In the enchanting opening of the film, Jennifer Lopez narrates the tale of Alida and Taroo, two lovers transformed into a flower and a hummingbird by divine intervention, drawing parallels to her own romantic journey. She reflects on her recent reconciliation and marriage with Ben Affleck, whose playful cameo adds a touch of whimsy reminiscent of his SNL appearance.
Transitioning from fantasy to reality, Lopez’s joyous motorcycle ride along a picturesque beach turns tragic when the ride ends in a crash. In a surreal twist, she finds herself in a dystopian heart factory, where she sings a heartfelt yet cheesy song, “Hearts and Flowers,” while collaborating with factory workers to mend a broken metal heart with red flower petals.
While Lopez’s vocals may be polished with autotune, her dance moves retain their lively precision. In one scene, couples are connected by colored cloth in a glass house, symbolizing their interconnectedness and struggles in relationships, reminiscent of Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater. Another scene, inspired by “Cabaret,” showcases Lopez’s raw emotions during a group therapy session through expressive choreography.
The film seamlessly weaves between surreal sequences featuring tracks from Lopez’s album, intimate therapy sessions with her friend Fat Joe, and eccentric encounters with a group of astrological stars forming the Zodiacal Council. While Aquarius and Capricorn are humorously absent, stars like Jane Fonda and Post Malone embody different Zodiac signs, adding a whimsical touch to the narrative. The scenes with Fat Joe offer a comforting atmosphere, while Oscar-nominee Paul Raci contributes depth to a poignant group therapy session.
Through her songs and visuals, Lopez delves into her personal life, reflecting on her film career and romantic experiences, including her three failed marriages. Despite setbacks, Lopez maintains an optimistic outlook on love, embracing her identity as a hopeless romantic. She views romantic comedies as a reflection of genuine human emotions and understands their enduring appeal to audiences.
While “This Is Me … Now: A Love Story” is hindered by technical flaws such as subpar CGI and inconsistent editing, Lopez’s vulnerability and resilience shine through. Despite media scrutiny, Lopez and Affleck have earned their right to privacy and happiness, cherishing their newfound love and keeping their happy ending to themselves.
| Aspect | Summary |
|---|---|
| Opening Scene | Lopez introduces a mythical tale reflecting on her own romantic journey, including her reunion with Ben Affleck. |
| Motorcycle Crash | Joyful motorcycle ride turns into a crash, leading Lopez to a dystopian heart factory where she sings a heartfelt song. |
| Dance Sequences | Despite polished singing, Lopez’s energetic dance moves shine, featuring choreography inspired by Pina Bausch’s Tanztheater and “Cabaret.” |
| Zodiacal Council | Film alternates between surreal sequences, therapy sessions with Fat Joe, and encounters with astrological stars forming the Zodiacal Council. |
| Reflections | Lopez delves into her personal life through song lyrics and visuals, reflecting on her film career and romantic experiences, embracing her identity as a hopeless romantic. |
| Technical Issues | Hindered by subpar CGI, inconsistent editing, and awkward staging, with director Dave Meyers struggling to capture Lopez’s vision effectively. |
| Emotional Exposure | Despite flaws, Lopez bravely exposes her struggles and growth, maintaining privacy regarding her happy ending with Ben Affleck. |
