The first in my new Friday Nights In series, Man Up tells the tale of a blind first date gone wrong (or really right?). Watch for the sharp script and funny blunders, not for the surprises. Because there aren't any really - except for a childhood stalker who carries a photo of your room around...

Simon Pegg and Lake Bell star in Man Up, a British and French (apparently) rom-com about taking a chance...especially when it comes to being mistaken for a blind date. The plot is completely summed up by the poster and there are very few surprises as it scores highly for predictability. There's absolutely nothing new, and you know the ending before you've even begun, but it's still hilarious, sharp and very British. I like it because it's set in all the places of London I know well, too!

Man Up has all the awkward ingredients of a first date, with the added element of Lake Bell's character Nancy ordinarily not "putting herself out there" but running with it (because why not?) when she's mistaken for a Triathlete financier ten years younger than she is because she's holding the same self-help book. Seems like a brilliant self-help book too. It's hardly something that would happen IRL but run with it - it's worth it. In the span of just a few hours, with so many units of alcohol consumed, there are a few layers to the plot that make it not just "single girl goes on date with single guy". There's cute family moments, a creepy childhood stalker (a fabulous Rory Kinnear), ex-wives and crashing teen house parties. Who knew there could be so many hours to the day?!

For me, the underrated American actress Lake Bell morphs into a charming Bridget Jones style relatable character as she wears her heart on her sleeve, avoids engagement parties in favour of room service, gets food stuck in her teeth, and carries cat photos in her wallet. We've all been there. I quite like Simon Pegg as a non-traditional-rom-com-guy in a rom-com leading role. (You can judge for yourself on the chemistry.) The rapport is quick-firing and natural, thanks to a great script.

It's all about finding romance and putting yourself out there - I probably won't run into my perfect man (spoiler alert) under the clock of Waterloo Station on my commute, even though it also happens to be my meeting place of choice. But maybe I too should take a chance and put myself out there...anyone up for a blind date?


Man Up is available to stream on Amazon Prime.