Cross My Heart

David (Martin Short) and Kathy (Annette O'Toole) have made it pleasantly through their first two dates. Although they are both eagerly looking forward to the third one, each is a bit apprehensive. This is because the duo has been slow in revealing important facts about their lives. Kathy's secrets are she is a smoker and has a young daughter. David has just lost his job but has told Kathy he received a promotion. The first part of their date goes smoothly but things change when they find David's car has been stolen. The couple eventually ends up in David's apartment, leaving the viewer with a question. When will the secrets tumble out and will they make a difference?

This is a cute movie about the precarious nature of dating. Most couples start off superficially and David and Kathy are no exception. Yet, when the reality starts to sink in, will they still like each other and want to keep the relationship going? One hot topic is sex and it's awkwardness is covered here with accuracy and humor. The principal actors play their parts well and are very likeable. While not a runaway hit, Cross My Heart delivers a sweet and sly portrait of the dating world. Most viewers will have a good time.

David Morgan (Martin Short) and Kathy (Annette O'Toole) are going on their third date. They like each other but both are hiding something. Kathy is consulted by her sister Nancy (Joanna Kerns) about not yet revealing her young daughter Jessica. David just got fired from his job. His friend Bruce Gaynor (Paul Reiser) offers him the use of his new car and apartment. The date starts off badly with the car getting stolen.

This is mostly a two-hander in an apartment. The story is a bit of hit-and-miss. The dialog could be sharper. The directions are simple. This is all about the charms of Short and O'Toole. They are an endearing couple. It's worthwhile to see this for their fans.

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.

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.

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.