Fridae

How do you know comes entirely through the fount of creativity that is James L Brooks, the legendary film and television comedy producer, director, and writer. The concept is ambitious. Four comic actors, each possessing completely different comedy styles, starring in a same movie but with no more than two comedians ever sharing the same scene at the same time. Just to make it more interesting, why not tell TWO romcom stories, both featuring the same comedienne in a bizarre love triangle?

After all, if a frivolous, frothy Woody Allen could pull this structural balancing act off in Melinda & Melinda, why not a master like James L Brook?

Hence: Reese Witherspoon is a pro athlete recently out of a job. She is dating another pro athlete (Owen Wilson), an airhead who is so sweet and caring -- but in an insensitive way. Paul Rudd is a regular schmuck who, because he’s too honest a businessman, finds himself investigated by the SEC for possibly stealing funds from his dad’s (Jack Nicholson) company. But he’ll still have the time and psychic energy to meet Reese Witherspoon and woo her anyway!

Witherspoon channels her ditzy/clueless comic persona in one story and her peppy go-getter persona in the other. Owen Wilson, bless his heart, plays the same loveable airhead jock role he’s perfected for nearly a decade. Jack Nicholson brings on the ham as he skewers every major role he’s played in two decades. Reprising his “gay best friend” role with a straight twist in this endeavor is Paul Rudd.

Hilarity ensues every which way when any two characters interact with each other. The interactions - full of awkward and embarrassing dialogue - provide the comedy in this film. Through the multiple pairings of the 4 leads, this brand of comedy gets worked through different variations. Your funny bone will be more than tickled if you’re into this sort of thing, and if you’re can forgive a few misfires and empty stretches. As it stands, it’s a decent comedy for those with patience and a taste for the offbeat.