What's Love Got to Do with It? (2023)

What’s Love Got to Do with It? is a romantic comedy with the rare gift of feeling genuinely modern and sincerely warm at the same time, using its premise to ask big questions about love without ever getting preachy. It’s charmingly anchored by appealing leads whose easy chemistry makes the film feel like time spent with people you actually enjoy, and its cultural lens adds texture and freshness rather than “lesson” vibes. The tone stays light and pleasant, but it’s not weightless—there’s real heart in the way it explores tradition, choice, and the stories we tell ourselves about romance. If you want a swoony, high-drama whirlwind, this may be too gentle, but if you’re in the mood for something funny, affectionate, and quietly thoughtful, it’s an easy yes.

What’s Love Got to Do with It? wants to be a warm, modern rom-com that gently digs into tradition, family pressure, and what “choice” really means in love. The problem is it often plays things safe, sliding into a familiar, paint-by-numbers romance when you’re hoping it’ll go sharper or deeper on the cultural questions it raises. If you’re allergic to predictable beats, uneven chemistry, or a few performances that lean a bit broad, this may feel more conventional than insightful. Still, it’s amiable and easy to watch, with enough charm and good intentions to work as light comfort viewing—just don’t expect it to surprise you.