Definitely, Maybe
Director: Adam Brooks
Studio: Universal Pictures
Principal Actors: Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Elizabeth Banks, Isla Fisher, Rachel Weisz
Running Time: 112 minutes
Rating: PG-13
Released: 14 February 2008 

Reviewed By: Lauren Eldridge (Port Moody Correspondent - Canada)

In the midst of his divorce, Will's daughter Maya insists on hearing about his love life up to and including her mother. Her persistence convinces him to present his story as a mystery, in which his serious relationships with three different women become a maze through which they both scramble; Maya attempting to determine which of the three is her mother, and Will trying to determine who he is and how to be happy again.

The film begins with a concise summation of Will's situation, and introduces a promising soundtrack. The opening credits feature rolling blocks and black spaces, but it is difficult to determine if that is more interesting than Will's wireless earphones. At the moment, I am still undecided.

Definitely, Maybe is a good look at New York from 1992 to the present, showing that eras don't have to last a full decade but evolve slowly as the years go by. Ryan Reynolds does an impeccable job of looking the age of his character at the time each scene is set. Thanks to brilliant acting by all of his supporting actors, including Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine), the plot is both realistic and convincing. 

The film explores the delicacies and finesses of relationships ranging from familial to romantic. There is a lot of insight and wisdom to be gleaned from viewing the on-screen negotiation of such relationships, as well as that warm and fuzzy feeling as we see both tender and comical moments throughout the film. Will's quest for self-fulfilment shows us that we too can explore our inner emotional selves, and use his experiences to make the most of ours.