While it doesn't tackle any big issues or shake the foundations of the earth, "Just Add Love" succeeds in doing what it sets out to do...present a light and fluffy romantic and comedic storyline. It begins with a simple enough premise: it's really hard to find love in the chaotic modern world. The storyline is set in motion with an "American Pie" style bet, although that's where the similarity to that movie ends. Rather than a pact to have sex, the wager is to find love. There's no raunchy gross-out humor, but there's plenty of slapstick and sitcom-ish situations, which is appropriate since it stars a pre-"Just Shoot Me" Wendie Malick. The movie should be looked at as a caricature of modern dating, and not taken too seriously. In fact, that is the only area where I would say this movie falls short of its established goal of presenting a fun and harmless story...at times, it goes into "serious" mode and presents a subplot involving a father trying to find his lost son. It seems a bit out of place in an otherwise funny film. But soon enough, it's back on track with the comedy, and we're off and running again. But script issues aside, it's well-directed, which is remarkable, considering that it's the director's first feature. I've become accustomed to low-budget first features with bad editing and shaky performances, but all those issues are skillfully handled here. You're allowed to watch the movie without the distraction of a sudden bad cut that takes you out of the film. Overall, this movie is worth it if you're looking for a quick and easy laugh.
