With a nostalgic flare that evokes memories of beloved raunchy comedies from the late 90s and early 2000s, Jennifer Lawrence’s latest film, No Hard Feelings, has been making quite a stir. Although the narrative’s premise may initially strike you as a storyline fit for a retro comedy—centering on Lawrence’s character who agrees to date an awkward young man, all in the hope of receiving a used car in return—the film has unquestionably won over audiences and is currently topping the charts as the highest-grossing R-rated comedy domestically of this decade.
Despite not raking in box office earnings in the hundreds of millions as blockbusters typically do, No Hard Feelings has notably amassed more than $50 million globally in the past few days alone. While it doesn’t match the earnings of colossal franchises like Marvel or compete with anticipated releases like The Flash, it’s an impressive achievement for a film of its genre. Garnering more than $31 million domestically and counting, the film is on track to become the highest-grossing R-rated comedy since 2019’s Good Boys directed by Gene Stupnitsky, hence reviving the notion that the mature and risqué comedy genre still has a considerable audience.
Undeniably, the allure of Jennifer Lawrence — a household name in Hollywood — has played a pivotal role in pulling in the crowds. The film barely managed to receive a fresh rating from Rotten Tomatoes’ critics, but audiences have been far more forgiving, awarding it an impressive 87% rating. Critics argue that the movie perhaps played it too safe, but its considerable box office returns and reasonable budget — made possible by the absence of expensive special effects —suggest that No Hard Feelings is indeed a surprise hit in an industry where even surefire blockbusters have been underperforming.
Jennifer Lawrence: A Beacon of Comedic Brilliance
No Hard Feelings may have a simplistic premise that could easily fit on a half-sliced stamp, but few come to such a movie expecting profound narratives. The film indeed delivers what the audience expects—a typical raunchy comedy akin to past hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and American Pie. The Academy Award-winning Jennifer Lawrence, praised for her impeccable comedic timing, appears to be one of the film’s most significant attractions. A departure from her typically dramatic roles, Lawrence adds another feather to her cap with this performance.
By capitalizing on its retro appeal, No Hard Feelings manages to differentiate itself in a genre that had become mired in a swamp of lackluster sequels, uninspired spin-offs, and unoriginal imitations. The movie knows exactly what it is and what it seeks to deliver, and its box office success indicates that it is precisely what audiences are seeking.
In light of discussions about a potential American Pie reboot and the acclaim of new releases like Joy Ride, it seems that R-rated comedies are primed for a grand return. The success of No Hard Feelings underlines this, showing that there’s still a significant appetite for this brand of humor, fueling hopes of a full-fledged revival of the genre.
