"THE BACK-UP PLAN" ***3 STARS

Jennifer Lopez's new movie "The Back-up Plan" is a different kind of romantic comedy. It's safe and cute and more about her wanting to be a mother than a sexy single woman looking for love. Lopez plays Zoe a pet store owner who's been dating for years and is tired of waiting for Mr. Right to come along so she can have a family. Zoe (Lopez) goes ahead with her plans to have a child through artificial insemination because she really wants to experience motherhood before it's too late. The same day Zoe (Lopez) has the procedure she bumps into the man who turns out to be the love of her life, Stan (Alex Oloughlin).  At first I didn't think  Oloughlin would be able to keep up with J-Lo's bigger than life on screen persona but he's handsome, charming and plays his role like a regular guy who just happens to meet the love of his life. Oloughlin more than holds his own, he's refreshing and believable. There is definitely good chemistry between the two. 
This movie has several hilarious scenes which kick-in when Zoe (Lopez) learns she's pregnant and starts showing the symptoms, but she's hiding it from Stan (Oloughlin) until she can figure out how to break it to him.  Once he gets a chance to absorb the idea he's fully committed to her and the situation but as the months of pregnancy progress and all the challenges that entails, it proves to be overwhelming for both of them. 
Having a baby is not easy for a married couple, let alone a couple who's trying to establish their relationship. The difference here is  that the relationship started in an unorthodox way. Zoe (Lopez) became pregnant and met her dream guy at the same time. That changed the dynamic of the film to be more about the importance of family but in a backwards kind of way. Zoe learned that when she was true to herself and her goals, love found her.
All the hilarious things that happen as they try to navigate their way through this experience will either drive them apart or prove they are meant for each other. I'll let you find out on your own but "The Back-up Plan" is a heartwarming and funny movie.

PG 13
Romantic Comedy
3Stars