I enjoy comedies that are set in the real world but have a twist of the impossible. In I Feel Pretty, Amy Schumer stars as Renee Bennett, a 30-something who spends her days in a basement office doing website work for the glamorous New York cosmetic company Lily LeClaire. When she falls from a spinning cycle and hits her head, she wakes up believing she is just like the slim, stylish girls who work at LeClaire. Every time she looks in the mirror, she sees a supermodel, and her confidence gets a giant boost.
Renee lands a job as a receptionist at the company’s posh headquarters despite disapproving looks from her impossibly chic co-workers. Her ability, personality and industriousness impress company management right away. Eventually she meets Ethan (Rory Scovel), a shy guy who loves the real Renee (though she thinks he is seeing her in her ‘model’ state). Her newfound confidence makes her incredibly fearless and forward, and Ethan jokingly claims to be afraid of her, but he appreciates who she really is—a nice contrast to her superficial working world. The film also stars Lauren Hutton and Michelle Williams as LeClaire family members who are kind and sympathetic despite their plastic environment.
I’ve read that some critics think the film objectifies women, but I’d say they are missing the point. I think it conveys the message that we should love ourselves no matter what—and that the person inside is much more valuable than the mask.
Should you see it? Yes, it’s entertaining and relatable, and Schumer is a whole lot of funny. —J.J.
Viewed at AMC Esquire 7
