Totally Blonde

I'm almost embarrassed to be writing a review of this film. It features B-movie/soft-core porn star Krista Allen in a farcical attempt at romantic comedy. The only highlight is the Sinatra-like singing of Michael Bublé, the male lead. His acting is very bad, but his singing is good. The acting of Allen is painful to watch, and I continually felt pity for her. The other characters don't do any better.

The script is atrocious, the interior sets look over-lit and low budget (especially the club), the photography is mediocre, the narrative flow is ridiculously compressed, there's no building on the theme of a woman changing her appearance to exploit a male preference (in fact, almost no comment on it at all), and Allen's character's behavior is so completely juvenile and immature that she becomes an obnoxious stereotype of the oblivious woman. This display erased any sympathy I might have otherwise felt for the character. Obvious attempts at humor were almost universally unfunny, and the soundtrack in many cases unsuccessfully tried to be jazzy (aside from Bublé's songs). The trite message of "Follow your heart" as the core of the film's plot had me rolling my eyes on multiple occasions.

I am convinced that Andrew Van Slee lacks any real talent whatsoever (how many readers are saying "Duh!"?), having now seen three of his films (I won't bother with any more of them). There are so many truly great romantic comedies available that no time at all should be wasted on this one (instead, run right out and rent "It Happened One Night").

The title of this film might not seem appropriate after you watch the movie in it's entirety. Meg Peters dyes her hair blonde within the opening credits, and she never looks back. Only a few comments in the beginning are made about her change of look. After that, it doesn't really affect her as a person or in her relationships. She never wonders if the men she meets are only after her for the stereotypical image of a blonde bombshell. In fact, in the last scene, when her hair is back to her natural color, the guy she is with (I don't want to give it away) doesn't say anything about it at all. He never even noticed her look; it was the cheesy Hollywood romance of her physical appearance may have caught his eye in the beginning, but he loved her for who she was inside. Other than that, the film was a throw-back to the 1950s style - swing dancing and an attempt at physical comedy. Krista Allen doesn't match Lucille Ball in that respect, but she gives it her all and delivers a performance that is just exaggerated enough to make you laugh but groan with the thought of "what if there really are people this ditzy in the world?" at the same time. Her chemistry with her costars is great- she and Maeve Quinlan appear close, just like best friends. Michael Buble was a surprising talent. I was impressed at how well he could sing, and Brody Hutzler was the typical surfer dude- pretty to look at and that's about it. Colin Mochrie's cameos were great, but I think the best one was the one that was left from the movie and just shown during credits as a blooper. The film was beautifully shot, with only one continuity error and a few instances of an oddly large amount of headroom (nothing that keeps from enjoying the piece). Andrew Van Slee is a very talented guy, who seems to me to be a newcomer, but after this he's sure to go far. Plus it was nice to see Krista in a starring role. It's definitely a better film than Legally Blonde!

Although this movie had it's flaws, "been there - done that" plot, a "very bad" blonde wig, and a direct to video feel....it was kind of charming and funny. It appears to me the movie was used as a launching pad/vehicle for Michael Buble's singing and acting talents.....what an amazing voice. Buble really sounds like Sinatra and belts out some great tunes......check him out on the "Down With Love" soundtrack too. Don't expect too much but all-in-all it was a satisfying flick! My score **

For those who enjoy only the parts of the movie in which Michael Buble sings, there is a DVD out there containing only those scenes. It's called "Totally Buble" and is a companion to a CD of the same name. Both have been denounced by Buble and his management, but IMHO the songs are not as bad as they let on. There are seven songs/scenes on the DVD but they're very short (That's How it Goes, Peroxide Swing, Me & Mrs. You, Love and First Sight, Anyone to Love, Guess I'm Falling For You, Tell Him He's Yours). But if you can find it in a bargain bin for a couple of bucks, as I did, it may be worth picking up. (At such a price I doubt the producers will get any money from it, so you needn't worry about supporting their actions against the artist's own wishes - besides, it's your money.)

BTW, here are Michael's own words concerning the Totally Buble CD and DVD, from his fan site:

"'Totally Buble' is not an album that I wanted to be released. They were songs I recorded for a film called "Totally Blonde" many years ago before I was signed to 143/Reprise Records. The decision to release it as an album was made by the film's producer, and I had no control over stopping him. It is important for everyone to know, that I only want to release quality music to my fans by offering my best work and I sincerely apologize if you purchased this album."

"You've heard from me in the past regarding my thoughts on the "Totally Buble" not being a true representation of what I do. I have now been told of a DVD that is out in the market with the same name and art work. I feel the same way about this DVD. The old expression 'Buyer Beware' has never been more appropriate. Thanks everyone."

This is a cute movie that is a guilty pleasure. good date movie at home. I saw on show time and have tried to find in stores but no luck so far. Story is simplistic but fun. good old big band rat pack music. Sex overtone makes it a no no for kids. dead pan humor and sight gags are good for a laugh or two. under rated movie and under rated talent in this one. the lead babe is worth the watch at lest she is a babe and a half. the movie lags at points and my not have know where it was going at points so i can see why it my not be liked. If you like Elvis movies, beach movies, chick flicks you will like this. about cast these people are tring hard they have talent and need there big brake and some deserve it. excuse spelling thanks for reading eddie dee