Jennifer Lopez and Aussie heartthrob Alex O'Loughlin are pitch-perfect foils in the romantic comedy The Back-up Plan--a film that's as light as the foam on a root-beer float, but which manages to be both romantic and very ... more »funny. Lopez, after a long absence from the big screen, is a pleasure to watch--an accomplished (and underrated) comedian who can spar and spark with the best of her peers, and better than most. Lopez's chemistry with the dreamy O'Loughlin will engage viewers completely. Lopez plays Zoe, a smart woman whose dating life has been dismal--and who finally decides to become a single mom so she can achieve at least the motherhood she's always desired. As fate would have it, she meets Mr. Perfect (or Mr. Close To It), O'Loughlin's Stan, on the very day she visits the fertility clinic and becomes pregnant with twins. The early stages of their courtship involve Zoe's increasingly desperate measures to conceal her growing belly. By the time she confesses her condition, Stan is smitten--but with hormones on both sides roiling, and reality about to set in as the birth approaches, both Zoe and Stan get cold feet. If the plot of The Back-up Plan is a bit predictable, the flinty performances of both Lopez and O'Loughlin keep the viewer utterly engaged. Supporting actors Eric Christian Olsen, as Zoe's best guy pal, and the lovely and hilarious Michaela Watkins (The New Adventures of Old Christine) turn in terrific performances, too, and cameos by veterans including Albert Klein (as Zoe's hyperenthusiastic doctor), Tom Bosley, and Linda Lavin round out the excellent acting ensemble. The Back-up Plan also features an engaging soundtrack with a danceable tune by Lopez, "What Is Love?" and memorable songs by Colbie Caillat, India.Arie, and more. The Back-up Plan shows that love may not always go according to plan--OK, it never does--but it's worth the ride, however the heart ultimately gets there. --A.T. Hurley« less
Melissa M. from PIGEON, MI Reviewed on 7/5/2014...
Enjoyed this movie, will watch again.
1 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Aldo C. (jamesdeanfan81) from SAN GABRIEL, CA Reviewed on 4/28/2014...
The Back-up Plan along with every other movie Lopez is in is an example of why some celebrities should keep their day job and in this case she should've stuck with singing. Even then that is questionable. Anyways, I believe this is the first movie Lopez starred in that did not revolve around the "damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming to save her from her rut." (E.g Maid in Manhattan and the Wedding Planner). The plot is basic: Lopez goes through insemination as a back-up plan in case a suitable man does not come along. But of course because it is a Hollywood movie, a man does come in to her life. That's where things get complicated. Do not expect much from this movie and if I were you I would pick up another movie just to avoid the "I told you so" speech.
Jennifer D. (jennicat) from ST AUGUSTINE, FL Reviewed on 3/29/2014...
I love Alex O'Loughlin and was glad to see him in this movie. JLo did a nice job too. Good movie.
Wayne F. (WWIIpfc) from COLORADO SPGS, CO Reviewed on 2/12/2014...
Very enjoyable.
Stacie W. from CUMMING, IA Reviewed on 8/29/2013...
Really Enjoyed it!
Mary M. (maryamitchell) from BOCA RATON, FL Reviewed on 6/6/2013...
Love this movie...Must see!
1 of 3 member(s) found this review helpful.
Sharon C. (Sierrastar) from BLYTHEWOOD, SC Reviewed on 3/31/2012...
I liked movies and yes dogs have a wheelchair to help them walk when damage has been done to their back or front legs. It was not the greatest Jennifer Lopez movie that I have ever seen. It just a quirky light love story
1 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Valesca L. (MomOf2Gremlins) from MECHANICSBURG, PA Reviewed on 7/5/2011...
I'll be honest, I only finished watching this movie because Alex O'Loughlin is hot! :D The acting wasn't that good, neither was the story!
If you like Jennifer Lopez from her other movies like "The Wedding Planner", don't expect similar entertainment with this movie, you won't find it!..
Edward W. from BIRMINGHAM, AL Reviewed on 2/15/2011...
An entertaining fun movie to watch...enjoy!
0 of 1 member(s) found this review helpful.
Wendy J. (Emalith) from MONTEBELLO, CA Reviewed on 9/7/2010...
I REALLY DID NOT LIKE THIS MOVIE. IT HAD SOME REALLY BAD ACTING AND THE BEST PART OF THE MOVIE WAS NUTS (THE DOG IN A WHEELCHAIR) THE BEGGINGING WAS PREDICTABLE AND THE END WAS EVEN MORE PREDICTABLE. THE MAIN CHARACTER ZOE WAS MEAN AND SELFISH. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS MOVIE.