“J.Lo’s ‘This Is Me… Now’: A Spectacle of Narcissism?”

Jennifer Lopez’s latest venture, “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story,” has certainly made waves, but not all the feedback has been positive. Critics and audiences have pointed out several aspects of the film that fell short of expectations, particularly in terms of its plot, soundtrack, and portrayal of narcissism.

Plot

The narrative of “This Is Me…Now” has been criticized for its lack of coherence and depth. The film, which is described as a visual component of Lopez’s ninth studio album, attempts to weave together a series of music videos into a feature-length story. However, reviewers from IMDb and The New York Times have described the story as cringeworthy and a rambling mess, respectively. The plot, which is supposed to chronicle Lopez’s journey to true love, has been perceived as confusing and difficult to follow, with one IMDb reviewer stating that there’s nothing in the show that they understood.

Soundtrack

While the music in “This Is Me…Now” features catchy beats, it has been labeled as uninspiring and forgettable by some. The soundtrack, which is integral to the film’s structure, has been criticized for its so-so quality and lack of innovation. The New York Times review suggests that the music could have been produced at any point in the last 25 years, indicating a sense of timelessness that is not necessarily positive, as it leaves Lopez stranded in a musical past rather than pushing boundaries.

Narcissism

The film has also been scrutinized for its self-indulgent nature. Critics have pointed out that while the film aims to be a personal and heartfelt exploration of Lopez’s life and relationships, it comes across as narcissistic. The Variety review notes that Lopez, as the star, co-writer, and executive producer, struggles to express herself personally after more than 30 years in the public eye, resulting in a film that is more of a showcase of her life as reported by the media rather than a genuine self-reflection. This sentiment is echoed in the IMDb review, which implies that the film is excessively focused on Lopez without offering substantial content or insight.

In summary, negative reviews of “This Is Me…Now: A Love Story” have highlighted issues with the film’s plot, soundtrack, and perceived narcissism. The plot has been described as incoherent and confusing, the soundtrack as uninspiring and dated, and the film’s approach to personal storytelling as self-centered and lacking in authenticity. These critiques suggest that while the film may have been a bold attempt at personal expression, it ultimately did not resonate with all viewers or critics in the intended manner.