Juro por Deus

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.

I realize that Annette O'Toole has had a respectable career, but why didn't she get to be a megastar? She is beautiful, funny, sexy, hot, radiant and not totally unattractive!! Yikes!! She gives the most natural performance I have ever seen in a romantic comedy. And even more shocking, is matched (almost) step for step by Martin Short. After seeing this, that Jiminy Glick shtick is way beneath him. As for the movie, it is an admittedly talky, mainly one set, two character affair, but that's the fun. Crackling, witty dialogue lets the character's (and actor's) personalities shine through (i.e. "my impersonation of Montgomery Clift"). With brief, but yeoman support from Paul Reiser, this is an underrated gem. And did I mention that Annette O'Toole is breathtakingly gorgeous!!! The original movie version's nudity is something to be remembered, but handled so well that it plays much better than the edited for TV versions. Either way, this is entertainment as likable as it gets.

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.

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.

When I rented this movie I thought aww man Reisers gonna flub it up. But I was was wrong it's simply magical and shows how real dates go instead of all these yuppie movies made by one hit wonders. Reiser is very good O'toole is charming and Short is Amazing (as always). See it!