A talent scout for a talk show takes center stage after her boyfriend breaks up with her and she begins a column about the animalistic, cheating behaviors of men. Starring Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear, Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei, Ellen Barkin
My favorite thing about this movie: Judd’s hair. I seriously considered stealing her haircut after watching this film, but I worried that I might be 14 years out of date:) Most embarrassing moment of the movie: Judd’s early morning cheerleading routine- in her underwear– for her co-worker/roommate Jackman. That was painful to watch.
Greg Kinnear is perfectly typecast as the affectionate, committed, then non-committed, boyfriend, and Ashley Judd is at turns both perfectly exasperating and sympathy-inducing as the jilted girlfriend. Her cutting remarks and needy, coping behaviors are so relatable. It’s really the supporting cast that steals the show, though. Marisa Tomei as Judd’s no-nonsense best friend and Hugh Jackman as her promiscuous co-worker with a broken heart of gold are the real gems that make this film shine. Ellen Barkin also gives a solid performance as Judd’s seemingly tyrannical boss.
The thing about this movie is that everyone has a soft side; there are no true villains, so it is easy to root for everyone, as unrealistic as that may be. It definitely feels like a period piece to me, though: an early 2000’s snapshot of dating, romance, and film making. I personally enjoyed it, perhaps because I used to think about relationships in much the same way as Judd’s character (not her “research” thoughts but her actual relational thoughts). Overall, I’d say it is charming (and surprising) enough to warrant a trip down memory lane. Give it a watch sometime.
I was surprised that Ashley and Hugh frequently talk to and interact with each other in an intelligent, adult, unsentimental, honest way, unlike the sentimental contrivance which is the rest of the films plot and of rom-coms generally. If this, their style of interaction, had been the substance of the film we would have had a terrific movie in the manner of memorable European art films. I morn that loss because they unquestionably have the qualities needed, but Hollywood formula film making blocks the best in actors. Think of the studio’s reaction to Johnny Depp’s marvelous Jack Sparrow, “Is he drunk, is he…GAY!” He scared their boring business suited pants off. And then Jack was overwhelmingly popular and adored!