Angelina Jolie‘s 2002 rom-com, Life or Something Like It, features three child actors who depict the star’s younger self. While Life or Something Like It boasts a strong cast, it remains forgotten in Jolie’s filmography. Angelina Jolie’s performance in the 1999 thriller Girl, Interrupted, served as her breakout role, earning her an Academy Award and launching her into Hollywood’s spotlight. Life or Something Like It echoes the spirit of the classic great rom-coms and features a charming lead on an entertaining journey of self-discovery, although it received overwhelmingly negative reviews.

Life or Something Like It has risen to the top of Netflix’s top charts 23 years after its debut release. Even though it’s significantly overlooked, the fantastic connection between its central characters, Lanie and Pete, is what truly drives the movie. This, alongside the intriguing premise of a future-predicting prophet, results in a satisfying ending for Life or Something Like It. Despite its initial reception, the 2002 film is a worthwhile watch, especially for fans of turn-of-the-millennium romantic comedies. Its talented cast, including the young actors portraying a young Lanie, is a major factor.

Life or Something Like It’s Younger Versions Of Angelina Jolie Are Played By 3 Different Actors

Life or Something Like It Explores Three Different Versions Of Lanie Kerrigan

Lanie Kerrigan is a feature reporter who begins to reevaluate her life after a homeless man, known as Prophet Jack, informs her she’s going to die within a week, amid an interview. The opening montage of Life or Something Like It presents three different versions of Lanie, all of which are somewhat integral to the narrative of the story. Young actors portray Lanie Kerrigan at various early life stages, culminating with her as a 15-year-old. This version of Lanie is portrayed by Amy Esterle, who went on to be uncredited in the cast list for Life or Something Like It.

As a result, the role of Lanie is officially split between two other young actresses, one for her at age five and another at age ten. The main younger character, 5-year-old Lanie, is portrayed by Ashlyn Morgan Williams, who hasn’t acted since a minor role in Life or Something Like It. At the age of ten, the character of Lanie Kerrigan is brought to life by Marika Anuik, whose sole acting credit is for Life or Something Like It, too. These younger portrayals appear in pH๏τos throughout and in a home video in the final act of the film.

Angelina Jolie’s Life or Something Like It Is Experiencing A Popularity Surge Thanks To Netflix

Like or Something Like It Has Claimed A Top Spot On Netflix’s U.S. Charts

Angelina Jolie’s rom-com, Life or Something Like It, was considered a major commercial failure during its time of release. The 2002 motion picture garnered a host of negative reviews and only earned $16 million over its theatrical run, against a modest $40 million budget. Although the film was directed by Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure visionary, Stephen Herek, Life or Something Like It was criticized for its forced narrative that detracts from the film’s important message about appreciating every moment of life.

It currently stands at a remarkably low 28% on Rotten Tomatoes. That said, Life or Something Like It is significantly underappreciated. While Angelina Jolie’s filmography includes a lot of much better movies, her 2002 rom-com is, in hindsight, a fun addition to a career that has generally seen her tackle darker, more complex characters.

Life or Something Like It has unexpectedly soared in popularity on Netflix, finding itself in the daily top 10 most-viewed content in the United States. Adding to its accomplishments, the film ranked among Netflix’s top 10 in 24 separate countries, including the United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, and Hong Kong. It’s often a mystery of what captures the attention of Netflix viewers. However, the service’s algorithm might be the primary driver behind it. The unexpected resurgence of Life or Something Like It is a welcome one, indicating that the Angelina Jolie film is now finally gaining some recognition.