Avaliações de usuários

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.

James Spader was so adorable in this movie. His geeky quarks and pitifulness are so cute that he kinda reminds me of a squirrel in a scientist's costume or a doctor's outfit. His character is put through so many embarrassing situations that you kinda want to take him home and keep him like a pet or something. Bill Murry seemed out of place. There was absolutely no chemistry between him and O'Hara. His acting was machanical and the performance was cheesy. Melora Walters pulls out an okay performance. She starts out strong, but all of a sudden at the end of the film she is so different; like she's not staying faithful to the character. This is a good sit on the couch with a girlfriend or two movie, if you are looking for something to make fun of. All in All I think I enjoyed it.

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 broad sex farce fell through the cracks in late 2001, despite an outstanding pedigree; it was produced by the great Alain Sarde (The Pianist, Vera Drake), helmed by the gifted John McNaughton (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer, Mad Dog and Glory), and scored by George Clinton, and sports a first-rate cast including James Spader, Bill Murray, Melora Walters and Catherine O'Hara. That sounds like a surefire commercial home run, but the movie never received a proper U. S. theatrical release.

Though it isn't difficult to see why French producers initially greenlit the project, it's also likely that the wall-to-wall explicit dialogue and subject matter may have scared off U. S. distribs. The movie is so gleefully raunchy and lewd that it feels like a relic of the 70s - it has the same open-armed embrace of freewheeling sexuality that comedies like John Byrum's Inserts and Bertrand Blier's Calmos did - lots of droll talk about sexual anatomy and orgasms and technique.

For those viewers willing to run with this, Speaking has a promising setup and numerous belly laughs during its first 70 minutes or so, and a couple of plum performances - one by Spader, as a harried, sexually starved therapist, another by Murray as a sleazy, toupé-wearing attorney - the kind of scuzzbucket who might later specialize in defending Me Too predators. These two are a joy to watch. Walters also does first-rate work as a sweet but naive housewife, swimming way out of her depth with these sharks. And some of the same McNaughton directorial gifts that were on display in Henry and Mad Dog and Glory manifest here - particularly his sneaky and subtle way of visually establishing character. Another bonus: his clever approach to filming Spader and Walters's first tryst, which includes witty smash cuts to screaming African masks at the point of climax.

Initially, we may feel we're in for a home run with this picture. But after the first hour, the material begins to lose steam. Two recurring jokes - one involving a couple of cutesy poo euphemisms for genitalia and another about the Spader character's masterful sexual technique - may earn a smile the first time, but get repeated ad infinitum. On top of this, none of the final narrative reversals work at all. The third act feels as if it may have been cut, given a hastily introduced and abandoned thread about the sexual commercial exploitation of Walters's character that leaves a rancid taste in our mouths.

I wouldn't necessarily discourage anyone from seeing this - the film isn't a total wash, and it has its pleasures. But it falls short of the greatness of Henry and Mad Dog and eventually wears out its welcome.

This film really left me wondering for quite a while after I saw it... First (as trying to be as self critic as I can), I thought something was wrong with me... Maybe I've missed something... Some irony... Some parody... Some...whatever...

But... NO!!! Unfortunately not!

Reading all other User Reviews, I can only say that comedy taste of Americans and us, Europeans is obviously sooo different... (Which is totally OK)...

But, from my point of view, I must say I am shocked with what a crap they spent their money on!?!? I mean, there are so many great stories that never find a producer or studio, so many talented directors, young comedy actors...

And, instead of trying to figure some of them out, since they are already throwing away a bag of money, they do the worst possible thing...

Choose ridiculous scenario (that has NOTHING in it), they assemble a Golden Cast of actors and then they produce Catastrophe...

I mean, what was that James Spader story in this movie??? Him trying to act as Jim Carrey on Acid (why the hell didn't they take Carrey for the role then, and not the usually great James Spader, who looks ridiculous in this "slap-stick of 22nd century" comedy)...

Right, as said in many reviews before, Bill Murray and Mrs.O'Hara try to save the film, but not enough space and room and good lines and inventive directing and nothing...

Everything is so flat!!! Just dig out the lightning in the movie... Those flat faces, no shadow anywhere (not even on those in depth walls – In just one shot I spotted some Venetian blinds shadow on the wall behind the actors ----- oh, what a try!!!)...

Only decent looking scenes (in matter of Production design, light and direction) are the scenes taking place in this "statement taking room" where we have entire cast in the scene....

Don't know... Maybe those years I've spent on Movie and Theater Academy made a movie geek out of me, and maybe I am watching too many movies and maybe I am watching them too "technically", but, again, I really tried hard to find at least one simple tiny good detail about this film... And I found none...

I even found NO reason to even try to get interested in making the one --- and I really wonder how on earth did those producers succeed in lining up all those people --- from director to the last actor --- to appear in such a nothing!!!!

No offence, please!!! Just my point of view!!!

Feeble attempt at what should've been a screwball farce, this AB-shot flat comedy is the result of a decent script meeting the wrong director. Walters & Mohr are good, but I really wanted the movie that Spader was acting in. #nitrosMovieChallenge.

Good production quality with some some really decent funny acting by almost every character.

i never seen james spader doing comedy but he did this very well. he is funny. the plot is simple but it keep getting complicated later but still its easy to understand. im really glad that it wasnt serious movie, otherwise it would be a disaster.

I saw this movie was available for free on streaming, and I was interested because it was a movie with Bill Murray that I hadn't seen. I was aware he wasn't the main character, but I decided to give it a try.

So, it *is* funny, but it's not hilarious, and maybe a tad bit long. James Spader is not really a comedian. It's good to see him do different types of movies, though. Here he's really just freaked out, and flabbergasted by what happens in the story. He's definitely overacting, but this is really like a Farrelly Brothers movie, it's very over the top. The sex is not sexy, if that's what you're looking for, it's very ridiculous, with characters falling all over the place. I was very impressed with Jay Mohr in this. This is not a character most guys would want to play, but he played it great! Catherine O'Hara was really witty, too! Loved her in this.

In these days I have a hard time finishing movies, but this one kept my attention, it just could've ended a little bit sooner.

If you like anyone in the cast, or like over the top comedic films, I'd say give this a try,

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.

Because I thought this movie was barely better than an unfortunate train wreck. The plot was ridiculous, the characters were lame, and I couldn't believe that actors I admire so much were attached to such a piece of garbage. Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara were basically the only two characters in the entire film I cared about, and even that is stretching it. I actually usually enjoy Jay Mohr's comedy, but I just wanted to punch him in this. I've never been one for "chick-flicks", but I don't even think this qualifies as one. In all honesty, I have trouble figuring out exactly what the target audience would be. If you happen to catch it on TV and there's absolutely NOTHING else on...read a book.

I saw this film tonight at the Chicago film festival's closing night. This film is one of the unfunniest and unoriginal I've seen in a while. It even stole a gag from Austin Powers(another unfunny movie). The film stars James Spader, Melora Walters, Jay Mohr, Bill Murray and Lara Flyn Boyle. The plot was so contrived and pointless I can't even remember what it was about. The plot is there to basically fuel all the unffuny sex jokes and gags. I hated it and so will you. it is Boring with a Capital B. Johnson. Major. Out.

Ok, I read a review and thought how bad can this be. Lets look at the good. Bill Murray is given a very good character to play in this film and does his small number of lines well. But what a waste. You are given a only sniff of his potential. James Spader and others also hold their characters well. Jay Mohr not so good. Editing and scene changes are also very smoothly done.

Lets look at the bad. There is no possible way this can be classed as comedy. There is a small run of jokes part way through (Mr and Mrs Happy) to stop you falling asleep but its no where near enough. Heck, slapstick comedy with the old faithful banana peel would be a welcome addition here.

I rate this 3/10 - not as bad as freddy got fingered, but still a waste of my time.

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.

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!

Oh c'mon. What were you expecting? Gone with the wind? Some of my favorite stars. Some cast against type (James Spader, Jay Mohr, Lara Flynn Boyle). Bill Murray is ALWAYS watchable and here makes a delicious pairing with Catherine O'Hara. Situations are wacky but plot can be easily followed. This is one of those movies that is like a feature length SNL sketch, only this is actually funny (in most parts). RECOMMENDED.

I think the scripting and the acting are brilliant in this movie. If you can't relate to the characters, you can still sympathise with them. I didn't think there was any main role which wasn't portrayed well. The film took a little time to win me over but it was well worth it.

I saw this movie at the Tribeca Film Festival, and it upsets me when good movies are not distributed in wide release.

This movie is a fun and exciting experience with some outstanding performances by Bill Murray and Catherine O'Hara. While it might seem like a standard childish sex comedy, the writing and acting are much more intelligent and is sex-positive and witty at the same time.

If you see this playing and want a fun time, go see it.

This was a good comedy for adults. It had some stars such as Lara Flynn Boyle and Bill Murray. I thought it was definitely a different role for Murray. The story itself was a good one and I found it easy to follow the characters and the plot line. Lara's character was that of a sex therapist trying to get a couple's life back on track. It definitely worked! They were much happier after seeing her. This is one movie I would rent but I don't think it would be something I'd own. Some of the camera shots towards the ends were pretty funny watching where the characters were at a given point in time during that part of the movie. If there was a sequel, I'd try and see it just to see what happened to everybody after the story of this one ended.