
Three words sum up this movie quite nicely: Sarcasm, sarcasm and more sarcasm (oh, and there's a 'big crocodile', too, so I guess that makes 'five' words, total). This movie is a sarcasm-fest from the opening scene to the final moments before the credits roll. Bridget Fonda is surprisingly nimble in balancing her character and delivering cutting, fast and emotional dialog. Fonda is supremely effective as the out-of-her-element female determined to hold her own while Bill Pullman is the right-at-home-laid-back-take-it-easy counter weight with a more subtle sarcastic delivery.
However, for me, the real magic of the story and dialog comes from the interaction and chemistry between Brendan Gleeson and Oliver Platt. It's an absolute treat watching (and hearing) two characters develop through such heavy volleys of rapier like sarcastic wit. It's also amazing watching an actor like Gleeson who has played such serious roles as Hamish Campbell in Braveheart and Frank (the father in the apartment building) in 28 Days Later portray such a hilarious (and sarcastic) straight-man while sounding so American (he's Irish).
The supporting cast includes Meridith Salenger, who was in the 80's flick Dream a Little Dream with the two Coreys (yes, I saw it), and Betty White in a hysterically funny and unexpectedly verbal role, which makes it even more amusing.
This is, yet again, another one of those stop-taking-yourself-so-seriously-and-have-fun movies and if you're not sure if you'd like it, here's a simple test: If you've ever walked into a room dripping wet after being caught in an unexpected downpour and someone said, "Is it raining?" and you replied with something like, "No, it's National Baptism Day," then there's a good chance you'll enjoy, at least, part of this film.
2 comments:
And yet another film made in Canada, on Vancouver Island if memory serves me right. Come on, admit it. You've got a thing for all things Canadian. I can tell ;>)
hi chris
You win - my secret is out.
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