Os Queridinhos da América

A fun movie that was much better than I thought it would be. I expected a horrible movie and I got a fun time-filler for ninety minutes. Great cast, entertaining movie. Billy Crystal and John Cusack stole the show from the leading ladies, but it's still a lot of fun to watch.

3/5 stars -

John Ulmer

I know this movie is not incredibly popular in the realm of IMDb voters, but I have to say, it's a really great comedy. I have always enjoyed it very much for it's wit and for the critical undertone it takes about how relationships function is Hollywood )something that is easily capitalized upon with today's celebrities). Really, the movie mocks the holllywood genre in general, which I find to be incredibly amusing! The performances are also very good. Billy Crystal, John Cuzsack, Julia Roberts, and Catherine Zeta Jones all play their roles in a very believable way. The dialogue is witty and engaging. I highly recommend it for a good laugh and a decent romantic comedy!

This film is really two films in one. There's a sharp black comedy on Hollywood, as well as a pleasant romance. While both parts work, I preferred the comedy over the romance. Billy Crystal has some good one-liners and John Cusack, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Christopher Walken all seem to be having fun as they satirize Hollywood. Even Larry King joins in the fun. However Cusack seems visibly disinterested in his romantic role opposite Julia Roberts. Roberts can perform this role in her sleep. The film is watchable though it would have been even better as a stand alone satire.

Overall 7/10

When I saw this movie in the theater, I left a bit disappointed, which is hard to say because I love Julia Roberts. For some reason, it just did not click. However, when it came out on video, I watched it again and I laughed so hard I couldn't believe it was the same movie. It just worked so much better at home on the small screen. So my advice to anyone who saw it in the theater and was not struck by it, try it again as a rental and you may be surprised. And of course, if you haven't seen it, I do recommend it, for it is a fun movie and is actually quite entertaining, especially if you like the stars, which most people do.

This is a weird film, almost as if it was written by 2 different people with very different approaches to comedy. At times it's fast paced, surreal & hilarious. At other times it's more situational, down-to-earth and amusing but not really laugh-out-loud funny. "America's Sweethearts" did indeed have 2 writers (Billy Crystal and Peter Tolan), but I'm only guessing that that's the reason. Regardless, it's a good film worth watching.

"America's Sweethearts" begins with the fast-paced-hilarious, satirical approach which had me choking in laughter. The opening is reminiscent of the classic "Hollywood Shuffle" with its merciless mockery of the film industry. But it quickly simmers down to a more laid-back, easygoing romcom with a storyline. Periodically it hits us with some of the former hilarity but only in spurts.

John Cusack delivers a great performance as the borderline psychotic yet lovable jilted lover. Catherine Zeta-Jones is his counterpart, perhaps not as mental but every bit as memorable. Billy Crystal plays his usual wisecracking self, no need to describe that any further. Julia Roberts is the voice of reason, or the "straight man" role.

What ensues is somewhat predictable but packs enough surprises to keep you awake. Hank Azaria's portrayal of a Spanish gigolo is hilarious (if not slightly offensive to Spanish gigolos?) and that definitely keeps the momentum going. And then Christopher Walken makes a brief appearance or two, bringing down the house.

This is a fun movie for everyone, but in particular, entertainment industry folks and film geeks will get a real kick out of certain parts. Like "Hollywood Shuffle" or the more recent lashing of Hollywood "For Your Consideration", there are some funny inside jokes for movie buffs. But don't worry, if you watch it as a straightforward romcom it still delivers.