So, you’re trying to remember that one movie. You know the one—it has Reese Witherspoon looking slightly stressed but charming, Paul Rudd being his usual "golden retriever in a suit" self, and Owen Wilson probably saying "wow" somewhere in the background.
The movie is called How Do You Know.
It’s a title that’s remarkably easy to forget, which is kind of ironic considering it was one of the most expensive romantic comedies ever made. We’re talking a $120 million budget. For a movie about people talking in apartments and on softball fields. Honestly, it’s one of those Hollywood mysteries that still feels a bit weird when you look back at the numbers.
Why Does This Reese Witherspoon Movie With Paul Rudd Cost $120 Million?
When most people search for a reese witherspoon movie with paul rudd, they’re usually thinking of this 2010 film directed by James L. Brooks. If that name sounds familiar, it should. He’s the guy behind Terms of Endearment and As Good as It Gets. He’s a legend.
But back to that price tag. How does a rom-com cost more than an action movie?
Basically, it comes down to the "talent" costs. Reportedly, about $50 million of that budget went straight to the salaries of the A-list stars and Brooks himself. Reese took home a massive paycheck, as did Jack Nicholson, who played Paul Rudd’s father in what turned out to be his final film role.
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The production was also famously meticulous. Brooks is known for doing a lot of takes. Like, a lot. When you have stars that expensive sitting on a set for months longer than planned, the bill starts looking like a phone number.
The Plot (In Case You Forgot)
Reese plays Lisa, a professional softball player who gets cut from the national team. She’s at that "what do I do with my life" crossroads we’ve all hit, usually around 2:00 AM after a bad day.
Then enters the love triangle:
- Matty (Owen Wilson): A professional baseball pitcher who is charming but has the emotional depth of a teaspoon.
- George (Paul Rudd): A corporate executive who is having a truly terrible week. He’s being investigated for stock fraud (which he didn't do) and his dad is basically throwing him under the bus.
It’s a bit of a slow burn. It isn't your typical "zany" comedy where people trip over rugs. It’s more of a talky, introspective look at how people figure out who they actually like when everything else in their life is falling apart.
Is It Actually Good?
Critics were... let's say "confused." On Rotten Tomatoes, it sits at around 31%.
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The weird thing is, if you watch it today, it feels different. In 2010, people wanted another Legally Blonde or Anchorman. They didn't really want a two-hour-long meditation on failure and corporate anxiety. But Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon have this specific kind of chemistry that feels very grounded. They aren't "movie stars" in this; they feel like two people you might actually meet at a bar who are both having a mid-life crisis.
Jack Nicholson is also doing his Jack Nicholson thing. He’s cranky, he’s witty, and he adds a layer of "prestige" that feels a bit heavy for a rom-com, but it works if you’re in the right mood.
Wait, Is There Another Movie?
Actually, yes. If you’re a deep-cut fan, you might be thinking of Overnight Delivery from 1998.
This was way before they were huge stars. It’s a classic 90s road trip movie. Paul Rudd plays a guy who thinks his girlfriend is cheating, so he sends a nasty letter via overnight mail. Then he realizes she wasn't cheating and has to race across the country with a stripper (played by Reese) to intercept the package.
It’s low-budget, it’s silly, and it’s honestly pretty fun. It was released direct-to-video, which is why it’s not as famous as How Do You Know, but it’s arguably the "purists" choice for a Reese and Paul collab.
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What You Should Know Before Rewatching
If you're planning to revisit How Do You Know, go into it expecting a drama that happens to have funny people in it.
The movie bombed at the box office, making only about $48 million against that $120 million budget. It’s one of the biggest "flops" in history if you just look at the spreadsheet. But movies aren't spreadsheets.
The dialogue is sharp. The scene where Paul Rudd tries to explain his legal troubles while Reese is just trying to process being unemployed is actually great writing. It’s just... long.
Actionable Takeaways for Movie Night
- Lower your expectations for "hijinks." This isn't a slapstick movie. It’s a "people talking in kitchens" movie.
- Watch it for the supporting cast. Kathryn Hahn is in this before she was the Kathryn Hahn, and she’s fantastic as George's assistant.
- Appreciate the cinematography. It was shot by Janusz Kamiński—the guy who does all of Steven Spielberg’s movies (Schindler's List, Saving Private Ryan). That’s why a simple apartment scene looks like a million bucks.
If you’re looking for a lighthearted romp, stick with Overnight Delivery. If you want to see two of the most likable actors in Hollywood navigate a messy, expensive, and deeply human story, give How Do You Know another shot. Just maybe keep your phone nearby during the slower parts.
Check your favorite streaming platforms like Amazon Prime or Apple TV to see where it’s currently landing. Sometimes it pops up on Netflix or Hulu depending on the month. If you can’t find it there, most libraries actually carry the DVD because, well, it’s a James L. Brooks film and librarians have great taste.