There’s a reason why romantic comedies remain one of the most popular genres: They’re easy to follow, filled with attractive people in relatable situations, and they leave audiences believing in love. Relationship Goals is just the latest entry in this seemingly endless stream. The film follows Leah (Kelly Rowland), who is vying for a promotion at her morning show. But complications arise when her ex-boyfriend, Jarrett (Cliff “Method Man” Smith), reenters her life, competing for that same promotion and reopening unresolved personal and professional tensions.
At a brisk 90 minutes, including credits, Relationship Goals wastes no time, rushing through scenes and getting to the point as quickly as possible. There are no meaningful conversations, just straightforward, generic dialogue that rarely resembles how real people speak to one another. Many scenes feel like sketches with characters finishing each other’s sentences and ending in punchlines, making the movie feel more like a sitcom than a feature romantic comedy. Moreover, Leah and Jarret’s slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers storyline never feels fully developed. As a result, the film repeatedly detours to Leah’s friends/co-workers, Brenda (Annie Thede) and Terese (Annie Gonzalez) and their relationship troubles, which brings the momentum to a screeching halt.
Though not heavily advertised as such, the filmis based on the book Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex. And as the film progresses, it increasingly feels as if its sole purpose is to serve as a promotional tie-in. Every other scene has a character referencing the book and praising its brilliance. Eventually, there seems to be no other driving force to push the narrative forward other than a book promotion.
What’s ironic about Method Man and Kelly Rowland, two ’90s music icons long past their primes, is that Relationship Goals feels like a straight-to-DVD rom-com, rented from Blockbuster or found in a Walmart bargain bin. Nowadays, that’s called a streaming title.
As a 90-minute advertisement for a New York Times bestseller, Relationship Goals will appeal to fans of the book. Devotees of Rowland and Method Man may also find enjoyment, as both performers are likable and have acceptable chemistry together. For everyone else who does not fall into those categories, Relationship Goals is a predictable slog. It has nothing to say that hasn’t been said before, other than to sell a book.
