Speaking of Sex

What's the deal with James Spader? Why does he always end up playing the incompetent boob with weird sexual fetishes?

This superbly cast film is well-written and well-directed. The thing is, it doesn't really have any zingers, any defining moments. The talented James Spader (Crash) and Lara Flynn Boyle (The Practice) are two therapists that get emotionally involved with a troubled couple, the talented Melora Walters (Being John Malkovich) and a very down-to-earth Jay Mohr (SNL). Spader is particularly gifted through his mannerisms and uncomfortable demeanor, although Walters' performance as a simple and emotionally confused woman is equally amusing. As things between characters get complicated, the director does an excellent job of keeping the pacing going; the film never really loses momentum. The writing is based mostly on the situation, yet a couple of twists and subtleties really keep the viewer enguaged. Especially brilliant is Bill Murrary (Groundhog Day) who steals scenes from Phil LaMarr (MAD TV) and Catherine O'Hara (SCTV) with his exaggerated delivery. Furthermore, the director uses several manic cuts and tricks to keep the images fresh. The only real sore points stem from the fact that there isn't much TO the movie. It's hard to find an emotional connection with any one character, such that by the end, you're more interested in seeing what will happen as opposed to hoping for happy fates. Furthermore, the script's humour is mostly character-based; there aren't really any lines that bowl you over or stick in your head. But the dialogue is well-scripted and well-delivered. This movie isn't really a romantic comedy; but a piece of good entertainment for several demographics. It's got a Snatch feel with a Zoolander comedic touch. Great entertainment for an afternoon and a definite renter if you want to laugh a bit. James Spader forever.

I don't know exactly what went wrong with this movie, Bill Murray can do comedy, Jay Mohr was funny in Mafia, but I think it was the script that has messed this movie up big time. I know it's hard to make up good jokes, and all the good stuff has already been used in other movies, but is that really a reason to resort to sh***y sexual jokes? I mean, you can make BIG sexual jokes, that are almost revolting (the sperm gel used by cameron diaz in there is something about mary) but will freak people out and make them laugh, or you can do the other jokes.. and sadly they have chosen for the save path. These jokes are weak, I have the idea that the writer is a bit afraid of sex himself, and tries to write the trauma away with this dreadful story.

But enough about the story what about the cast? lot of semi-great names, but no real big names, that is not a shame, I think the actors did pretty good considering the script that was given them. None of them are truly great, Lara Boyle is candy for the eye as usual, but nothing more. The characters are just flat, no crazy persons (a good comedy must have a weird or crazy person in my opinion) they are all at the same level. Even a veteran like Bill Murray delivers a meagre performance. Almost like the director said "people! don't try to be too funny" they seem to be held back by something.

And last, but not least, the directing. I think the director did a good job I like the short flashback thing were he let's the picture slide into the screen. Also the "private eye and victim woman" telephone conversation with 2 other people was brought very good. The director did his best and made a movie what was a 4 out of 10 into a 5 out of ten.. so 5/10, maybe nice for the die hard Murray fans. But not very funny.

This movie was similar in many ways to a French sex farce. So I guess you'll have to call this an American sex farce. The script was well thought-out, though there were a few characters which didn't get enough air time.

James Spader played a neurotically geeky psychiatrist, which is a bit of a different character for him, as he usually plays sexual deviants. Good manic performances by Jay Mohr, Melora Walters, and Lara Flynn Boyle. Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara also shown in their supporting roles. Phil Lamarr had a hilarious line, despite being only a cameo appearance.

There were several intermingled stories playing all at once. It was well done because if one story started to drag, they could switch to another story to keep the interest fresh. This is really light-hearted stuff, but it did have some very subtle comic moments in places that you might miss if you don't watch it more than a couple of times, so watch it at least a couple of times.

This was the closing night of the 37th Chicago International Film Festival. The audience laughed all the way through. Get a van and bring everyone you know!

I loved how this movie poked holes in our prudishness. Even after 6 years of Bill n' Monica many of us are still not able to do what the title suggests.

It's funny funny funny. Not for kids, but funny.

McNaughton should get a Oscar Nom for keeping this movie funny and moving all the time!

This is a sex farce where the actual sex is by far superior to the rest of the movie. The title tipped me off, it's too on the nose and unsubtle. The script is entirely about sex. That usually would be very much in my "pro" column. The sex scenes and quick cuts are by far the funniest things in the movie. The problem is, the movie is ENTIRELY about sex. Next to nothing about the characters, the setting, nothing. There are no characters to connect to. Nothing to root for or care about. The plot is incoherent. The acting is broad and unfunny. In a later interview, the director said he wished he had told his actors to play it straight. Amen to that! James Spader, as Roger Klink (har har), gives a jittery, gaspy performance. Talk about playing against type. As the film went on, it bugged me that he never seemed to speak in complete sentences. Spader, Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara, all excellent comic performers, are weighed down by the clumsy script and terrible pacing. In the small part of Dr. Klink's ex-wife, Megan Mullalley gives by far the best performance, in part because she has the most rounded, interesting character. You know there's something wrong with a film when a minor character is better written than the leads. Lara Flynn Boyle as Dr. Paige, an unstable marriage counselor is awful. The rest of the cast is capable, nothing special.

If you have nothing better to do, this movie is an okay diversion, but don't go out of your way.