But times have changed and all of that is behind Marni now. She's a successful PR exec living in Los Angeles and she's just been promoted to VP of the New York office, when she finds herself being called home for Will's wedding. When she discovers the true identity of Will's fiancée in a very funny scene on her flight home, she panics. How will she handle it? Will Joanna be the same evil witch she once was? Much to Marni's shock and amazement, Joanna acts as if they've never met before, despite their high school being very small. Soon, Marni realizes that Joanna is still JJ and knows exactly what she did, but is merely pretending so that Will and his family will continue to love and adore her and she can keep up the premise of being the perfect addition to the family. What's worse is that all Marni ever wanted was an apology, but this is more than Joanna is willing to give.
When Marni goes to her mom, Gail (Jamie Lee Curtis), to explain what is happening, her mom tells her that people change and she needs to get over the past. Then Gail is shocked to discover that Joanna's wealthy and hugely successful hotelier aunt Mona (Sigourney Weaver) is actually Ramona, her ex-best friend from high school with whom she had a giant fight at their prom. Talk about an entire family of awkwardness!
So Marni sets out to expose Joanna for what she truly is and to save her big brother, since he always protected her. Naturally, her plan works but causes far more hurt than good, although it's nice to see the mean girl get a bit of her own medicine. Can Marni patch things up in time for her brother's big day and can Gail and Mona put the past behind them for the sake of their family members?
You Again is absolutely hysterical and Kristen Bell is my current favorite queen of physical comedy. She knows how to laugh at herself and get others to as well and she really excels at her craft. Jamie Lee Curtis and Sigourney Weaver are fantastic as they try and outshine each other and sling their barbs, although in a more quiet and ladylike manner than the younger set. Betty White stars as Marni's grandmother, Grandma Bunny, and I felt like she was a bit of a throwaway character, although she was funny as always. She just didn't have much screen time, but when you arrive at the end of the film, you'll see exactly why she was selected. Victor Garber as Marni's peacekeeping dad and Billy Unger as Marni's younger brother Ben were great as well, they were just outshone by the leading ladies. I haven't seen Odette Yustman in much, but she did a great job as Joanna and made you both hate her and root for her at different times. Kristin Chenoweth stars as the wedding planner, Georgia King, and she was funny in her role, but a little bit overdone. Still, I love her and always enjoy watching her onscreen. Cameos include Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson as an air marshal during Marni's flight, Patrick Duffy and Cloris Leachman.
Special features include a short featurette on director Andy Fickman (The Gameplan), a blooper reel entitled Blooper Dance Party, Ask the Cast where the female cast members take questions from fans (this one is an absolute riot and shows Betty White's true colors) and a Funny or Die spoof of a cast interview. Great stuff. Finally, there are 11 deleted scenes, all of which were enjoyable. Naturally, the Blu-ray looks much better and more crisp than the standard DVD, but aside from that, you'll only get 3 deleted scenes on the DVD and you won't get the Blooper Dance Party, either. If you have a Blu-ray player, definitely rent the Blu-ray over the DVD for the added bonus features and better viewing experience.
You Again is a great comedy that the whole family can enjoy. It has a terrific soundtrack, lots of laughs and a fantastic cast. Highly recommended.
