La pareja del año

This is a weird film, almost as if it was written by 2 different people with very different approaches to comedy. At times it's fast paced, surreal & hilarious. At other times it's more situational, down-to-earth and amusing but not really laugh-out-loud funny. "America's Sweethearts" did indeed have 2 writers (Billy Crystal and Peter Tolan), but I'm only guessing that that's the reason. Regardless, it's a good film worth watching.

"America's Sweethearts" begins with the fast-paced-hilarious, satirical approach which had me choking in laughter. The opening is reminiscent of the classic "Hollywood Shuffle" with its merciless mockery of the film industry. But it quickly simmers down to a more laid-back, easygoing romcom with a storyline. Periodically it hits us with some of the former hilarity but only in spurts.

John Cusack delivers a great performance as the borderline psychotic yet lovable jilted lover. Catherine Zeta-Jones is his counterpart, perhaps not as mental but every bit as memorable. Billy Crystal plays his usual wisecracking self, no need to describe that any further. Julia Roberts is the voice of reason, or the "straight man" role.

What ensues is somewhat predictable but packs enough surprises to keep you awake. Hank Azaria's portrayal of a Spanish gigolo is hilarious (if not slightly offensive to Spanish gigolos?) and that definitely keeps the momentum going. And then Christopher Walken makes a brief appearance or two, bringing down the house.

This is a fun movie for everyone, but in particular, entertainment industry folks and film geeks will get a real kick out of certain parts. Like "Hollywood Shuffle" or the more recent lashing of Hollywood "For Your Consideration", there are some funny inside jokes for movie buffs. But don't worry, if you watch it as a straightforward romcom it still delivers.

I know this movie is not incredibly popular in the realm of IMDb voters, but I have to say, it's a really great comedy. I have always enjoyed it very much for it's wit and for the critical undertone it takes about how relationships function is Hollywood )something that is easily capitalized upon with today's celebrities). Really, the movie mocks the holllywood genre in general, which I find to be incredibly amusing! The performances are also very good. Billy Crystal, John Cuzsack, Julia Roberts, and Catherine Zeta Jones all play their roles in a very believable way. The dialogue is witty and engaging. I highly recommend it for a good laugh and a decent romantic comedy!

This is not a biting Hollywood satire, and I'm sure there were some missed opportunities to poke fun at the biz. But as long as that's not what you're expecting, you should have lots of fun.

I'm an avid Billy Crystal fan, and though he's not the star of the film, I was really looking forward to this movie--being that he also co-wrote the script. There are some trademark zingers you'd anticipate from the Oscar's favorite MC: "Sixty pounds? That's a Backstreet Boy."

The cast is superb. Hank Azaria, like always, steals the show. He is absolutely hilarious as Catherine Zeta-Jones' new Spanish lover. There is a great scene near the end where he gets outraged at a rumor of his inadequate "size." Just like his role as the flamboyant butler in "The Birdcage" he brings out tons of laughs, taking on a phony accent. He really is a man of extraordinary talent. John Cusack shows us his more...goofy side. I've always enjoyed him in past movies, but he usually plays the straight man. This was something different. Well, I guess you can say he plays the straight man, but he stumbles into all sorts of slapstick situations that causes him to overreact in comic fashions. And he's great at it! Julia Roberts is...well...Julia Roberts. I have nothing against Julia, but I don't patronize her in the same way others do. I don't think she's the most beautiful woman and I don't think she's the most brilliant actress. But I'm sure many were looking forward to this movie because of Julia, and if you're one of those people, you won't be disappointed. Catherine Zeta-Jones is extremely beautiful, but she is so great as the whiny, bitchy ex-wife of Cusack/spoiled actress that I wanted to stab her every moment she was on screen. Alan Arkin is funny as the pretentious, preposterous spiritual healer. There is a great deleted scene with him and Cusack over the phone, while Arkin rides the streets of Vegas in a pink convertible. Those renting the DVD--don't skip the deleted scenes! And last but not least, Christopher Walken (Da Man!) has a brief but memorable appearance as reclusive director Hal Wideman.

Don't expect any surprises. The story's as predictable as can be. The whole movie is superficial fluff. But it's enjoyable superficial fluff. If you just want to kick back, have some good laughs, without having to kill any brain cells--curl up on the couch with your man or woman and watch "America's Sweethearts."

My score: 7 (out of 10)

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

A fun movie that was much better than I thought it would be. I expected a horrible movie and I got a fun time-filler for ninety minutes. Great cast, entertaining movie. Billy Crystal and John Cusack stole the show from the leading ladies, but it's still a lot of fun to watch.

3/5 stars -

John Ulmer