor helps to keep the tone light and entertaining.
At the heart of the film's success is the undeniable charm of Gina Rodriguez. The actress has gradually established herself as a leading lady in the industry, and her charisma shines through in Players, making it at the very least watchable. Rodriguez's portrayal of Mack elevates the character beyond the limitations of the script, making her endearing and relatable to the audience. Her performance becomes basically the sole pivotal element that holds the film together and keeps viewers engaged.
Liza Koshy, Joel Courtney, and Augustus Prew also make the most of what they are given, with some genuinely funny moments throughout the runtime. Damon Wayans Jr. and Tom Ellis also show up and do what they normally do, so fans of theirs will at least know what they are setting in for. However, the film's Achilles' heel appears to be its script, which is at best trite and at worst lacking in originality. Despite the commendable efforts of the cast, the narrative fails to break free from the confines of a well-worn rom-com script, leaving the overall impact of the film somewhat diluted. In a brief appearance, Ego Nwodim manages to leave a lasting impression, skillfully elevating her character with the limited screen time she is given proving her ability to make the most of her role even when faced with a script that may not fully showcase her talents.
By the end of the film, two questions keep going through your mind: “What do these people do again?” And, “What exactly is the point?” The lack of a clear resolution or takeaway leaves the audience pondering the significance of the journey they've just witnessed. While I do have a soft spot for romcoms, Players might be a bit too soft, so to say the film may not leave a lasting impact or provide a memorable experience beyond the charm of its lead. Despite its shortcomings, the film offers a lighthearted and entertaining viewing experience for those seeking a classic romantic comedy.
