Cross My Heart

Funnyman Martin Short and the incredibly sexy Annette O'Toole deliver ingratiating performances in this engaging romantic comedy. They play David and Kathy, two adults about to go on their all- important third date. Unfortunately, the inability of both of them to relax and just be themselves leads to various lies. He's ashamed to admit that he just lost his job, so his best friend Bruce (Paul Reiser) loans him his apartment & car so he can make a good impression. Meanwhile, she's afraid of scaring him off should he learn that she already has a six year old kid.

This is almost a two character movie, that could also work pretty well on the stage. Written by Gail Parent and director Armyan Bernstein, it's an appealing look at modern (in 1987, anyway) dating and relationships. What's impressive about the script is its observational humour and insights into these things. But what really makes the movie work is that Short and O'Toole are so endearing. You do like these characters and want all problems to be resolved.

Granted, some humour is predictable. We all KNOW that when David drapes his clothes over a lamp, that there will inevitably be a fire. And we know that things will get fairly bad before they can start to get better.

Short might not be anybody's idea of a leading man, but he's charming to watch regardless. O'Toole is the real joy; a guy really could fall in love with her. Reiser and TV sitcom mom Joanna Kerns ('Growing Pains') offer fine support.

There is some rather tastefully done sex and nudity as well, in what has to rank as one of the more under appreciated comedies of the 1980s.

Eight out of 10.

This film has an odd effect on people. Some are bored because it details their own dating life so perfectly, yet others crack up laughing because of the same reason. But that's generally why we like slice-of-life movies, because we can relate to them. Even though I first saw this when I was 13, I found it amusing anyway (sex-bomb O'Toole didn't hurt either). But as I got older and into the dating/relationship scene, the film then became even funnier. We all have our white lies, and secrets, and hesitations because we think this person we like so much will run away screaming if we open up about our bad habits or truths. This is carried out perfectly by Short and O'Toole, in a sort of My Dinner With Andre atmosphere. They grapple with if they should have sex or not after three dates, and also things they are concealing from each other. Short moreso, as his scheme to impress her turns into one tap dance after another. Borrowing a friend's car and apartment, and hiding the fact that he just got canned at work. Short shines during these moments, when a suspicious O'Toole questions him about things that don't seem tied to his character. The film will lag here and there for you, but if you lived this stuff, it should provide a lot of fun. And it being the late 80s, the safe-sex angle is played up big time, complete with a magazine survey that O'Toole hatches on Short. He actually does pretty well as a romantic lead, and O'Toole....hoo, boy. Young and old males alike will fall for her character big time. Charming, busty, and sexy, all in one. A great score as well, with pop songs and a catchy harmonica score. Track this lost gem down if you can.

Dating is a heck hole, and this movie prooves it. I think the story is great since everyone has been there, and the acting is real, so you don't feel that these people are just examples in some Lifetime film. I would of given it a higher rating except that during the middle, it slows down, and makes a person lose interest. So, if you are going to see it, try fast forwarding through the middle for full enjoyment, because not only will you miss the boredom, but you also won't have to see Martin Short naked.

It's one of those dialogue-heavy, single night movies that's not quite as clever or funny as the filmmakers think it is. A big problem with the arc of the story is the lies generated between the two leads are a bit too big, so forgiveness is a stretch.

Thankfully, it's not a total bust. Short and O'Toole are good here, and the movie is able to coast along on their chemistry.

The chemistry and friendship between O'Tools and Short exhibited here makes me wish the two had re-teamed with richer material. As is, this movie about trying to be what you think the other person wants you to be is a pleasant diversion. Good support from Reiser and Kerns add to a good, if unremarkable, time.