Chasse à coeurs

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.

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!

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.

The chemistry and friendship between O'Tools and Short exhibited here makes me wish the two had re-teamed with richer material. As is, this movie about trying to be what you think the other person wants you to be is a pleasant diversion. Good support from Reiser and Kerns add to a good, if unremarkable, time.

David (Martin Short) and Kathy (Annette O'Toole) have made it pleasantly through their first two dates. Although they are both eagerly looking forward to the third one, each is a bit apprehensive. This is because the duo has been slow in revealing important facts about their lives. Kathy's secrets are she is a smoker and has a young daughter. David has just lost his job but has told Kathy he received a promotion. The first part of their date goes smoothly but things change when they find David's car has been stolen. The couple eventually ends up in David's apartment, leaving the viewer with a question. When will the secrets tumble out and will they make a difference?

This is a cute movie about the precarious nature of dating. Most couples start off superficially and David and Kathy are no exception. Yet, when the reality starts to sink in, will they still like each other and want to keep the relationship going? One hot topic is sex and it's awkwardness is covered here with accuracy and humor. The principal actors play their parts well and are very likeable. While not a runaway hit, Cross My Heart delivers a sweet and sly portrait of the dating world. Most viewers will have a good time.