America's Sweethearts

I had bought the DVD of this movie some years ago for $3, probably as a used disc when Blockbuster was closing their rental stores. But I had not gotten around to watching it, until last night. It has a number of fine actors and as a comedy and parody of the movie-making business it is suitably entertaining.

John Cusack as Eddie Thomas and Catherine Zeta-Jones Gwen Harrison are the power couple, generally referred to as "America's Sweethearts." The movie begins with a series of short clips from some of their popular movies where their characters are also lovers.

Their latest movie is set for release soon but there is a problem. Eddie and Gwen have split up. While still married she has gone off to live with a hot Latin lover. Eddie has not been able to get over the loss. Now the publicist and fixer (Billy Crystal) has to convince both of them to attend the press junket for the movie's release.

The other key role is Julia Roberts as Gwen's sister, Kiki Harrison. It seems Kiki has sacrificed her whole existence to help, and cater to, her famous sister who is very demanding and treats Kiki as a servant. That has to come to an end and it does in a most satisfying way.

As he does in most of his roles Christopher Walken is the scene stealer as a temperamental filmmaker. His role is rather short but in total might be the most important one, as the final catalyst for change.

My wife and I enjoyed it at home on DVD.

SO I just finished watching this movie a couple of days ago. The reason I watched it because Julia Roberts was in it and shes one of my favorite actresses. Here is a short summary of whats it about, Well it starts with a famous Hollywood couple that is going through a divorce, and a movie director who lost his job and has the chance to get it back if he can bring John Cusack's character and Zeta Jones character back to together. Julia Roberts' character is Zeta Jones sister in the movie and happens to to get with John Cusack's character because she always had a crush on him and John Cusack has always liked her.

Well the movie was good, it wasn't great. Yes most people will watch it because of the cast and not like it. Christopher Walken steals the show as always in the beginning and end, with short scenes. There are some really funny scenes, but thats about it. The plot of the movie is okay nothing excitint.

I give it 6 out of 10 stars. I would at least give it a chance if your fan of any of the actors in this film, or if you like that type of genre.

This film is really two films in one. There's a sharp black comedy on Hollywood, as well as a pleasant romance. While both parts work, I preferred the comedy over the romance. Billy Crystal has some good one-liners and John Cusack, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Christopher Walken all seem to be having fun as they satirize Hollywood. Even Larry King joins in the fun. However Cusack seems visibly disinterested in his romantic role opposite Julia Roberts. Roberts can perform this role in her sleep. The film is watchable though it would have been even better as a stand alone satire.

Overall 7/10

Gwen (Catherine Zeta Jones) and Eddie (John Cusack) are America's favourite sweetheart couple, but since breaking up Eddie has had a breakdown and Gwen's career is floundering. Their latest movie is shortly due for release and their press agent Lee (Billy Crystal) with the help of Gwen's sister Kiki (Julie Roberts) have to get them back together and promote the movie.

Written and produced by Billy Crystal 'America's Sweethearts' is a good giggle, and has some fine performances from Cusack, Crystal, Roberts and Jones (Although Catherine Zeta Jones's performance as a press hungry b*tch, is maybe a little too believable). For me though the ending makes the movie, its not entirely what your expecting and Christopher Walken, helps to bring the closing scenes to life, with his patented brand of acting genius.

Worth a watch 7/10

When I saw this movie in the theater, I left a bit disappointed, which is hard to say because I love Julia Roberts. For some reason, it just did not click. However, when it came out on video, I watched it again and I laughed so hard I couldn't believe it was the same movie. It just worked so much better at home on the small screen. So my advice to anyone who saw it in the theater and was not struck by it, try it again as a rental and you may be surprised. And of course, if you haven't seen it, I do recommend it, for it is a fun movie and is actually quite entertaining, especially if you like the stars, which most people do.