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 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.

If you go looking for an Academy favorite, you'll not enjoy this film. If you want to laugh yourself silly and just have a romp with fun, this will be a blast.

Toni Collette is perfect as a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. From the moment she catches herself NOT lowering her voice followed by an attempt at a drag queen's overdone smile, she wins you over. Her silly and girlish character is a winner....especially after opening an unknown package in the car.

Nia Vardalos will never win an acting award, but still has fun developing her own roles that she clearly writes for herself. She exudes self confidence, taking on the leadership role of the friendship. She allows us to see the weaknesses of her character here, however, making it a happy departure from My Big Fat Greek Wedding where she was so full of self doubt.

You'll be hardpressed to find better on screen chemistry between any two people that will be beat Collette and Vardalos in Connie and Carla.

David Duchovney and Stephan Spinella are also highly effective in the role as anguished brothers, ultimately proving the well known theory about blood and water. Duchoveny, within moments can make you hate his character and then go doe eyed for him again. Spinella came close to making me cry.

These four are surrounded by a wonderful ensemble cast, who were gratefully not over stereotyped. They were not portrayed as bitchy, fingernail weilding mockerys of the drag queen stereotype, but rather as caring individuals who feel they have a common bond and love enough to go around, regardless of your orientation, job description, or gender.

Go see this one. Even is it's just for the music, which by the way, is awesome!

Basically the synopsis is two girls (Connie and Carla) witness a murder and go on the run from the murderer. They end up as two women who find work in a club but have to disguise themselves as men who dress up as women. (Thats about as complicated as it gets). This is where Victor/Victoria and Sister Act come in.

True Connie and Carla is a combination of several films, including Some Like it Hot but I found it quite entertaining nevertheless.

To be honest I started watching with trepidation as I am a red blooded heterosexual and I thought that a film about cross dressers would not be much to my liking. But I was wrong.

For the most part I thought the script was tastefully written by Nia Vardalos (Connie), equally tastefully directed (Michael Lembeck) and acted by all concerned.

The soundtrack, although quite reasonable was not so good that it will be remembered but was catchy and enjoyable. The choreography quite passable and I did like the voice of Vardalos.

Although it will definitely never win any awards I would not be disappointed to find it in my Christmas Stocking.

Nia Vardalos certainly has both writing and acting talent.

I have always liked Toni Collette since her portrayal of Muriel in Muriel's Wedding. She has certainly lost some weight since ballooning in order to play that part.

Not the best ever movie but a deserved 6/10