Law of Attraction movie review by movie16

Law of Attraction (2020): A Rom-Com with Heart but Familiar Flaws

Law of Attraction (2020), directed by Michael Kampa, is a TV movie that dives into the romantic comedy genre with a legal twist, starring Lexi Giovagnoli as Allison Williams and Joseph Almani as Derrick Walker. This lighthearted film, available on platforms like Prime Video and Plex, follows Allison, a young female attorney aiming to impress her law firm partners to secure a junior partner position through her first major case. However, her plans are complicated by Derrick, the opposing attorney who’s been a thorn in her side through contentious emails and calls, only to reveal a charming side in person. While the movie delivers feel-good moments and a satisfying romance, its reliance on clichés and uneven pacing make it a pleasant but unremarkable entry in the genre.

Plot Summary

Allison Williams, nicknamed “Sunny,” is an ambitious attorney at a high-stakes law firm, desperate to prove herself by winning a big case that could earn her a coveted junior partner role. Her professional life is complicated by Derrick Walker, aka “D.J.,” the opposing attorney whose brusque communication style earns him a reputation as a jerk. Meanwhile, Allison’s personal life is tangled up with Max Murphy (James Nitti), the uncommitted son of a senior partner, Henry Murphy (Eric Roberts), whose disinterest and infidelity frustrate her. When Allison meets a charming stranger in her neighborhood, their chemistry grows at a mutual friend’s destination wedding, where they’re paired as bridesmaid and groomsman. The twist? This charming man is Derrick, her professional adversary. As their attraction deepens, the revelation of his identity sparks conflict, forcing both to navigate love, ambition, and ethics. The film builds to a resolution where Derrick’s surprising decision about the case paves the way for a heartwarming, if predictable, ending.

Performances and Characters

Lexi Giovagnoli brings warmth and relatability to Allison, balancing ambition with vulnerability. Her performance, praised by reviewers, shines in moments of humor—like waking up with a sticky note on her cheek after dozing at her desk—and in emotional scenes where she grapples with betrayal and self-doubt. Giovagnoli’s ability to make Allison’s journey feel authentic elevates the film, especially when navigating the tension between her career goals and budding romance. Her chemistry with Joseph Almani’s Derrick is a highlight, with their playful banter at the wedding rehearsal sparking genuine connection.

Joseph Almani delivers a solid performance as Derrick, transitioning from a seemingly abrasive lawyer to a charismatic love interest. His portrayal is charming, particularly in lighter moments, though some critics note his character lacks depth, relying on the “misunderstood nice guy” trope. The dynamic between Allison and Derrick carries the film, with their wedding scenes—culminating in Allison catching the bouquet—adding a romantic flair that fans of the genre will appreciate.

Supporting roles add mixed value. Eric Roberts as Henry Murphy brings gravitas, but his screen time is limited. James Nitti’s Max is suitably unlikeable, embodying a lazy, entitled partner whose cheating provides a clear foil to Derrick’s sincerity. Beth Broderick and others, like Allison’s friend Sarah, offer comedic support, though Sarah’s blunt dismissal of Max as a “leech” feels heavy-handed. The ensemble works well but doesn’t break new ground, with some performances feeling formulaic.

Themes and Storytelling

Law of Attraction weaves themes of love, ambition, and personal growth into its narrative, with the title playfully nodding to both romantic chemistry and the legal sparring between Allison and Derrick. The film explores whether love can overcome professional rivalry, a classic rom-com setup, and subtly touches on the Law of Attraction philosophy: Allison’s shift from stress to openness attracts positive change, like her connection with Derrick. Her pragmatic response to discovering Derrick’s identity—marked by frustration but not overblown drama—adds a refreshing layer of maturity.

However, the film stumbles with its heavy reliance on genre tropes, such as the hidden identity and the inevitable romantic misunderstanding. Critics on Letterboxd lament the script’s focus on a vaguely described case, which consumes significant runtime without providing context, leaving viewers detached from Allison’s professional stakes. The romantic tension is well-executed, particularly in the wedding scenes, but the pacing drags in the middle, with repetitive legal discussions that lack clarity. A memorable line from Derrick—“It’s everything you do after you say ‘I do’ that matters”—encapsulates the film’s heart, emphasizing commitment over fleeting attraction, but it’s not enough to fully offset the predictable plot.

Production and Cinematography

Shot on a modest budget, Law of Attraction maintains a polished look typical of made-for-TV rom-coms. The cinematography is functional, capturing urban and wedding settings with a bright, inviting aesthetic. The destination wedding scenes, likely filmed on a soundstage or limited locations, provide a romantic backdrop, though they lack the visual grandeur of films like A Royal in Paradise. The soundtrack, featuring catchy songs like “It’s Time for Us to Say Hello,” enhances the lighthearted tone, with the closing track about getting to “know you better” leaving a warm impression.

Production-wise, the film is competent but unremarkable. Some reviewers note minor flaws, like inconsistent sound design or overly staged sets, which betray its TV movie roots. The editing could be tighter, especially in scenes where legal jargon overshadows the romance, but the comedic moments—like Allison’s sticky-note mishap—land well, balancing drama and humor.

Reception and Impact

With a 5.1/10 rating on IMDb, Law of Attraction has garnered mixed reviews. Dove.org praises its balance of drama and comedy, appreciating the chemistry between Giovagnoli and Almani, while Letterboxd users criticize its lack of originality and vague case details. The film appeals to rom-com fans who enjoy predictable but cozy narratives, particularly those drawn to legal dramas with a romantic twist. Its availability on streaming platforms like Prime Video and Plex has broadened its reach, though it hasn’t achieved significant cultural impact. Some viewers find the title ironic, noting “all law and no attraction” in parts, reflecting the uneven focus on romance versus legal plot.

Final Verdict

Law of Attraction is a charming, if formulaic, romantic comedy that delivers on its promise of feel-good entertainment. Lexi Giovagnoli and Joseph Almani’s chemistry, paired with lighthearted moments, makes it an enjoyable watch for fans of TV rom-coms. However, its reliance on clichés, vague legal storyline, and uneven pacing prevent it from standing out. The film’s nod to the Law of Attraction philosophy—through Allison’s journey toward openness and love—adds a subtle layer, but it’s not explored deeply. For a cozy night in, it’s a solid choice, but don’t expect a genre-defining masterpiece.

Rating: 6/10
Recommendation: Ideal for rom-com enthusiasts craving a light, legal-themed love story with a predictable but satisfying arc.