Life or Something Like It Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A news reporter is told she’s going to die by a homeless psychic, so she decides to hook up with her cameraman and sing karaoke.

🍿 Life or Something Like It: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction: Lanie’s ‘Perfect’ Life

Lanie Kerrigan, a Seattle TV reporter played by Angelina Jolie, seemingly has it all: a promising career, a handsome baseball star boyfriend, and a meticulously crafted image. She’s on the cusp of landing a coveted national news position, a lifelong dream. However, beneath the surface, Lanie’s driven by insecurity and a need for external validation.

The Prophet’s Prediction

During a fluff piece, Lanie interviews Prophet Jack, a homeless man who claims to be psychic. Instead of predicting sports scores, he tells Lanie that her life has no meaning and she will die in a week. Initially dismissive, Lanie becomes increasingly unnerved as Jack’s other predictions start coming true, shaking her belief in her carefully constructed reality.

Re-evaluating Life and Relationships

Faced with her potential mortality, Lanie begins to question her choices and relationships. She realizes her connection with her boyfriend, Cal, is superficial, based on image rather than genuine connection. She also attempts to reconcile with her estranged sister and father. Lanie begins a journey of self-discovery, challenging the values she once held dear.

Finding Support in an Unlikely Place

Lanie finds an unexpected ally in Pete, her cameraman, with whom she has a history of casual intimacy and professional friction. Pete encourages her to embrace spontaneity and live authentically, contrasting with Lanie’s meticulously planned existence. He challenges her to focus on the present moment and appreciate the simple joys of life.

The Opportunity of a Lifetime

As Lanie grapples with her mortality, she receives the opportunity to audition for her dream job in New York. Torn between her ambition and her growing feelings for Pete, she must decide what truly matters to her. This decision becomes a pivotal moment in her transformation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lanie Kerrigan (Angelina Jolie): A driven news reporter who re-evaluates her life after being told by a psychic that she will die in a week.
• Pete (Edward Burns): A cameraman and Lanie’s coworker who helps her see a new perspective on life.
• Prophet Jack (Tony Shalhoub): A homeless psychic whose prophecies force Lanie to confront her life choices.
• Cal Cooper (Christian Kane): Lanie’s self-absorbed baseball player boyfriend who doesn’t understand her emotional crisis.
• Deborah Connors (Stockard Channing): A famous media personality who is Lanie’s idol and a symbol of her career ambitions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Prophet Jack: “I see a storm coming. A big one.” – Prophet Jack’s dramatic warning sets the stage for the impending changes in Lanie’s life.
• Prophet Jack: “You will die on Thursday.” – The pivotal prophecy that triggers Lanie’s journey of self-discovery.
• Pete: “You plan everything. You think if you just project this certain image of yourself, everything’s going to be okay.” – Pete points out Lanie’s controlling nature and encourages her to be more spontaneous.
• Lanie: “What is it between us that dictates we should be together?” – Lanie’s realization that her relationship with Cal lacks depth.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,448,589
• Worldwide Gross: $16,872,671

💥 Life or Something Like It Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so this movie isn’t going to win any awards, but I actually enjoyed it! Angelina Jolie is surprisingly good as the ditzy reporter, and Ed Burns is, well, Ed Burns – charming and relatable. The whole “what if you only had a week to live” thing is a bit cliché, but it made me think about my own priorities. That scene where she sings “Satisfaction” on live TV? Hilarious! Sure, it’s cheesy, but sometimes you just need a feel-good movie.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of romantic comedies with a touch of drama”
  • “Viewers who enjoy movies about self-discovery and second chances”
  • “Those who appreciate Angelina Jolie and Edward Burns’ performances”
  • “People looking for a lighthearted film with a positive message”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Suggestive content”
  • “Brief scene of violence (shooting)”
  • “Themes of mortality”

Professional Reviews

• FilmFocus: “Despite a promising premise, ‘Life or Something Like It’ fails to deliver a meaningful exploration of mortality. Angelina Jolie’s performance is uneven, and the film relies too heavily on predictable romantic comedy tropes. The ending feels rushed and unearned, leaving the audience with a sense of missed opportunity.
• The Daily Gazette: “While Angelina Jolie has the looks and charm, this film lacks substance. The plot is unoriginal, the romance forced and the moralizing heavy-handed. Stockard Channing does a fantastic job playing the hard-nosed interviewer.

Audience Reactions

Angelina Jolie’s performance was surprisingly endearing.: Most viewers found the premise intriguing but the execution somewhat lacking.

The supporting cast, especially Tony Shalhoub, added depth to the story.: The film resonated with those who enjoy light-hearted movies with a touch of philosophical reflection.

Overall Consensus: Despite a talented cast and an interesting concept, ‘Life or Something Like It’ is generally considered a predictable and somewhat shallow romantic comedy with moments of charm but ultimately failing to deliver a truly meaningful experience.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Christian Kane, who plays Cal Cooper, is also the lead singer of the outlaw country band Kane. He sings one of their songs, ‘Sweet Carolina Rain,’ in the elevator scene.”
• “The film explores the themes of destiny, self-discovery, and living in the moment, prompting viewers to reflect on their own lives and priorities.”
• “While marketed as a romantic comedy, the film delves into deeper philosophical questions about the meaning of life and the pursuit of happiness.”

🖥️ How to Watch Life or Something Like It?

Life or Something Like It is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it for rent or purchase on Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Life or Something Like It, you might like these similar films:

• Groundhog Day (1993): Both films feature a character forced to re-evaluate their life due to unusual circumstances.
• Click (2006): Explores the theme of appreciating life and family over career success.
• Pay It Forward (2000): Features a character’s journey that challenges the status quo.
• 13 Going on 30 (2004): A lighthearted story about appreciating the life you have and self-discovery.

🛒 Life or Something Like It Related Products

• Life or Something Like It [DVD]: Own the film on DVD and enjoy behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast. A perfect addition to any Angelina Jolie fan’s collection and enjoy the extras.
• Marilyn Monroe: The Biography by Donald Spoto: Dive into the life of the icon who inspired Lanie’s transformation and is her childhood hero. This detailed biography explores Monroe’s career, personal struggles, and lasting impact on pop culture.
• Seattle Skyline Jigsaw Puzzle (1000 Pieces): Piece together a beautiful view of Seattle, the film’s setting. This high-quality puzzle offers a fun and relaxing way to appreciate the city’s iconic landmarks and relive memorable scenes from the movie.
• Prophet Jack Inspired “Future Teller” Novelty T-Shirt: This t-shirt pays homage to Tony Shalhoub’s character in the movie. Wear it as a conversation starter, spreading a bit of lighthearted philosophy wherever you go and perfect for any Life or Something Like It fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Life or Something Like It features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – performed by The Rolling Stones

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Life Or Something Like It (2002) End Credits (FX 2007)

Ever wonder what song played during the end credits of ‘Life or Something Like It’? This video gives you a clear view, and it’s always cool to see the names of everyone involved in making the movie happen.

✨ Rate