Maneater

I will admit that I am a bit of a Lifetime Movie Network addict, which is where I first saw this mini-series, but when things are just too cheesy/unrealistic/poorly written, I check out and change the channel. NOT SO with Maneater! I found it very well written, and Sarah Chalke's character extremely endearing! Sure, she's a materialistic and manipulative brat at first, but you stick around because a. she's adorable and b. you want to see if she learns her lesson. Does she? I guess you'll just have to watch :) And just as a point of reference, I hunted down a DVD copy of this the day after I saw it the first time because it was so fabulous, which can hardly be said for a lot of the mini-series out there. Happy watching!

I should first admit the only reason I bothered watching this show was because Noureen Dewulf was in it.

The premise for the show is based on how American women live their lives nowadays. We know materialism trumps all but to see it on screen like this just makes it like a horror/documentary almost. Regular romantic comedies at least give us a dreamlike view of how relationships could be, and they tend to add in actual humor which this show had none of.

But avoid this show/movie. We have to see this sort of thing day in and day out now and we don't need to see anymore of it. It's just not entertainment, it's a sad reality we're already drowning in.

OK so the trailer may look like your typical romantic comedy, but it's so much more than that. I taped it anyway because it did look like a good watch, but was absolutely surprised how good it was. After seeing the first part of the miniseries I can safely say I'm hooked and I can't wait to view the second part tomorrow. I could care less about any other program coming on May 31st including this year's MTV Movie Awards ( I can always check out the winners and watch clips on the internet), but this I can't miss. Maneater is filled with twists and turns that will make you gasp. It's not what you would expect. It doesn't drag on like most of the miniseries I've seen. It's fun and entertaining. I would recommend it. If you're looking for a new good romantic comedy with twists and turns tune in for this!!

The plot description for the TV movie "Maneater" reads: "Horrified that she is still single at age 32, a socialite hatches a plan to make a hot Hollywood filmmaker fall in love with her." Horrified is right, that's exactly what I felt trying to watch this.

The plot description is accurate. Clarissa (Sarah Chalke) is just so consumed with the need to get married to a rich guy that nothing else matters. That is about as horrible as a romantic comedy heroine that you could possibly write. There is nothing about her that is redeemable or likable in any way.

The plan that she hatches certainly fits with what we know about her character - despicable, superficial and ignoble. There may be twists and turns you don't necessarily expect but that's only because it's hard to believe there are people anything like these characters. It might not be so bad if this was a satire on the current state of Hollywood but I didn't see it that way.

I am a fan of Sarah Chalke, and this movie does at least show off how attractive she is, but it does nothing for her career. And haven't we all seen enough of Judy Greer playing the slutty and degenerate best friend? I have.

Avoid "Maneater" it is just horrifying.

Clarissa (Sarah Chalke) has enjoyed the high life for quite awhile in Beverly Hills. Although not as wealthy as some friends like Jennifer (Marla Sokoloff) and Gravy (Judy Greer), she has been fortunate to have her parents support her, between rich boyfriends. Now, however, the mirror is cracking, as she is newly over thirty. Its time to forget a former flame that broke her heart, Simon (Paul Leyden) and find a husband to finance her Jones-like habits. Fortunately, a looker has just come to Hollywood with a great script and big bucks. That would be Aaron (Philip Winchester), who has all the ladies saying yum, yum! Since Clarissa does have plenty of connections, Aaron responds kindly to her attentions. Also, the lovely socialite plays a bit of "hard to get", fanning flames, and soon the duo is a hot, engaged couple. But, Simon suddenly steps into the picture again, complicating things, while Clarissa's parents (Gregory Harrison and Maria Conchita Alonso) stir things up, too, with their various problems and issues. Then, too, the circle of female friends needs Clarissa's help with married boyfriends, handsome pool jockeys and so on. Will Clarissa learn any lessons on her road to wedded bliss? Yes, indeed! There is much more to this very fun romcom's plot than can be discussed here. After all, it was a miniseries when first broadcast. But, fans of the genre will just eat it up. Chalke does a terrific job as the title character while all of the others do nice work, too. Special words of praise should go to Greer, for she is certainly the funniest, prettiest second fiddle ever, in this film and in all of her work. Let's hope someday she is truly appreciated. Winchester and Leyden are two immensely attractive actors, also, so hearts will be pounding during a view. Costumes are to die for, as they say, while sets, script, and lively direction complete the movie's road to success. Man, gals, go get this one soon.