Here for a Good Time

War (I Did Something Bad) puts an action-adventure twist on the friends-to-lovers trope in this strained romantic comedy. Poe Myat Sabei’s debut novel was a sensation, but now she’s paralyzed by imposter syndrome and struggling to draft a follow-up. A two-week, all-inclusive trip to Sertulu, a tiny island “somewhere to the right” of the Philippines, with her best friend and roommate, Zwe, may be just what she needs to break free from her creative rut. On Sertulu, romantic tensions simmer between Poe and Zwe even as they flirt with resort employees Antonio and Leila, respectively. The White Lotus vibes of the opening abruptly dissipate when a band of armed women attack the resort and take everyone hostage. Poe, Zwe, Antonio, and Leila must work together to escape with their lives. As the danger intensifies, Poe realizes that her creative and romantic struggles stem from her insecurities and learns to be brave. Though War attempts to keep up the lighthearted humor and romance in the face of these life-or-death stakes, the tone becomes jarringly inconsistent. Poe and Zwe’s chemistry starts strong but becomes difficult to believe when they’ve got so much else going on. Only diehard fans of the author need apply. (Aug.)