The Backup Plan (2010)

Life rarely goes according to plan, and sometimes the backup plan turns out to be the best one of all. Alan Poul's "The Back-up Plan" pairs Jennifer Lopez with Australian heartthrob Alex O'Loughlin, and they make perfectly matched sparring partners in a romantic comedy that's as light as the foam on a root beer float, yet still manages to be both romantic and very funny. Back on the big screen after a long break, Lopez is a pleasure to watch - an accomplished and underrated comedian who can trade barbs and sparks with the best of her peers. Her chemistry with the dreamy O'Loughlin will draw you right in. Lopez plays Zoe, a smart New York pet store owner whose love life has been a disaster, so she decides to become a single mom and have the child she's always wanted on her own. As fate would have it, on the very day she's artificially inseminated, she meets Mr. Perfect - or close to it - in Stan (O'Loughlin), a charming goat cheese farmer. Early in their courtship, Zoe goes to increasingly desperate lengths to hide her growing belly, especially once she learns she's carrying twins. By the time she comes clean, Stan is smitten. But with emotions running high on both sides and reality setting in as the due date approaches, both of them start getting cold feet. The plot may be a little predictable, but the lively performances from Lopez and O'Loughlin keep you engaged from start to finish. Michaela Watkins, as Zoe's best friend, is lovely and hilarious, Eric Christian Olsen and Anthony Anderson turn in terrific supporting work, and appearances by veterans Robert Klein as Zoe's overenthusiastic doctor, Tom Bosley and Linda Lavin round out an excellent ensemble. The soundtrack is a winner too, with a danceable number from Lopez and memorable songs by Colbie Caillat, India.Arie and others. "The Back-up Plan" is a reminder that love doesn't always go according to plan - OK, it never does - but the ride is worth it, however your heart ends up getting there.