Sommerleigh Pollonais, Senior Writer
Plot: Lucy embarks on a ruthless game of one-upmanship against cold and efficient nemesis Joshua, a rivalry that is complicated by her growing attraction to him.
Review: I know what you’re thinking. What is the Head Horror writer doing reviewing a romcom?! Well, while my love of horror runs deep and eternal I do dabble in matters of the heart from time to time, and I don’t mean the kind that involves seeing one removed with a machete.
Truth be told, I wanted to see what Lucy Hale was up to when she wasn’t starring in mediocre horror movies (I’m still amazed Truth or Dare was a thing) and so I clicked on The Hating Game. Is it an instant classic? Not even close. Was it a fun watch? Yes my lovelies, it was.
Ticking all the romcom boxes we have Lucy Hale as Lucy Hutton (they dug deep for that one, didn’t they) and Austin Stowell (like Hale also a Fantasy Island cast member) as Joshua. Both work as assistants to co-CEO’s at a publishing company. Sitting across from each other they both spend their days throwing barbs and snarky comments and of course they’re as different as night and day. With a promotion they both want thrown into the mix their “hatred” of each other is only eclipsed by their attraction and yes, you’ve seen it ALL before.
Aaaaaaaaaaaah!
The Hating Game doesn’t do anything to break the mould but you can’t deny the charisma of the cast. Lucy and Austin have the kind of chemistry that’s needed to make their characters likeable and fun to watch. And for those who enjoy reading the odd romance novel here and there, it’s the kind of movie that won’t leave fans of the genre and their favourite kind of romantic reads disappointed.
With a light-hearted feel and genuinely funny moments thrown in The Hating Game will melt the coldest of hearts. And if you’re looking for an easy-to-digest romantic movie that you can enjoy with your significant other (or if you just genuinely enjoy these types of flicks) I’m sure you won’t come away hating The Hating Game.
Sommer’s Score: 6 out of 10
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Sommerleigh of the House Pollonais. First of Her Name. Sushi Lover, Queen of Horror Movies, Comic Books and Binge Watching Netflix. Mother of two beautiful black cats named Vader and Kylo. I think eating Popcorn at the movies should be mandatory, PS4 makes the best games ever, and I’ll be talking about movies until the zombie apocalypse comes.
Double Tap Baby!