If you’re embarking on “Relationship Goals” expecting to see a cute romantic-comedy on Valentine’s Day, beware. The film is less ‘corporate-religious advertisement’ and more. This film goes to an extent where entertainment becomes secondary and promotion of a particular book becomes the main objective.
Summary: An old formula
The story revolves around Leah Caldwell (Kelly Rowland), a successful morning show producer. She hopes to become a showrunner, but her ex-boyfriend Jarrett Roy (Method Man) stands in her way. Jarrett is the man who betrayed her. Now the two have to work together on a special part of Valentine’s Day. Everything seems like a typical rom-com up to this point, but the real game starts after that.
Promotion of ‘self-help’ in the name of the film
As the story progresses, the film becomes a complete promotion of Pastor Michael Todd and his book ‘Relationship Goals: How to Win at Dating, Marriage, and Sex’. Jarrett claims that this book changed his life and made him a better person.
What movies does it remind you of?
This movie may remind you of movies like ‘Think Like A Man’ and ‘What to Expect When You’re Expecting’. Those movies were also based on self-help books and were mediocre, but at least they had ‘shame’ left in them. They didn’t look like the ads. ‘Relationship Goals’ sounds like we’re headed for a futuristic movie with the title – “Progressive Insurance’s ‘Flo’ Says Bundle Home and Auto Insurance and Save Money.” This is not entertainment but a corporate agenda in the name of story.
The performance is worth watching
It’s often said that playing yourself on screen is the hardest part, but megachurch pastor, author, and YouTube sensation Michael Todd makes it look so easy. He proved how easy it is to play yourself in an infomercial. His mannerisms and speech are not that of an actor, but that of a salesman trying to sell you the way to heaven.
Sex and skin
The film’s tagline says Padri Sahib will teach you “how to win at sex” – whatever that means. But look at the irony, neither such thing is shown in the film nor is there any serious talk about it. Pastor Michael Todd wants to sell his book, but the film content lacks the ‘spice’ or depth that he promises on the cover of his book. This is the height of hypocrisy.
Reviewer’s Opinion: ‘Hawabaz’ and the smoke game
‘Relationship goals’ are as subtle as a noisy incident in the middle of a quiet church. Michael Todd’s performance is nothing less than a rock concert, where smoke machines and loud voices don’t give you a chance to think. Their lines — “You can’t get loyalty on Facebook or honesty on Instagram” — may sound good, but they’re just snake oil wrapped in fancy words. His ‘earth-shattering’ sermon is so dramatic that even an atheist would pray to save himself from this rubbish.
A rom-com drama hidden behind an advertisement
We all turn to a philosophy to get us through life—whether it’s reading the Bible or listening to a song at the gym. But the film pathetically tries to hide an advertisement behind a rom-com. It follows the same old clichés: the dance of the girl and her friends, the love-hate drama between the main characters and the witty banter. But the lure of advertising has made even these buds dead.
Conclusion: Content is a business, not a story
When the sole purpose of a film is to sell ‘content’ (be it a book or a YouTube video), there is no room for innovation in the story. The film repeatedly shows how people leave work in offices and lobbies and watch in fascination Michael Todd’s interview. Even the protagonist Leah, who hated her cheating ex-boyfriend, begins to melt through Michael Todd’s ‘power of words’. It’s totally shameless.
Acting and directing
Even great actors like Kelly Rowland and Method Man can’t save this movie. Their chemistry is good, but the script is so weak and agenda-driven that they don’t have much to do. Other characters in the film such as Tracy (Annie Gonzalez) and Brenda (Robin Thede) are only there to talk about “God’s plan” and “book wisdom”.
Technical side or brand support?
The cinematography of the film does not look like a movie, but a high-budget advertisement. From kitchenware to snack foods, each brand’s logo is focused so carefully that viewers feel cheated.
Watch or skip? (Stream it or skip it?)
Verdict: Skip it
This film is an unpleasant joke on the name of cinema. If you are a fan of Michael Todd or want to buy his book, you might like this. But for a common viewer, it’s 93 minutes of boring and forced advertising.
Movie Review: ‘Relationship Goals’ – Movie or 90-Minute Ad?
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Cast: Kelly Rowland, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Michael Todd
Rating: (2/5)