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When
you let a bunch of actors make a ton of self-referential jokes
with a few cornball chuckles thrown in, you could end up with a
big mess. It's not quite time to bring out the Brawny,
however, as you watch Julia Roberts, John Cusack, Catherine Zeta
Jones, and Billy Crystal spill a little good stuff on the floor.
You don' t necessarily want to lick up their droppings, but
you're OK with watching them sit there for an hour and a half.
"America's Sweethearts" is the story of Hollywood's
Cutest Couple (Cusack and Jones), who have split up because she
is in love with an Italian actor (played by Hank Azaria,
hilariously, if with a bit of offense to Italians).
Cusack's character is crazy without her, which leads him to seek
peace with a wellness guide -- meditation, root-chewing, etc.
When their new movie is about to be released and in need of some
serious PR, they are called to a press junket, show up, and
chaos ensues. She wants to keep up appearances for the
world's sake, he doesn't. Oh, and he falls hard for her
sister, Kiki (Roberts).
Their
latest flick is vital to their careers, and is also a
centerpiece of this film. Christopher Walken brilliantly
plays the concept-driven director. Film, in fact, plays
many roles in "America's Sweethearts". The
Lovebugs' early
flicks provide for some great, heartfelt laughs.
I
didn't see the point of having Julia Roberts' character show up
recently-emerged from losing 60 pounds. As if we all need
reminders of how great her body is. Plus, if she was
really eating as much as they insinuate that she was, she'd be gigantic,
not just a girl with a cute belly roll and a bit of the ol'
double chin. The fat suit works--she does look chubby and
un-starlet-like--and I guess the point is that Cusack's
character was somewhat attracted to her even when she was
overweight, so it must be true love. Now that she's
gorgeous, he can go to her with a light heart! But I
digress.
I
also didn't see the need for some silly dog humor.
Shakespeare used dogs on stage for comic relief. Dogs are
funny, obviously. I love dogs. But, come on, unless
you're in the middle of some seriously morbid stuff, why pull a
dog gag? It cheapened an otherwise smartly funny movie.
Overall, a fun film with some great jokes and some high-quality
performances. Don't see it if you're expecting a very
serious romance -- but, if you're up for laughing at others (and
maybe at yourself, too), give this one a watch.
-- Liz
( 3 out of 4 pops )
Talk
about this film with other Popkorn Junkies |
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Other Junkie's
opinions.....
Patsy (2 1/2
out of 4 pops )
I'm the kind of person who likes Hollywood gossip and I love
getting behind-the-scenes looks at movie making, so I enjoyed the
little inside jokes that this movie provided about "the
biz". I only found the film mildly amusing
though, so I'm betting that people who aren't that interested in
the movie-making industry will wonder why "America's
Sweethearts" is considered a comedy. Besides the fact
that the film wasn't that funny, I also didn't find the story very
engaging. It was kind of an interesting story, but when you
just don't care about the characters involved it gets a little
tedious. The main actors in the film did their jobs well
but, unfortunately, their characters had no depth and so the love
story fell flat. "America's Sweethearts" is a
romantic comedy with little comedy and little heart.
Matt ( 3 out of
4 pops )
I think many looked forward to this movie because of Julia
Roberts. Well, I've always been a big Billy Crystal fan.
And I understood that he co-wrote and stars in this film. So
I was looking forward to this movie for the same reason millions
of viewers look forward to the Oscars--BILLY!!! This is one
of those fluffy, fairly superficial comedies where I couldn't
help but overlook all the flaws and clichés because I was too
busy LAUGHING!!! Catherine Zeta-Jones is beautiful as
always, John Cusack gives a hilarious slapstick performance, Alan
Arkin is funny as the pretentious spiritual healer, Billy Crystal
is...well...Billy! That explains it! Belting out
those priceless one-liners left and right. And finally we
have the spotlight on....Christopher Walken as a reclusive film
director and (the great scene-stealer!) Hank Azaria as the
stereotypical Latin lover, hamming it up to the fullest and
bringing in the biggest laughs in the film. You've
got to hear his accent! Imagine Ricky Ricardo on acid.
Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Julia Roberts; I just
don't patronize her. So excuse me if not raving about her as
much as the other cast members. There are few surprises in
the plot. Pretty much what you would expect in a romantic
comedy of this sort. But in the comedy department,
"AS" is in top form. Laughter from beginning to
end! Not to mention a film that makes you feel good after
you leave the theater.
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