After Sex

I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It's actually quite interesting and engaging. The cast is strong, even Dan Cortese. Brooke Shields has come into her own as an actress. Black and White must have really set her free, 'cause I have never seen her in this much command playing a conventional character. If marketed right, could be a medium-size hit.

On Sunday, my friend, Patty, and I went to see the first viewing of "After Sex." Because it was being shown as part of the SXSW Film Festival here in Austin, our chances of getting in were risky because we hadn't bought $55 passes for the festival. We had been watching the schedules for weeks because we thought "The Weekend" would be showing. But, two weeks ago, "After Sex" showed up on the schedule with no warning or advertisement. Because it looked like they were quietly sneaking it in for feedback, we thought we'd take a chance. We arrived an hour early, and sure enough not many festival-goers knew it was playing- so they opened up the movie to general admission. We got in for $4! By the time the movie started, though, it was a full house.

So, how was it? Not what I expected, which is a good thing. The movie is a fast-paced comedy about a group of friends: two married couples, one engaged couple, and a divorced woman. The film explores the relationships between men and women through these friends. The script is very fast-paced, and the camera angles are quirky. The soundtrack is excellent, and we found ourselves wanting to buy it as soon as the movie was over. Was it perfect? No. When the movie stuck to comedy, it was very good, sometimes hysterically funny. But, when it delved into the serious side of relationships, it was uneven. Not because of the writing, but because of the acting. All of the actors had great comedic timing, but a couple of them just didn't have the range to play "serious." (Notably, Brooke Shields and Dan Cortese) But, thankfully, their crying jags were brief and didn't detract from the movie too much.

And what about D.B. Sweeney? Terrific! He plays a husband opposite Virginia Madsen, and the two show the best acting of the movie. His character is this sweet lug who reads self-help books to make sure his marriage stays strong and, God bless him, he has no idea what to do with the information! He has some of the funniest lines in the movie, and honestly, I missed some of them because the audience was laughing so hard. When this movie comes out, be sure and catch the first scene with him and Virginia Madsen. I call it the watch scene, and maybe it was so funny because I'm married, but I was laughing about it even after the movie ended. These two also did a great job when the mood got heavier. The last scene with them is beautifully done, and it doesn't dawn on you until later that the two never speak a word.

I think the movie will be a sleeper. The audience gave it a round of applause, and I'd love to see it again when it's released. There have been so few movies lately that are just enjoyable and fun to watch, but this is definitely one of them.

Brooke Shields -- in a departure from her "Suddenly Susan" duties -- plays a bitter divorcee who embroils three girlfriends in a "girls only" weekend in Palm Springs. The problem: Brooke is "unattached" and on the prowl, while her friends are all involved. Hence the title implications and emotional backlash their "amoral" weekend causes.

Despite a few laughs generated by Dan Cortese ("Victoria's Closet") and MTV "relationship authorities" Adam Corolla and Dr. Drew Pinsky, this is somber stuff for women only. D.B. Sweeney, Virginia Madsen and Jon Polito co-star.

It's amazing that such a cliche-ridden yuppie angst film actually got made in the first place. The characters are so weak, and the acting so uninspired, that it's impossible to care about any of them-- especially Brooke Shields. The temptation to fast forward through the slow parts is almost irresistible. If you like this genre, you'd be better off renting "Singles," or "Bodies, Rest & Motion."

Usually when I review any film, good or bad, I like to comment on why I have the feelings I do. But in the case of this film I truly cannot be bothered. This film lacks good direction, has lame acting, a terrible script and starts to be become laughable and in poor taste. It also shows that the actors and actresses really have chosen a project that will bring a quick end to their careers. I am talking of people such as Brooke Shields (Suddenly Susan), Virginia Madison (from the great romantic comedy ‘Electric Dreams') and D.B. Sweeney, so on and so on.

So my rating for the film?

CMRS gives ‘About Sex': 0.5 ( - Bad Film)

Why? Well quarter of that rating goes to the entire cast, crew and behind the scenes people for turning up for a few weeks and putting on a movie, albeit a disgraceful one. The other quarter, goes to the best parts of the movie, that of the two men talking in what looks like a psychologist's office. I have plenty of experience in such a place, and a lot of what these guys say makes plenty of sense. It is a shame the other parts of the film did not add up.

Enough has been said already. Please beware. This is a film that you will most likely hate, with a vengeance, because I know I do.