Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: This Means War. CIA agents Tuck (Tom Hardy) and FDR (Chris Pine) are partners on the job and best friends off it. But their friendship is put to the test when they both fall for Lauren (Reese Witherspoon), a product tester who’s desperate to find a boyfriend. With neither man willing to back down, Tuck and FDR turn dating Lauren into a game and compete to see which one of them she will pick.

This Means War is a romantic action comedy about a love triangle involving a pair of spies. Lauren must choose between FDR, a dedicated womanizer, and Tuck, a sensitive man, but does not realize that both men are working for the CIA. This Means War features a strong cast, a decent setup, and a steady stream of petty comedy. However, in spite of the movie’s best efforts, it’s missing the spark that similar movies usually have.

This Means War runs on the rivalry between Tuck and FDR. Despite their compatability in the field, they let the competition get the better of them, using Agency resources to spy on Lauren in an attempt to win her over. Their one-upsmanship, Lauren’s reactions to their advances, and a dash of spy action are enough to carry the movie, making it a fine pick for anyone in the mood for something light.

But even with all of this, the movie never quite clicks. The actors do well enough individually but they never go beyond the lines they are given. The friendship between Tuck and FDR leads to fun patter but never feels heartfelt. The romance with Lauren is shakier, as the men’s antics get in the way of any real connection. And while the spy elements are enough to tack on some action, they never contribute all that much to the plot.

As a result, This Means War is a movie with missed potential. Fans of any of the leads will get something out of it, as will anyone who’s just looking for a light spy comedy. But This Means War is outclassed by similar movies that invest more effort into their characters and their relationships, leaving it a fun watch but one without a lot of substance.

For a more successful take on a similar premise, try Knight and Day. For a more explicit action comedy that blends the spy genre with romance, try The Spy Who Dumped Me. For a spy action comedy with better characters and sharper dialogue, try My Spy.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596350/). I give it a 6.5 for decent fundamentals with a few missteps.

Today’s quick review: Maid in Manhattan. Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez), a maid working at a luxury hotel in Manhattan, does not know how to react when Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a candidate for Senate, mistakes her for one of the hotel guests. When Chris tries to turn their chance meeting into a relationship, Marisa is torn between coming clean to him and living out the kind of romance she never dreamed of.

Maid in Manhattan is a romance starring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes. An overworked and unappreciated maid gets caught between her dreams, her job, and the truth when a New York politician falls in love with her. Maid in Manhattan features an unusual mixture of grounded drama and storybook romance. Facets of the story work well, but as a whole, the movie is missing the simple, uplifting appeal of other romances.

Maid in Manhattan’s greatest strength and greatest weakness is its ability to get into the life of Marisa Ventura. Marisa works a thankless job for rich guests who rarely treat her with respect while trying to raise Ty (Tyler Garcia Posey), her precocious son, on her own. The weight on her shoulders is tangible, and her relationship with Chris represents a ray of hope for her and a scandal that could cost her her job.

The consequence of all this is that it can be hard to get into the romance. Marisa’s problems quickly become the audience’s, and her relationship with Chris comes with so many strings attached that it’s hardly the storybook romance it looks like at first glance. As a result, Maid in Manhattan gets caught in between. It lacks the deep passion of a full-blown drama, but it’s missing the emotional lubricant that humor normally provides.

As such, Maid in Manhattan is a decent pick but not an outstanding one. Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes each do a fine job, and the story has some interesting tensions. But ultimately, it is not as emotionally fulfilling as other romances. Give it a shot if you are looking for something a little more down-to-earth, but skip it if you’re looking for easy laughs or an uncomplicated relationship.

For a romantic comedy starring Jennifer Lopez, try Monster-in-Law or The Wedding Planner. For a science fiction thriller about a politician falling for a woman he’s not supposed to, check out The Adjustment Bureau. For a classic romantic comedy that cuts across class lines, try Sabrina. For a crime comedy about working-class women looking to make a score, try Mad Money.

[5.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0252076/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for double-edged drama.

Today’s quick review: America’s Sweethearts. When the breakup of Hollywood’s leading couple—Eddie Thomas (John Cusack) and Gwen Harrison (Catherine Zeta-Jones)—threatens to tank their last film together, publicist Lee Phillips (Billy Crystal) tries to salvage the situation with a media blitz. He turns to Kiki (Julia Roberts), Gwen’s sister and personal assistant, to get Eddie and Gwen back together and give the press what they want.

America’s Sweethearts is a romantic comedy with an ensemble cast. Over the course of a weekend press event for Eddie and Gwen’s new film, Lee does everything in his power to fuel the rumors that the two are getting back together. Meanwhile, Kiki tries to keep Gwen stable while secretly pining for Eddie herself. The result is a charming and colorful comedy that spoofs the vanity and superficiality of show business.

America’s Sweethearts features a cast of fun characters. John Cusack and Catherine Zeta-Jones headline as Eddie, an unstable actor who fantasizes about taking revenge on his wife, and Gwen, a vapid actress who only cares about her career. Billy Crystal joins them as Lee, a publicist who plays on their egos to salvage an upcoming flop. Julia Roberts rounds out the main cast as Kiki, Gwen’s loyal assistant and the sole voice of reason.

America’s Sweethearts gets its humor from dropping these characters into a volatile situation. Lee’s smooth manipulations, Eddie and Gwen’s on-again off-again romance, and Kiki’s attempts to manage the crisis give the movie a sense of chaos that is consistently amusing. America’s Sweethearts also benefits from a talented supporting cast that includes Christopher Walken, Hank Azaria, Seth Green, Alan Arkin, and Stanley Tucci.

Give America’s Sweethearts a shot when you are in the mood for a madcap comedy that takes shots at the larger-than-life personalities of Hollywood. While the romance takes a back seat to the comedy, America’s Sweethearts manages to be a light romp with a satisfying story. Skip it if you are looking for a more grounded romance.

For a crime comedy set in Hollywood with an ensemble cast and a similar sense of humor, try Get Shorty. For an even more pointed spoof of Hollywood and its excesses, try Hail, Caesar!. For a romantic comedy starring Catherine Zeta-Jones that has a similar rhythm and a sharper script, try Intolerable Cruelty.

[5.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265029/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for solid humor and a strong cast.

“Let me get this straight. You don’t want to cheat on your girlfriend with your wife?” —Mr. Fitzpatrick

Today’s quick review: She’s the One. Mickey Fitzpatrick (Edward Burns), a cab driver looking for direction in life, gets more than he asked for when he meets Hope (Maxine Bahns) and marries her the next day. As the couple struggles to make their impulsive marriage work, Mickey’s brother Francis (Mike McGlone) grows distant from his wife Renee (Jennifer Aniston) while having an affair with Heather (Cameron Diaz), Mickey’s ex-fiance.

She’s the One is a romantic drama about the tangled love lives of two New York brothers. As Mickey tries to decide whether passion is enough to keep him with a near-total stranger, Francis follows his heart down a dangerous path. She’s the One specializes in romantic reflection, difficult situations, and honest character studies. Both its writing and its acting are solid, but its take on romance will not appeal to everyone.

She’s the One has a knack for realistic characters. Mickey, Francis, and their father (John Mahoney) are all flawed in interesting ways, and their shared history affects the way they interact with each other and the women in their lives. Opposite them, Hope, Renee, and Heather have different personalities and want different things from their men. Seeing the way the various conflicts play out is the main draw of the movie.

The downside is that She’s the One is much less passionate than other romances. Mickey’s connection with Hope largely happens offscreen, leaving the audience with the strained parts of their relationship. Francis’ relationships are tainted by his affair and his attempts to rationalize it. There are no grandiose gestures or playful flirting for the audience to latch onto, only a slow unraveling broken up by snatches of wry comedy.

How much you get out of She’s the One will depend heavily on your tastes. Those willing to follow the movie where it goes will find that it’s an interesting pick, a portrait of two men making questionable decisions and paying the consequences. But those who are looking for a more optimistic view of romance may want to give it a pass, as it has neither the sentimental tone nor the pure-hearted characters to appeal to an idealist.

For a dramatic comedy about the tangled relationships of a family of sisters, check out Hannah and Her Sisters. For another introspective drama about the collapse of a relationship, try Alex of Venice. For another movie with the same trio of leads, try The Brothers McMullen.

[6.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117628/). I give it a 6.5 for solid character work and a hit-or-miss story.

Today’s quick review: Just Like Heaven. David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) moves into a new apartment so he can drink away the pain of losing his wife. But as soon as he gets settled in, he starts seeing the spirit of the apartment’s previous resident: Elizabeth Masterson (Reese Witherspoon), a young doctor who was in a car crash. Stuck with each other for the time being, David begins looking into Elizabeth’s life so he can help her move on.

Just Like Heaven is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon and Mark Ruffalo. David, an isolated man suffering from deep emotional scars, and Elizabeth, a caring doctor who never found time for a life of their own, bond over the inexplicable fact that David can see her spirit. Well-matched leads, an interesting premise, and a well-balanced tone make Just Like Heaven a refreshing and enjoyable watch.

Just Like Heaven plays its cards just right. Mark Ruffalo and Reese Witherspoon have a natural chemistry that doesn’t need the usual crutches to make it work. Their connection emerges naturally as David learns about Elizabeth and her plight. The romantic angle almost becomes an afterthought, something so organic that it barely has to be stated. Their easy, subdued relationship is the foundation that makes the movie work.

Beyond that, Just Like Heaven does a few clever things with its premise. The sequence where David and Elizabeth get to know each other is fun. The mechanics of Elizabeth being a spirit open up some good opportunities for comedy. The supporting cast is a series of modest successes, making the world an entertaining one to spend time with. The plot also progresses well, building to an ending that has everything it needs.

Give Just Like Heaven a shot if you are a fan of romantic comedies or are just in the mood for something light. Not everyone will like what it has to offer, but it does belong to the fraction of the genre that’s more concerned with telling its own story than checking boxes. The result is a nicely scoped story with likable characters, a dash of comedy, and a plot that moves at its own pace. Worth a shot for those interested.

For another romance about a person who communicates with a spirit, try Ghost or Ghost Town. For another romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, try Sweet Home Alabama. For one with Mark Ruffalo, try 13 Going on 30.

[6.7 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425123/). I give it a 7.0 for a sweet and well-judged story.

Today’s quick reivew: Palm Springs. Nyles (Andy Samberg) has spent an eternity living through the same day over and over again, a wedding where his girlfriend Misty (Meredith Hagner) is a bridesmaid. But his situation changes when he accidentally drags Sarah (Cristin Milioti), the sister of the bride, into the time loop with him. Trapped together, Nyles and Sarah try to find happiness in a world where nothing matters.

Palm Springs is a fantasy romantic comedy starring Andy Samberg and Cristin Milioti. Stuck in the same time loop, Nyles and Sarah gradually grow to like each other as they look for new ways to spend their endless days. Palm Springs has a simple setup but uses it well. Colorful humor, a pair of well-matched leads, a devil-may-care attitude, and a low-pressure love story give the movie plenty of appeal without ever being too taxing.

Palm Springs does a skillful job of handling its tone. The premise could easily be horrific if played the wrong way, but the movie figures out how to address the darker parts of the setup without losing its sense of levity. Nyles and Sarah tackle their situation with playful humor and hedonism. Their antics are consistently fun to watch, while the movie slips in just enough character development for the audience to care.

Give Palm Springs a shot when you are in the mood for a quirky comedy with a dash of romance. The movie does have a slight barrier to entry thanks to its explitic humor and violent streak, but its tone remains light throughout, making it an enjoyable watch for anyone who doesn’t mind a few coarse moments.

For a much more heartfelt romantic comedy about a man caught in a time loop, check out Groundhog Day. For another Andy Samberg comedy, try Hot Rod or That’s My Boy. For a drier romantic comedy about a cynical couple attending a wedding, try Destination Wedding. For a sci-fi thriller about a time loop, try Edge of Tomorrow or ARQ. For a violent action comedy with a similar tone, try American Ultra.

[7.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9484998/). I give it a 7.0 for an interesting premise and well-judged humor.

Today’s quick review: The Lake House. In 2004, Alex Wyler (Keanu Reeves), an architect trying to forge his own path, moves into the lake house his father (Christopher Plummer) built. Two years later, Kate Forster (Sandra Bullock), a doctor working in Chicago, moves out of the same house. When her letter to the new owner instead reaches Alex in the past, the two strike up a relationship that reaches across time.

The Lake House is a fantasy romance about a man and a woman living two years apart. Linked by the mailbox of the house they each lived in, Alex and Kate puzzle out their peculiar situation and open up to one another about their deepest feelings. The Lake House has an interesting premise and a gentle tone, but its execution is mixed. Slow pacing and confusing logistics hurt an otherwise sweet story.

The Lake House’s strength lies with its premise. The rules of the mailbox are notionally simple but have interesting implications. The movie plays with them a fair amount, such as Kate’s attempts to rendezvous with Alex in the present. The time gap also sets up a pleasant dialogue between the characters. They communicate in writing, but the movie takes steps to make their conversations tonally comfortable and visually interesting.

Where The Lake House struggles is in spinning its premise into a full story. The movie takes a while to get going, slowly introducing its characters before the reveal. The rules of the mailbox work well enough later on, but as the movie puts more stress on them, they start to break down. Logical inconsistencies, disorienting jumps between past and present, and a rather passive story diminish the payoff.

Give The Lake House a shot if you are interested in an experimental romance that only gets most of the way there. Critical viewers will find plenty to dock it for, and the movie requires a certain amount of buy-in to work. But those who are willing to forgive its flaws will find The Lake House to be an engaging puzzle that captures the feeling of wistful isolation quite well.

For a sentimental romantic drama about a couple trying to find the right time, try The Notebook or The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For another nonlinear romance, try The Time Traveler’s Wife or Your Name. For another long-distance romance, check out Sleepless in Seattle. For an action thriller starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, try Speed. For a thriller about a father and son communicating across time, try Frequency.

[6.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0410297/). I give it a 6.5 for a promising setup with a few flaws in its execution.

Today’s quick review: Kate & Leopold. In 1876, Leopold (Hugh Jackman), an English duke visiting America in search of a wife, follows Stuart (Liev Schrieber), an explorer from the present, through a rip in time and lands in modern-day New York. As Stuart worries about getting his unexpected guest back to the past, Leopold falls in love with Kate (Meg Ryan), a marketing researcher who never found the right man.

Kate & Leopold is a fantasy romance that pairs a 19th-century nobleman with a 21st-century woman. Genteel and courteous, Leopold gives Kate what she never realized she wanted. The movie earns points for a light premise, Hugh Jackman’s performance as Leopold, and a fun supporting cast. While the romance itself is not spectacular, Kate & Leopold’s interesting premise and likable male lead make it a fair pick for fans of the genre.

The arguable weak point of the movie is Kate. Where Leopold adapts quickly to life in the present, Kate refuses to believe he is who he says. Her skepticism delays the romance considerably, and even at her most romantic, she never opens up much. So while Kate & Leopold does end up with Kate getting swept off her feet by a true gentleman, it takes its time getting there without working to establish their personal connection.

Give Kate & Leopold a shot if you are looking for a romantic comedy with a historical twist. How much you get out of its romance will vary, but the figure of Leopold is refreshing enough to carry the movie. Steer clear if you are looking for a full-fledged time travel story or a snappier romance.

For a romance with a fully historical setting, try Pride & Prejudice. For a love story set in historical New York, try Winter’s Tale. For a romantic comedy about a career woman who re-evaluates her priorities, try The Proposal.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035423/). I give it a 6.5 for a good setup and decent execution.

Today’s quick review: Leap Year. Disappointed that her boyfriend Jeremy (Adam Scott) didn’t propose to her before his trip to Ireland, Anna Brady (Amy Adams) takes matters into her own hands, seizing on an old Irish tradition as an excuse to pop the question herself. But when bad weather and worse luck keep her from flying straight to Dublin, Anna is forced on a trek through the Irish countryside with Declan (Matthew Goode) as her guide.

Leap Year is a romantic comedy about a woman who sets out to propose to her fiance on Leap Day. Stranded in rural Ireland, Anna braves rain, cows, mud, hail, hostile locals, friendly locals, and the dry quips of her guide Declan to reach her boyfriend in Dublin. Leap Year is a sweet movie that runs on a mixture of unlucky breaks and Irish charm. Its gorgeous setting, light plot, and pair of well-matched leads make it a very enjoyable watch.

Leap Year has a different dynamic than other romantic comedies. Anna and Declan have very specific personalities. Anna is a habitual planner who’s always on edge when things go off the rails. Declan is a savvy local with a keen wit and a casual attitude towards everything. Their journey to Dublin gives them one problem after another, eventually forcing Anna to lighten up, trust Declan, and just enjoy the journey.

This setup results in a simple but satisfying story. Anna and Declan’s many detours give them plenty of time to get to know each other, as well as giving the audience time to drink in the landscape. Much of the humor comes from the clash between Anna’s expectations and the wry personalities of the people around her. The plot doesn’t hold too many surprises, but it progresses well and builds to a nice payoff.

Give Leap Year a shot when you are in the mood for a romance about opposites attracting. Leap Year does not change up the genre in any serious way, but its characters and its premise are unique enough to give it a niche of its own. Nearly every fan of the genre will get something out of it, and the right viewer will find it quite rewarding.

For a romantic comedy with a similar heroine but less chemistry, try The Wedding Planner. For a classic romance set in rural Ireland, try The Quiet Man. For a romantic comedy about a Scottish husband who has a similar sense of humor, try P.S. I Love You. For a subdued romantic comedy set in a Welsh village, try The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill But Came Down a Mountain.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216492/). I give it a 7.0 for likable characters and light comedy.

Today’s quick review: The Time Traveler’s Wife. Henry (Eric Bana) suffers from an inexplicable condition that causes him to spontaneously travel through time. At a low point in his life, he meets Claire (Rachel McAdams), a young woman who says she has spoken with him many times in the past. The two quickly fall in love—Henry for the first time, Claire for the second—but Henry’s condition makes their life together a challenge.

The Time Traveler’s Wife is a fantasy romantic drama about a love story that plays out across time. Henry is given frustrating glimpses of his past and his future, while Claire is left waiting for her husband to come home. The Time Traveler’s Wife is a sentimental story full of casual paradox and personal hardship. Its original premise makes it an interesting and emotionally potent puzzle, but its story won’t resonate with everyone.

The Time Traveler’s Wife puts its premise to good use. Henry’s condition at once sets up a romantic tale of predestined love and a tragic one full of absences and unanswered questions. Ordinary living turns into a delicate puzzle, and only the love Henry and Claire have for each other keeps them grounded. For some fans of romance, Claire and Henry’s interactions throughout time will be enough to make the story a truly touching one.

However, other viewers will have a rougher time. For all that Henry’s time travel opens up new possibilities, it also makes for a passive story. Claire and Henry are left waiting for whatever surprising his random jumps have in store for them, with no way to control when they happen or where he will go. As such, the story feels static: one moment of longing stretched to the length of a movie and peppered with complications.

How much you get out of The Time Traveler’s Wife will vary considerably. Sentimental viewers who like romance for its own sake will find The Time Traveler’s Wife to be a sweet story with an interesting premise, real love, and real heartache. But for some viewers, the romance will never click, leaving it an interesting premise without a lot of forward momentum.

For another romantic drama about two soulmates separated by time, try The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. For a romantic drama with a similarly wistful tone, try The Notebook. For a more upbeat romance about time travel, try About Time. For a more mundane drama about a couple going through similar hardships, try Penny Serenade.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0452694/). I give it a 7.0 for a soundly constructed but ultimately static love story; your score will vary.