February 14, 2007
Castle Rock etc.
Comedy, Romance, Musical
DVD
B-
Writer-director Marc Lawrence did Two Weeks Notice and there are some obvious similarities, most particularly the coasting on Hugh Grant's chemistry with his leading lady, in this case the equally rom-com-prone Drew Barrymore. Also, the film is set in New York and there's a sounding-board sibling, this time an older sister for Drew's character Sophie. As such, the movie also has parallels with Going the Distance, although that movie would turn rom-com tropes inside out. This one is more standard, but amiable enough to make me wish it were better. The best aspect is undoubtedly Grant's character's former stardom in an '80s pop band called Pop! (With the exclamation point, à la Wham!) A perfect parody video opens the movie and nothing after that can live up to it. My advice: put your expectations low and just enjoy this movie for what it is.
Stephen Detherage was a News Intern in Groundhog Day and is Al the Concert Shirt Vendor here. Carlos Velazquez was a Musician in School of Rock but is a waiter here, while Kathleen McNenny was Freddy's Mother there and is Gloria here. Charlotte Maier had played Hugh Grant's ex-wife Helen Wade in Two WN and plays Barbara here, while Adam Grupper was her lawyer before and is Gary here, and Jason Antoon was Norman there and has a more memorable role here as angsty songwriter Greg Antonsky.
Thelma O'Leary plays a Concert Attendee here and would soon be a Park Attendee in Enchanted, while Robert Sciglimpaglia is a Class of 1987 Alumnus here and would play a Ball Room Guest there. Mark A. Keeton is Sloan's Dinner Companion here and would be Denim Suit Guy in Baby Mama. Zack Orth was Mike in In & Out and J.J. in Wet Hot American Summer, and is David Newbert (TV Executive #1) here. (He would also go on to be a Waiter in They Came Together.)
No comments:
Post a Comment