I walked out of the theater with this weird mix of frustration and amusement. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much with that 3.8 rating, but I went because I love Robin Thede. The whole time I kept thinking - this movie had potential, but it felt like it couldn't decide what it wanted to be. What's still on my mind is how Method Man and Kelly Rowland actually had decent chemistry, but the script kept getting in their way. I'm sitting here with my coffee still trying to figure out if I enjoyed it or just endured it.
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What's Relationship Goals About?
The movie follows Leah, a TV producer played by Kelly Rowland, who's gunning to run New York's top morning show. The twist? Her ex, played by Method Man, is competing for the same job. It sets up this workplace rivalry that's supposed to simmer with unresolved feelings while they both chase career success. The premise promises both professional tension and personal history colliding.
What Works in Relationship Goals
- ✓ Kelly Rowland and Method Man's chemistry in their quieter scenes - there's one where they're stuck in an elevator during a power outage that actually felt authentic and warm.
- ✓ Robin Thede as Leah's best friend - she steals every scene she's in with her comedic timing and felt like the most real character.
- ✓ The New York morning show setting was actually well-executed - it felt busy and chaotic in a believable way.
- ✓ Dennis Haysbert brings his usual gravitas to a small role as a network executive - he elevates every scene he's in.
What Doesn't Work
- ✗ The plot feels incredibly predictable - I called three major story beats within the first twenty minutes, which killed some suspense.
- ✗ The editing in the first act is jarring - scenes jump around without smooth transitions, making it hard to settle into the story.
- ✗ Some of the workplace comedy bits fall completely flat, especially one cringe-worthy scene with an espresso machine disaster.
Standout Moments & Performances
There's a scene where Leah and her ex have to co-host a segment together after not speaking for years. The way Rowland plays the professional smile while you can see the tension in her eyes - that felt real. Another moment that stuck with me was when Robin Thede's character gives Leah advice at a rooftop bar. The dialogue there was actually sharp and insightful about career vs. personal life. But honestly, the scene that made me laugh out loud was a completely random bit with Annie Gonzalez as an over-caffeinated intern - it was unexpected and perfectly timed.
Main Cast: Kelly Rowland, Method Man, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Dennis Haysbert
Direction, Music & Visuals
Linda Mendoza's direction is competent but safe - she hits all the marks without taking any real risks. The cinematography is what you'd expect from a studio rom-com: bright, clean, and serviceable. The New York shots are pretty but feel like postcard versions of the city. Music choices are hit or miss - there's a great use of a classic R&B track during a montage, but some contemporary pop songs feel forced. Performance-wise, Rowland holds her own as a lead, though she's better in dramatic moments than comedic ones. Method Man is surprisingly good - he brings a laid-back charm that works. The real star is Robin Thede, who makes every line funnier than it probably was on paper.
Director: Linda Mendoza
Who Should Watch Relationship Goals?
If you're a fan of any of the main cast members, especially Robin Thede or Method Man, you'll find moments to enjoy. This is also perfect for someone who wants completely undemanding entertainment - the kind of movie you watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon when you just want something light. People who enjoy workplace comedies with a romantic subplot rather than deep romance might appreciate the professional rivalry angle.
Who Might Want to Skip?
Anyone looking for innovative storytelling or deep character development should skip this. If you hate predictable plotlines or need your rom-coms to have sparkling dialogue, this will frustrate you. Also, if the 3.8 rating scared you off, trust that instinct - it's accurate.
Final Verdict
Look, it's not a great movie, but it's not the disaster that rating suggests either. I wouldn't rush back to the theater for it, but I might watch it again if it popped up on streaming during a lazy weekend. The cast elevates mediocre material, and there are enough genuine moments to make it watchable. I'd give it a cautious recommendation only if you go in with managed expectations - think of it as fast food cinema rather than a gourmet meal. It satisfies a craving without being memorable.
