Buying the Cow

This started off as a pretty intelligent and funny movie. It actually had some insightful things to say about romance, relationships and the reality of them versus our fantasies. Then it veered off into a stupid farce and never really recovered. I'd still recommend it if you want to watch something light for 90 minutes. The cast is game, and very likeable. And any movie that opens with Andy Williams covering The Partridge Family's "I Think I Love You" certainly has its heart in the right place.

A great fun comedy that was far better than I expected it to be with a few surprising twist. Ryan Reynolds was brilliant and stole every scene but was ably supported by both Jerry O'Connell and Bill Bellamy. Lots of laugh out loud scenes and quire original. Way better than most comedies out there.

"Buying the Cow" is a somewhat stiff, run-of-the-mill, mating game romantic comedy (emphasis on comedy) full of vanilla actors in plastic roles, somewhat herky-jerky, band-aided with a couple of side plots, which does deliver some funny moments and finally connects with a little romance in the end. The film's conglomerated story has to do with a woman with marriage in mind who wants a commitment from her significant other who fell in love at first sight years ago and is reluctant to marry....etc. Much of the film is cliche stuff we've seen before and there's little fresh creativity to be found. Nonetheless, the film's heart is in the right place and it should provide a modicum of entertainment for young adults and suckers (like me) for the romantic comedy genre.

Hidden in the midst of straight-to-video releases, this film is a head and shoulders above the rest, and it boggles my mind that it did not achieve theatrical release.

While the subject matter is somewhat unoriginal (Games a man must play to land a "perfect woman" and the pros & cons of commitment/marriage), the film has a magnificent script that gives these themes a freshness not seen since Swingers.

Perhaps the film's strongest suit is the cast. Reynolds, Bellamy, O'Connell, and Livingston work great together, and never once does the witty dialog seem forced or unbelievable. The interaction seems realistic, and most importantly, personal (from the male standpoint, anyway). The film is smart and thoughtful, giving a variety of perspectives on the subject matter.

The only beef I have with this film (no pun intended) is that the ending is a bit abrupt (I won't give anything away, but you'll see what I mean). I felt a little more elaboration might have tied things up a bit better. However, don't let this deter you, Buying the Cow is a must-see.

Ryan Reynolds (who plays Mike Hanson) should be getting more major rolls; as should Ron Livingston (who plays Tyler Carter Bellows). It seems that no one notices the massive amounts of talent these two dudes have... if only I had the money. Of the women in this movie only Alyssa Milano (Amy) stands out as portraying anything other than a stick figure. She was warm approachable, loving, and real. The rest struck me as mannequins.

The script was OK but struck me as thin - much like "Wild Hogs" - Walt Becker's other major effort. Given time I can see him pwning (it's a gamer's spelling) Hollywood.

Another reviewer called this a great date movie... that's the last thing I would want to see with someone I was trying to get to know. It's all about marriage - too soon for a date movie. Nonetheless, if you want a light romp through relationship land then this is pretty darn light reading. 7/10.

-LD

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