Prendi il mio cuore

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.

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.

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.

Cross My Heart has Martin Short and Annette O'Toole as a pair of thirty somethings now on their third date. The film explores the issue of the fine line between putting your best foot forward to make an impression and how easily that can cross over into lying. Both Short and O'Toole are guilty of that.

With O'Toole it's a sin of omission, she hasn't brought up the fact that she does have a small daughter thinking that it can and has before scared away some potential serious involvement. Short doesn't want her to know he's been laid off and his prospects aren't looking good at the moment.

In fact Short really puts on the dog for this all important third date, borrowing friend Paul Reiser's car and apartment. In the end it's a lesson in love and honesty.

Cross My Heart was Martin Short's attempt at being a traditional leading man and he just falls way short no pun intended of being a romantic figure. I liked him a whole lot better in Captain Ron or The Three Amigos. This is just not his cup of tea.

It's one of those dialogue-heavy, single night movies that's not quite as clever or funny as the filmmakers think it is. A big problem with the arc of the story is the lies generated between the two leads are a bit too big, so forgiveness is a stretch.

Thankfully, it's not a total bust. Short and O'Toole are good here, and the movie is able to coast along on their chemistry.