Netflix Brings Back Underrated Angelina Jolie Rom-Com, and Fans Can’t Stop Laughing

The 2000s nostalgia wave continues, and for lovers of Y2K cinema, one often overlooked rom-com has made its way back to the spotlight on Netflix. Life or Something Like It, starring Hollywood icon Angelina Jolie, is surprising viewers with its charm and humor, even though it initially struggled at the box office. Now available for streaming, the film is garnering new attention, particularly from fans who are laughing weeks after watching it.

A Surprise Addition to Netflix

Originally released in 2002, Life or Something Like It was directed by Stephen Herek, known for his work on Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure (1989). The movie centers around Lanie Kerrigan (played by Jolie), a reporter who interviews a psychic homeless man named Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub) for a fluff piece. What starts as a lighthearted assignment quickly turns dark when Prophet Jack predicts that Lanie’s life has no meaning and that she will die in just a few days. This revelation sparks a chain of events that lead Lanie to reevaluate her life and make drastic changes.

Despite receiving mixed reviews and a disappointing box office performance (grossing only $16.8 million against a $40 million budget), Life or Something Like It has found a second life on streaming platforms, especially Netflix, where it is now rediscovered by viewers who are appreciating it in a new light.

The Cult Following

While critics at the time were divided, with Rotten Tomatoes giving it a mere 28% rating, the film is attracting a new crowd who see it for what it is: a feel-good, quirky rom-com with deeper, underlying themes. Fans have taken to social media and review platforms, expressing their surprise at how much they enjoyed the film.

One viewer on Google Reviews shared, “I loved this movie! I’ve been laughing for 2 weeks every time I recall the scene of her singing ‘Satisfaction’… it’s HILARIOUS! I’d never even heard of this movie before. And HELLO… Ed Burns. Ya… check it out. It’s comedy people. Let it be just that.”

The film features Edward Burns as Pete Scanlon, Lanie’s love interest, adding to the movie’s appeal with his laid-back charm. While it may not be the most groundbreaking rom-com, many viewers find comfort in its predictability and its warm, uplifting message about seizing the moment.

A Familiar Yet Comforting Story

The movie’s premise, involving a reporter given a second chance at life after being told her fate, is familiar to anyone who’s seen It’s a Wonderful Life or Click. The moral story of living life to the fullest resonates with audiences who are drawn to films with positive, feel-good endings. While some critics note that the film doesn’t break any new ground in terms of character development, it’s still regarded as an enjoyable watch, especially with Jolie’s captivating performance.

On IMDb, a user commented, “The moral of this story has been told many times before—from It’s a Wonderful Life to Last Holiday and Click—but it always wins me over. Sure, it’s filled with clichés and predictability, but it’s a feel-good movie that puts a smile on your face when it ends.”

Another user praised Jolie’s performance, stating, “Angelina Jolie gives a captivating performance, even though the film isn’t too funny, more like a drama. Still, it was a pretty good film if you like moral stories.”

Mixed Reviews, But a Lasting Impact

Critics at the time of release did not fully embrace the film, with some noting its predictable nature and lack of character development. A reviewer on IMDb noted that Life or Something Like It could have been more impactful if the character of Lanie Kerrigan had undergone more significant growth throughout the film. Others pointed out the film’s lack of a clear direction, questioning whether it was meant to be a redemption story or a comedy.

However, despite these critiques, the film’s charming performances, especially from Jolie, and the supporting cast (which includes Stockard Channing in a standout role) have left a lasting impression. One reviewer mentioned, “Angelina Jolie is breathtakingly beautiful and, in many ways, she’s like a female Leonardo DiCaprio in that her good looks disguise the fact that she’s a much better actress than critics give her credit for.”

The film’s haunting score by Dave Newman also adds an emotional layer, helping elevate the movie despite its shortcomings in other areas.

A Rediscovered Gem

In the years since its release, Life or Something Like It has gained a newfound appreciation. With its addition to Netflix, the film is reappearing on the radar of rom-com fans looking for something light-hearted but meaningful. While it may not be a masterpiece of cinema, its ability to make audiences laugh and reflect on life’s unpredictability has earned it a place as an underrated gem of the early 2000s.

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic rom-com with a moral tale and a healthy dose of laughter, Life or Something Like It is worth revisiting. Whether you’re a fan of Angelina Jolie or just love a good, feel-good story, this film might just be the perfect addition to your streaming queue.