So much rom-com crud can be found floating on certain streaming platforms (*cough Netflix*), especially around V-day. But on Amazon Prime, premiering Friday, “I Want You Back” reminds us of the value of rom-coms with actual com, not to mention performers on the order of Charlie Day and Jenny Slate.
In truth, there are no other performers like them, which is why I enjoy their work so much. They share some interesting traits: easy, eccentric assurance in both broad comedy and gently seriocomic tones; those naturally expressive, sandpapery voices; unpredictable timing with both ready-made punchlines and throwaway, off-the-cuff line readings en route to the zinger. Not to sound like the characters they play here, but: I want them back.
In an Atlanta office building stairwell, orthodontist receptionist Emma (Slate) and retirement-home executive Peter (Day) meet across separate puddles of tears. They’ve both recently been dumped.
