Speculation swirled for months about Jennifer Lopez’s musical film, “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story,” leaving many wondering what to expect from the pop icon’s latest project. With songs from her album of the same name and themes revolving around the tumultuous highs and lows of romance, anticipation was high. However, now that the Amazon flick has hit screens, it’s clear that it’s far from a somber musical introspection.
Instead, J.Lo serves up a flamboyant song-and-dance extravaganza that oscillates between profound seriousness and uproarious comedy, delivering a series of outrageous moments that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Director Dave Meyers, under Lopez’s guidance, cranks up the volume, resulting in a cinematic experience that’s nothing short of audacious.
One surreal highlight involves Lopez’s husband, Ben Affleck, donning a lion’s mane wig to portray a cable news host named Rex Stone, who dramatically declares “love is dead!” on his show “The Truth.” This bold and thinly veiled retelling of real-life events adds to the popcorn-worthy entertainment, with Lopez leading the charge into a realm of whimsical absurdity.
The film features an ensemble cast of celestial beings, including Jane Fonda as the omniscient Sagittarius, who offers witty observations on Lopez’s struggles from the cosmos. Joined by a star-studded Zodiac Council, the celestial characters watch over Lopez’s character, dubbed “The Artist,” as she navigates through tumultuous relationships, self-discovery, and eventual self-love.
As the narrative unfolds, blending fantasy with reality, Lopez embarks on a surreal journey that takes her from the Bronx to the “Heart Factory” and beyond. Along the way, she encounters a string of colorful characters, engages in Bollywood-inspired wedding dances, and confronts her inner demons with the help of a therapist played by Fat Joe.
Throughout the film, Lopez’s dancing prowess shines, complemented by dynamic ensemble choreography that adds to the film’s infectious energy. While “This Is Me… Now” may not adhere to aesthetic realism, its blend of fantasy, humor, and heartfelt moments creates a cinematic experience that’s as captivating as it is unconventional.
