Anyone But You was totally overshadowed by bigger releases when it hit theaters last December but has picked up steam in the new year to earn very good box office returns. Frankly, it’s easy to see why as the film boasts plenty of hilarity that comes from the likeability of its premise and two main stars.

The film, which takes inspiration from William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, follows Bea (Sydney Sweeney) and Ben (Glen Powell) – who aren’t on the best terms. Although their first date goes smoothly, a conflict arises that not only keeps them from continuing their relationship, but creates issues when people close to them start dating. Now, they’re forced to see each other again at a wedding and things get off to a rocky start. The situation is only made worse by other old flames arriving, so Bea and Ben must do the impossible to get everyone off their backs – fake it until they make it. While they’re initially able to trick everyone into thinking they like each other, Bea and Ben develop genuine feelings that make their relationship much more complicated.

While Sweeney and Powell are more widely known for dramatic roles, they make a fantastic comedic turn with Anyone but You. Right from the start, it’s obvious that they’re letting loose and having a great time together on-screen. They’re totally unabashed about throwing hilarious insults towards each other, dealing with goofy scenarios, or playing with the chemistry and tension of their characters. Honestly, they often elevate the material to make it even funnier. They’re an unexpected comedic pairing that audiences will instantly love and there are moments that even let them excel individually.

Sweeney’s line-delivery is superb and often leads to hilarious jabs at Ben’s persona. Her vulnerability results in some strong physical comedy as well as some tender scenes as the sentimental aspects of Ben and Bea’s dynamic hits major highs and lows. As for Powell, well, his performance in Anyone but You is a huge steppingstone in him becoming a charismatic lead. Through Ben’s relatively good-hearted nature and some of the incredibly funny quirks of his character, Powell is a genuinely loveable goof. He’s truly up for anything in the film and matches Sweeney’s comedic energy incredibly well. Honestly, Anyone but You is a great spotlight moment for up-and-comers like Sweeney and Powell and they work together well to give audiences an easily enjoyable experience.

It helps too that Sweeney and Powell have some solid material to work with that’s helmed by an experienced director in the genre like Will Gluck. With films like Easy A and Friends with Benefits, Gluck showed some prowess in making fun sex-comedies that make the most of its stars and are highly enjoyable. That doesn’t change with Anyone but You, and the fun premise concocted by Gluck and Ilana Wolpert has enough going on to stay engaging. It’s very amusing to see Ben and Bea try to keep it together and some weird, yet funny running gags that viewers will slowly fall for. The way things escalate is great and the story builds well – both comedically and narratively. Plus, it’s hard not to love how Gluck pays homage to the film’s Shakespeare inspiration through chapter-like breaks that are seen throughout the film.

Still though, there are some shortcomings to the script and story that can’t be ignored. When it comes to the side characters, they’re mostly thin. They only have a couple standout moments or lines and don’t do much to make a memorable mark – which is a shame because there’s some under-utilized talent in the mix. It also feels like the film relies too much on genre tropes and stereotypes – particularly in the case of Ben’s best friend Pete (GaTa). Admittedly, the film definitely portrays Pete as the stereotypical “black best friend” in a satirical way and GaTa is able to make the character a distinctively fun personality through his performance. But it’s symbolic of a larger issue in the film of sticking to typical rom-com set-ups and story beats that stops from Anyone but You from really standing out. Also, there are some sub-plots with the exes that show up that are under-cooked or straight-up go nowhere.

Ironically though, the familiarity of Anyone but You ends up being a strength as it manages to embrace its dumb yet fun rom com elements in the right ways. Sure, it’s easy to piece how the story will ultimately come together and it does so in similar ways to other movies just like it. But it’s a winning formula that audiences will continue to love. There are those heart-tugging moments of Ben and Bea figuring their feelings for each other out that work because of how likeable they are. The story moves at a good pace and in a direction that audiences will connect with. Also, everyone involved – both on-screen and off – is committed and on-board with the experience the whole way through – which will translate to audiences excellently.

Anyone but You isn’t without standard genre trappings and tropes, but audiences will come away with good times and laughs as Sweeney and Powell take them on a fun comedic ride. It’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day watch at home or in theaters and will honestly be that film you’ll want to watch again.

Watch the Trailer Here: