‘Not That Into You’ poignant and humorous

Clarissa Gabriel

If you have ever obsessively checked your phone wondering why he hasn’t texted or called you back, questioned why she never attempts to transform your friendship into something more or waited in vain for that next move to be made, then, this movie is for you.

Based on the best-seller book, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, this film is not your typical Valentine’s Day chick-flick.

Filled with an all-star cast, “He’s Just Not That Into You” tells the story of several interconnected 20-somethings as they attempt to decipher the signals of the opposite sex, rationalize dating mishaps and discover reasons as to why their relationships aren’t working exactly as planned.

Gigi’s (Ginnifer Goodwin) first experience with love was when she was five years old. She was pushed and harassed by a boy, and was sweetly told to by her mom that he pushed her because he actually had a crush on her.

Gigi’s early experiences reflect the idea that women are convinced early on that when men treat them badly, it means they like them.

Fast-forward 20 years, Gigi eagerly sits by the phone, hoping to one day find a man who says he’s going to call, and actually calls.

Conor (Kevin Connolly) wonders why his beautiful Yoga-instructing friend Anna (Scarlett Johansson) doesn’t want to turn their friendship into something more.

After a chance encounter, Anna wonders how she can let the perfect man, Ben (Bradley Cooper), out of her life.

Ben wonders why he can’t restrain himself from Anna when he is married to Janine (Jennifer Connelly).

Meanwhile Janine’s friend, Beth (Jennifer Aniston), ponders why her seven-year relationship with Neil (Ben Affleck) is not leading to marriage.

Mary (Drew Barrymore) is confused that, in a technologically advanced society, she can Myspace, Facebook, text and Blackberry message men constantly, yet she cannot find a real straight man.

Finally, there’s Alex (Justin Long) who sets the record straight and begins a wave of clarity, humor and chaos when he suggests that, “He’s not calling because maybe he just doesn’t have any interest in seeing you ever again.”

The acting is light-hearted, the soundtrack is satisfying and the message is promising, humorous and vindicating.

Men like getting what they want. So, throw away his number because if he wants you, he will call you. If he wants to ask you out, he’ll ask you out. If he’s into you, he will find you.

And “if he’s not calling you,” as Alex suggests in the movie, “he’s probably just not that into you … so find someone who is.”

The film hits theatres tomorrow.