Connie et Carla

In short, I really enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. When I would go through my Direct TV program guide and see it listed as an offering I would skip it but for some reason today I decided to give it a go. I'm glad I did.

Kind-of a mix of Sister Act, Victor/Victoria and the Birdcage this film is fun from start to finish. Campy, silly, and corny it is just plain enjoyable (if you enjoy light drag-queen humor however - I suppose those who find men dressing badly as women non-entertaining would not enjoy this movie). I was thrilled to see Debbie Reynolds (is that a spoiler?) show up toward the end of the film and do a little song-and-dance herself.

Maybe movie-goers were looking for another "Greek Wedding", but I seriously don't know why this didn't do better in the theaters. Nia Vardalos has a keen sense of humor and should keep on writing for stage as well as screen. I wasn't aware of her singing ability, although it's doubtful she will ever be considered the next Streisand (she and Toni Colette do a passable version of "Don't Rain On My Parade") she can certainly belt out a tune when necessary.

While "Connie and Carla" is not brain-food it definitely does a good job of keeping you smiling and laughing, all the while making a positive statement about drag-culture and the gay community. Rent it, buy it, watch it on a pay channel but definitely see it if you want to have a good time.

First things first: this is a very silly movie with a cardboard plot, hackneyed characters, and some atrocious dialog. BUT - nobody goes to see a movie like this for its iconic "film" moments. You go because it looks utterly ridiculous and you're in the mood for just that sort of fluff. On that basis, the movie delivers a lot of entertainment - many out-loud laughs and a variety of entertaining songs.

Toni Collette's talent reservoir seems bottomless - she can act, sing AND dance. Nia Vardalos also sings sufficiently well, and her easy, comic manner nicely leavens the somewhat hysterical character played by Collette. Together, the actresses are genuinely entertaining as they work their way through the list of Broadway standards. David Duchovny, in a role that could have been painful to watch in less competent hands, instead brings an unusually light and friendly touch to the role of Vardalos's love interest (Aside: where's he been? He's cuter than he's ever been in his life - stop languishing at home with Tea and Madelaine!).

Yes, the ending is silly; pay attention - I already said the whole movie is silly. But did I laugh loudly several times? Yup. Hysterically a couple of times? Uh-huh. Did I enjoy the musical numbers? Definitely. Will I ever feel the same way about the song "Mame" again? Not hardly. Did I get my money's worth? You betcha!

"Connie and Carla" is about two dinner theater performers (Vardalos & Collette) who, on the lam from the mob, bring their musical show to L.A. where they pose as drag queens while one falls for a guy. More lively than sophisticated, this little musical romcom (emphasis on comedy) wears its flimsy premise out while filling in the blanks with loads of show tune song and dance snippets. A step down for writer and lead Vardalos, "C&C" makes for an ebullient, energetic, and somewhat lame powder puff and perfume comedy watch. Slammed by the critics with average marks from the public, "C&C" will play best with females and anyone into drag comedy and show tunes. (B-)

I was a skeptic about spending seven bucks to see this since I was probably the only viewer in the world who didn't like "My Big Fat Greek Wedding". So, I waited for Netflix to send me the DVD. Got it today and watched it. Extremely funny picture until I saw the "DVD Bonus Material". There's fifty minutes of background, research, deleted scenes and musical numbers, outtakes, etc. and I felt I would've been robbed my admission if I hadn't been able to see what the director, Michael Lembeck deleted. The movie was only 98 minutes, including credits. I think Lembeck sold his audience short thinking that the film would be too long if he included thirty more seconds of Debbie Reynolds song...or the opening (male?) quartet in the finale...just one more minute. Mr. Lembeck, in the future, don't underestimate the knowledge of your audience...or don't let us see what you thought to be unworthy to fit into this film. There were some great scenes cut...which would have only added maybe ten extra minutes to the film. Give us our money's worth next time...or let someone else do your editing!

"Connie and Carla" is a delightful light comedy. It describes two young women in a dinner club in O'Hare airport in Chicago. They witness a murder of their manager, and escape to Los Angeles to avoid their own executions. Connie is played by Nia Vardalo of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" fame. She gives a pithy performance and one is drawn to her likable character. Toni Collette as Carla also gives a warm performance. Together they portray drag queens in their quest for remaining undiscovered. There is a delightful array of "drag queens" in the chorus line that punctuates this well organized film. In addition, there is a charming surprise performance by Debbie Reynolds toward the end. I can recommend this film as a very light way to spend ones cinematic experience. It is not great, but it is lots of fun.