Hals über Kopf

I predicted the "critics" would review this film poorly, and I was right. If I were a professional (paid) critic, I'd feel obligated too. But as a fun film to watch for sheer entertainment, my wife and I thought it was a hoot. The plot isn't terribly important, but it involves an FBI agent (Prinze) trying to solve a diamond smuggling crime ring while falling for a pretty art restorer (Potter). It would be a very straight and un-funny film without the four models!!

Potter's character needs a new place when she finds her boyfriend cheating on her, so finds what amounts to a large closet with a window for rent at $500 a month ("cash, please, if you can") in a luxury apartment that is given to four models. They like to rent out the "extra room" for a little spending money. But these models are funny, say the darndest things, fall over things, into things, and generally make the slapstick part of the film work. Along with a Great Dane that runs and knocks Potter down every time he sees her - except the last time!

None of the acting is great, but it is all OK. The dialog is snappy and funny most of the time. Film fans who enjoy "Dumb and Dumber", "Happy Gilmore", and "High Heels and Low Lifes" would probably also enjoy "Head Over Heels." I rate it "7" of 10 for sheer fun.

Is it a good movie or isn't it? If the movie is a comedy and it makes you laugh, somebody must have done something right. The humor is raunchy, but funny. There isn't any profanity, but the sexual content makes up for that. There is something wrong when Amanda comments on the fact that she slept with someone whose name she didn't even know. It furthers her cause as a victim of bad relationships, not really funny, but intended to garner sympathy. Even in this age of promiscuity, it is hard to be sympathetic when she jumps in bed with a guy she's only met a few times. No wonder her romantic life is in tatters.

The reason I believe this movie flopped at the box office is it doesn't have a target audience. Monica Potter isn't exactly a household name, so most guys are off target. Freddie Prinze Jr. appeals mostly to young girls, who because of the strong sexual content, probably were not allowed to see the movie. Personally, I would have liked to see more action, but hey, I'm a guy. (Actually, my wife said it and I'm just agreeing with her.) This movie would have benifited with an "R" rating, and I'm not talking about language or nudity, which rarely enhances a movie box office score.

As a comedy, the movie succeeds, I laughed a lot. As a romantic comedy, well let's just say that the chemistry was lacking. Just because two people look great together, doesn't really mean a thing.

Amanda (Monica Potter) is an art restorer for a New York City museum. Needing a new apartment with a miniscule rent, she finds a tiny room. It is located in the spacious apartment of four supermodels! Amanda gets the large closet. When a good-looking man (Freddie Prinze, Jr.) moves into an apartment nearby, the models encourage Amanda to express an interest in him. However, Mandy thinks she sees him commit a murder! What's happening?

Monica Potter is so lovely and charming in this film, one wishes she had a better vehicle. The plot is okay but takes a long time to develop. However, the costumes and sets are great and Prinze and the models make wonderful eye candy, too. One could do worse than spend an afternoon with all of these attractive folks. Recommended as an alternate choice for those who have laughed and cried through two dozen other romantic comedies with mild suspense.

I'll admit it: it's utterly embarrassing to watch this movie with another human being. I was embarrassed when I laughed uncontrollably at things numerous reviews had told me were idiotic humor. Well, this movie is idiotic. It's also adorable romantic comedy, with a funny and somewhat original premise . . . at least, it's cobbled together from original premises, like the "Rear Window" setup where Amanda thinks she witnesses her obsession across the street, Jim, murdering someone. Freddie Prinze Jr is completely irresistible, and Monica Potter's somewhat one-note nice-girl cuteness is made palatable by the insanity of her four supermodel roommates and her practical lesbian friend. Watch this, laugh hard and don't be embarrassed, because this movie, even at its most poorly scripted moments, is earnestly trying to make you laugh, unlike most of today's prefab romantic comedies, whose earnestness is sheer manipulation. Plus, only a small percentage of those have Freddie in them.

Oh, come on, people, was it really that irritating to you? Now, I admit, in no way is this movie Oscar material or the best movie of 2001, but learn to have a little fun. Are you really telling me that you couldn't laugh at the models? They took the movie and made it into a fun ditzy comedy. Basically, it's incredibly predictable, but Freddie Prinze, Jr. is a "fashion" business man who falls for Monica and she does as well. But as she states that she has bad judgment of men, there is a terrible thing she witnesses in an apartment with her "model" roommates and see him commit a murder! Together they investigate to find out if she is going to have a murderer boyfriend or live happily ever after, you make the guess.

5/10