50 Ways to Leave Your Lover

Owen McCabe (Paul Schneider) is an writer residing in LA. Shaken up by a minor earth-quake, he realizes how unhappy he is with his life: he just writes the lives of other people just to make to look good (or better than what they actually are) and he has not met someone special one all this time. So, he decides to "break-up" with his life and move on. Unfortunately for him, just when he accepts a job in New Jersey, he meets Val (Jennifer Westfeldt) at the airport. The conflict between knowing that Val is out there available and that he really needs to go to Jersey forces him to put this relationship on fast track, facilitating his decision: should he stay or should he go?

Of course, when any romantic movie begins with such a premise, it sounds like one of these awfully made chick-flicks like On the Line (no offense): guy meets the girl but can not forget about her and yet they somehow wind up together a result of some freak coincidences and/or events. Thank god, "how to lose your lover" in nothing like this cliché. Here, writer/director Jordan Hawley comes up two original ideas. The initial concept of "breaking of my life" seemed pretty fresh: Owen quits his job, cancels his cell-phone, sells his car and starts a fight with everybody so he can not come back to LA, no matter what. In other words, he burns his bridges in LA. But I think Hawley hits a home-run with the way Owen puts his relationship with Val on fast track (e.g., meeting the parents on the first date, asking her to have sex almost immediately), together with seeing what such a shallow guy prioritizes in his relationship with Val. Additionally, side-characters like Bucky Brandt (Fred Willard) as the astronaut with drinking problems and Allison (Poppy Montgomery) as the bisexual love- interest of Owen are well-designed and beautifully fit into the story.

How to lose your lover is not Eiffel Tower of romantic comedy genre and it won't be a timeless classic either. However, if you watch this movie just keeping in mind that this is nothing but a little movie and appreciating aforementioned ideas of Hawley, you'll find it good and entertaining. I have known Paul Schneider through his minor roles (like in "the family stone") and this is the first time I saw him under the spotlight. I must say he gives a solid performance as this a**hole Owen. Despite that the end seems a little bit weak and unsatisfying comparing the rest of the movie, How to lose your lover is definitely worth- seeing, especially if you like dark comedy...

7/10

In what proves to be a most enjoyable viewing experience, this new filmmaker (Jordan Hawley) does more than provide diverting fodder. He cleverly documents the struggle between one's expectations and one's reality, the desire to achieve dreams imagined in youth - idyllic family life in New England - and the need to appreciate what you have - a charming existence in Los Angeles.

Paul Schneider's performance is remarkable, while not necessarily surprising (see his brief turn in "The Family Stone.") His embodiment of Owen, the clever and reflective protagonist, gives us plenty to appreciate and even more to laugh about.

Los Angeles is rarely portrayed in this positive a light so effectively. Without becoming too sentimental, the filmmaker shows the people of Los Angeles what they could be seeing everyday, if they would open their eyes and quit bitching.

I loved the movie! My wife, a friend and I watched it together and found ourselves laughing really hard. We particularly liked the scenes where the main character did his best to alienate all of his "friends". I'm sure all of us have had similar urges with people we have met either socially or at work, but would never act on them the way he does. The dialogue and reactions really are brilliantly written and cast.

We also loved the relationships and character development throughout the move, as well as the ending twist.

A definite must for anyone who loves a good movie and loves to laugh!

This movie is one that Angelenos and anyone who's had a love-hate relationship with the city they live in will completely understand. Paul Schneider delivers a great performance as a young man trying to start his life over. With the help of his friends and eccentric employer (Fred Willard) he goes on an amusing, and sometimes heartbreaking journey to fix the wrong in his life. First time director Jordan Hawley delivers with a clever script and characters that everyone can relate to. It's great to see Jennifer Westfeldt cast in this as well. Great ensemble cast makes this movie a funny and fresh romantic comedy.

Owen (Paul Schneider) is an erstwhile writer who lives in Los Angeles. He loves the city but he is having trouble on two fronts. One, his work is mainly "ghost writing" sensational crimes, like the exploits of a set of homicidal twins. At present, he is working on the biography of a former astronaut (Fred Willard). And, second, Owen is having trouble in the romance department, too. He is still in love with his ex, Eileen, when an earthquake shakes the town, scaring everyone. But, to add insult to injury, Owen's former flame tells him that the quake has led her to conclude that any reconciliation between them is out of the question. Mightily depressed, Owen decides to burn every bridge in LaLa Land and move east. Thus, in short order, he says goodbye to his great pal, Allison (Poppy Montgomery) and her girlfriend (Tori Spelling), gives up his apartment and smokes a reefer right in front of his old AA group. He also sells his car. But, when he arrives at the airport to fly to New Jersey and begin his new life, wouldn't you know, a pretty woman, Val (Jennifer Westfeldt) is there, kissing a man goodbye. Since she is a friend of Eileen's, he strikes up a conversation when they are alone. It is there he learns that she has broken up with her boyfriend (one last kiss for good measure, it seems) and is available. Owen likes what he sees and so does Val. Yet, how can return to the city of Angels when he has just given the town the raspberry? Nevertheless, Owen u-turns and bunks with Allison while his relationship with Val is beginning. Since time is of the essence, Owen puts Val to the "test", trying to see if she will find a problem with his worst habits. What will be ahead for these two? This was such a delightful romantic comedy! It has zest, imagination, and humor in abundance. It also has a very capable cast, with Schneider, Montgomery, Willard, Spelling, Westfeldt, and everyone else doing great work. Quite nice as well are the sets, costumes, and production values. Most importantly, the writing and direction are downright wonderful, far above the norm in tinseltown. If you adore funny tales of love, get this one without delay. It wrote the book on "how to have a fun night in"!