Parents' Guide to We Broke Up

We Broke Up is a bit confusing because it gives off all the signs of being a comedy except one: It's not funny. The premise is relatable -- what if you broke up with your longtime love the day before a family member's wedding? The setting is wacky: a wedding at a summer camp! And the sitcom-famous actors in the cast deliver their lines as if they're in a comedy, but it's tough to crack a smile. Here's why: The subject matter is actually a downer. Instead of going for over-the top laughs -- like Bridesmaids or Wedding Crashers -- We Broke Up plays out absurd situations more dramatically. Ultimately, it's a fun-killer.

Worse, the conflict makes no sense. Lori and Doug break up because he blindsides her with an off-the-cuff marriage proposal and is then dismayed by her shocked reaction. So we're supposed to believe they've been living together in a monogamous, loving relationship for a decade and they've never discussed their feeings about marriage? C'mon. What's worse, none of the characters show any personal growth. All of that said, these stilted characters do enrich the cinematic circuit with much needed positive representation. Lori and Bea's mom isn't thrilled with Bea's marriage, but it's not because Jayson isn't Jewish -- it's because they're both immature. And Lori and Doug are of different races, but no one comments or has an issue with it. So few films exist about mature breakups -- ones in which couples love and appreciate each other but realize that their relationship is over. It's too bad this one isn't more enjoyable.