The Lovebirds Movie Review: Rae and Nanjiani uplift this mediocre action comedy

STORY: A live-in couple Jibran (Kumail Nanjiani) and Leilani (Issa Rae) get embroiled in a gruesome hit-and-run murder just when they’re on the verge of a break-up. Will they survive the night and come out stronger as they try to navigate out of this mess. REVIEW: Four years after the cupid strikes, Jibran and Leilani can barely stand each other. They’re constantly bickering and getting on each other’s nerves. But the plot soon thickens as they are thrown into one precarious situation after the other. The plot here is tried and tested (‘Date Night’, ‘Stuber’, ‘Knight and Day’) but the easy chemistry between Rae and Nanjiani keeps the momentum going. Whether it’s their arguments over the silliest of things or lip syncing to Katy Perry’s ‘Firework’ in a cab – the two are spot on. In fact, the narrative never gets too tense to give you any edge of the seat thrills except for the early car chase scene, which is to watch out for. Director Michael Showalter and his writers try to capitalise more on the funny exchanges between their lead pair, but not all of it lands. The writing could have been more adventurous and zany in absence of any thrilling action. The situations that Jibran and Leilani land themselves in are quite unthinkable but not entirely convincing. It’s the performances that make their characters look real even in the most unreal circumstances. While Kumail plays Jibran with an endearing goofiness, Issa is confident and assertive as Leilani. None of the other characters get screen time or a chance to shine. The film’s overall narrative is unpredictable, but it’s easy to guess the climax. ‘The Lovebirds’ does well on the pace with its chaotic turn of events that promptly go from bad to worse. At less than 90 minutes, it doesn’t feel like a stretch. If you’re fighting boredom blues at home then catch ‘The Lovebirds’ (on Netflix) for some chuckle-worthy comic relief.