Un look d'enfer

Another engrossing and insightful piece of filmmaking from Malcolm Mowbray, proving once and for all that his name deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Truffaut, Godard and Chabrol. However, it is not for Mowbray's talents that this film will be remembered always; in 'Don't Tell Her...', we at last find a stage upon which Steve Guttenberg's talent may shine, and shine alone.

Guttenberg essays the role of Gus Kubicek, recovering from a recent illness which has forced him to confront the truth of his own mortality. In a touching scene, clearly reminiscent of the closing moments of Nagasa's Ai No Corrida, Kubicek's sister (Shelley Long) pledges to support him in the quest to recover a semblance of his sense of self.

What follows is a poignant and moving account of one man's struggle to pretend to be a biker from New Zealand. Surprising, shocking and at times brutally honest, it is only by virtue of Guttenberg's sheer, uncompromising talent that the film remains as fluid and engaging as it is. He gives a breathtaking performance, the unique subtlety of his acting almost imperceptible as he deftly switches between the persona of the overweight cartoonist and the biker from New Zealand. Unencumbered by having to share the screen with the clumsier talents of Selleck, Danson et al, Guttenburg turns 'Don't Tell Her' into a stunning and exhilarating tour de force, elevating the film to a supern example of highly original post-modern cinema verite.

An overweight cartoonist (Steve Guttenberg) who has just finished with chemotherapy after almost dying of cancer quickly falls in love with Jami Gertz. Gertz is dating super-jerk Kyle MacLachlan though and honestly she has no attraction to Guttenberg. Guttenberg is the best person you can find though and unfortunately his inward beauty is not matched by his physical appearance. Older sister/novelist Shelley Long looks to change that though by turning Guttenberg literally into someone else physically and proving that Gertz is as superficial as she appears. This will of course give inspiration for a new book, but what happens when Gertz falls for Guttenberg? And does she fall for him because of his outward appearance, his inner-beauty or both? For the genre not bad at all, but still unremarkable all the same. The performers are all basically more at home with slapstick comedy or television sitcoms. Though kind of dumb and never too intelligent, the movie still has an admirable heart. Fair little date night movie, but once again nothing overwhelming. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

Not being a native speaker it is sometimes hard for me to understand what is the meaning of some words because we don't have an equivalent in my language. One of such words is cute, neither beautiful nor attractive. I was explained it's like somehow good or beautiful but not enough. This movie is just like that. Unless you are totally romantic you gonna hate this film. I mean predictable story, lots of overused moments and twists, classical ending... I loved it! The thing is the film is good at it's main purpose, it is romantically charming. And that means a lot, at least to me. It's a good-natured film about good-natured people for the good-natured viewers.

Absolutely charming, an old school romance that would never see the light of day in the noughties.

Full of genuinely funny moments, particularly from Shelley Long chastising her infant on the dangers of sticking fingers in sockets or eating oil covered bolts in a non-chalont manner. Leads look great and have the timing for comedy. Jamie Gertz never fails to charm.

Funny, romantic, inspiring and beautiful, says this soppy old romantic.

I found that this was a very enjoyable film and even though films like this(probably smaller budget, not a lot of hype, etc.)may not get the critics raves, it IS a good rental or cable view for anyone who likes the "star-crossed" lovers theme with a lot of the silly hi-jinx that usually surround them.

I absolutely ADORE Steve Guttenburg no matter what he plays in especially due to his boyish likability and the "attainable" characters he usually plays. Not to mention, he is an absolute HOTTIE! As for the rest of the cast, they were all chosen well especially Jami Gertz and Shelly Long. All in all a good, CLEAN(which is hard to find these days) and fun little movie. My thumbs up! lol