Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, Love, Guaranteed stars Rachael Leigh Cook as a moralistic lawyer Susan Whitaker who is struggling to make her ends meet. She usually takes on cases she strongly believes in. However, one morning, her luck turns around when handsome, deep-pocketed bachelor Nick Evans (Damon Wayans Jr) asks her to take on a strange legal battle. After 986 dates and failing to find love, Evans wants to sue Love, Guaranteed–the online dating app owned by lifestyle guru Tamara Taylor (Heather Graham). As evidence, he presents his lawyer with a report of his many rendezvous, each file titled with the woman’s red flag or indefensible quirk.He wants Susan to fight their claim that members will find love by date 1,000.
Screenwriters Elizabeth Hackett and Hilary Galanoy have managed to create relatable characters. Susan has her own quirks. She stylishly drives a shoddy old car with Tiffany cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now” stuck on an indefinite loop, and the door handle on the car falling off time and again. She prefers to opt for a handshake with Nick even when all she wants is to kiss him. Nick is a former athlete and a trained physical therapist who wishes to do something good with the money if he wins the case. He is a pure gentleman with his heart in the right place.
The film subtly pokes at dating apps and companies that tempt singletons by falsely promising love. We have seen a few films based on this topic earlier and this one’s no different. Bad dates seem boring after a while and the complex topic of digital dating is dealt in an overly simplistic manner. However, Galanoy and Hackett have managed to add a handful of interesting shots in the otherwise stereotypical, predictable film. Yes, it’s a no brainer that Nick and Susan find themselves falling for each other. Also, this definitely isn’t the first time that someone sued a company for not guaranteeing what they’re selling.
There’s a natural chemistry between Cook and Wayans Jr and they make for a warm, charming couple. Also, Cook is adorable as a determined working woman with a new crush. While the film might not make a lasting impact, it’s a pleasant film to watch if you like rom coms or wish to sit back and watch something that gives you hope of finding love at the right time, in the right place. Alternatively, it could fill you with some nostalgia and take you back to your younger days.