PLAYERS (2024) REVIEW

 

"Players" is like watching a rom-com on steroids—except these characters aren't juicing up their love lives, they're running plays. Picture a gang of friends in New York City treating hooking up like an Olympic sport. And trust me, swiping right will feel as outdated as dial-up internet after watching these folks in action.

Gina Rodriguez, aka Mack, is the quarterback of this team of love-struck strategists. Her playbook? Every trick in the book. From "The Betsy Ross" to "Drip Drop," they've got moves smoother than a freshly Zambonied ice rink. But when Mack catches feelings for war journalist Nick (played by Tom Ellis), it's like throwing a curveball in the ninth inning—totally unexpected and potentially game-changing.

But here's the twist: it's as obvious as a clown at a funeral that Nick isn't Mack's Mr. Right. That title goes to Adam, played by Damon Wayans Jr. Seriously, it's like watching a rom-com with the answer key taped to the screen. You'll find yourself yelling, "It's Adam, you fool!" at your popcorn. The camaraderie among the cast is tighter than Mack's spiral notebook full of pickup lines. Liza Koshy as Ashley steals the show with her comedic timing, proving that even administrative assistants can be MVPs in the game of love. And let's not forget Ego Nwodim as Claire, who sends shockwaves through the squad when she starts dating Adam, threatening the delicate ecosystem of their love playbook.

But hold up—let's talk about the elephant in the room. These folks went to high school together, ended up at the same newspaper, and are still living out their high school drama in their late 20s and early 30s. It's like the Twilight Zone meets The Office, with a sprinkle of How I Met Your Mother for good measure. And don't get me started on the newspaper gig—it's so old-school, it's practically prehistoric. Ping pong matches? Really? I've seen more action at a retirement home bingo night.

In a world where rom-coms are as rare as a sober karaoke night, "Players" tries to score big. And while it nails the slapstick antics of this ragtag team of love gurus, it fumbles the romance faster than a butterfingered quarterback. So grab your playbook, folks, because "Players" might not win the championship, but it's definitely a wild ride worth watching—just don't expect a fairy tale ending.