The most interesting thing about How Do You Know, a by-the-numbers romantic comedy, is that it’s written and directed by the same man that made the brilliant Broadcast News and Terms of Endearment.
The film is nothing more than sitcom scenarios played out by talented actors who, for whatever reason, all seem to be “acting.” Both the traditional love triangle and “B” plot involving a father and son relationship never seem to take off, as genuine emotion never seems to come through. The affable cast doesn’t hurt, but it none of them really have a persona we haven’t seen them play before on screen.
James L. Brooks started his career writing for such legendary sitcoms as Mary Tyler Moore and Taxi.
By the time this film was over it was obvious that television work had aged far better.
