Show summary Hide summary
From glossy dance numbers to sitcom-ready banter, Relationship Goals lands like a familiar rom-com from the late 2000s — only this time the romantic map is drawn by a best-selling pastor. The film mixes Hallmark-friendly beats with overtly faith-driven advice, producing moments of charm and moments that feel closer to branded content than cinema.
How a pastor’s self-help book steers the plot
The movie is built around a real-world dating guide by Oklahoma pastor Michael Todd. His book appears on screen often and shapes much of the story’s moral compass. The plot hinges on a morning show segment about the guide, and the book’s themes steer character choices. This heavy focus makes the film feel part romantic comedy, part promotional piece.
What the source material brings
Kirsten Storms and ex-husband Brandon Barash relationship timeline: the highs, the drama, the split
Guitar will never die: why the instrument keeps reinventing itself
- The faith-based angle gives the story a clear set of values.
- It provides conflict when modern dating habits clash with conservative advice.
- At times, the messaging slips into prescriptive territory.
Performances: chemistry over complexity
Kelly Rowland and Cliff “Method Man” Smith lead as rival producers forced to collaborate. Their characters are lightly sketched, but Rowland and Smith inject warmth and spark. They hit the rom-com marks — banter, intimacy, and a few predictable reversals. Their chemistry is the film’s most reliable engine.
Robin Thede and Annie Gonzalez play two close friends who supply much of the film’s energy. They trade rapid-fire jokes and anchor the female friendship subplot. Their scenes remind viewers of classic rom-com sidekick dynamics. The cast leans into broad strokes rather than deep psychological realism, which fits the movie’s breezy tone.
Where the film leans into nostalgia
Director Linda Mendoza embraces several old-school rom-com tropes. Audiences get:
- A cathartic group dance sequence.
- A road-trip montage where a lead belts out feelings.
- The familiar enemies-to-lovers arc.
These elements often land with genuine joy. Mendoza understands how to stage cheerful, crowd-pleasing moments. When the movie leans into lighthearted warmth, it feels intent on entertaining rather than challenging.
When branding and preaching collide
The movie’s brightest issue is its insistence on spotlighting the pastor and his ministry. Scenes linger on the church, the family, and people highlighting the book. That repetition shifts the balance from rom-com froth to sermonizing. At points, Relationship Goals reads more like an infomercial than a love story.
Problem spots
- Frequent shots of the book being read or cited
- Messages that suggest conservative dating rules without nuance
- Comparisons and metaphors that sometimes land as preachy or moralizing
Supporting storylines and tone
The movie juggles multiple romantic subplots. One friend struggles with the modern dating app scene. Another wants commitment from a long-term partner who won’t propose. These arcs keep the pacing lively and allow comic relief. The film’s humor skews wholesome and sometimes dated. Still, the friendships are the emotional center.
What viewers might expect
- Light, escapist Valentine’s Day viewing
- A faith-forward perspective on relationships
- Comfortable rom-com beats rather than innovation
If you prefer rom-coms that prioritize chemistry and feel-good moments, this movie can satisfy. If you seek nuanced explorations of gender politics or modern dating, it may feel thin.
Cast, creators and release details
- Director: Linda Mendoza
- Writers: Michael Elliot, Cory Tynan, Laura Lekkos
- Starring: Kelly Rowland, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Robin Thede, Annie Gonzalez, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Dennis Haysbert, Matt Walsh
- Platform & Release: Prime Video — February 4, 2026
