Sleight of Film

Today’s quick review: Father of Invention. Ten years ago, invention magnate Robert Axle (Kevin Spacey) was the head of a billion-dollar company. Now he’s a penniless ex-convict with a reputation for selling defective products. Trying to get back on his feet, Robert stays with his estranged daughter Claire (Camilla Belle) and tries to patch up his relationship with her. Meanwhile, he gambles what little he has left on one more invention.

Father of Invention is a comedy about an inventor trying to stage a comeback. Kevin Spacey stars as Robert Axle, whose marketable ideas and knack for hype make him a great businessman and a terrible father. The movie follows his increasingly desperate attempts to get back in the game while trying to pick up the pieces of his family life. Decent humor and a functional story make Father of Invention a modest but enjoyable watch.

Father of Invention’s greatest strength is its main character. Robert Axle used to be able to spin any situation to his advantage, but with his reputation in shambles, he’s out of options. The shadow of his old life, the desperate hope of his latest invention, and his tenuous relationship with his daughter give the story enough material to work with. Meanwhile, Robert’s flagrant attempts at manipulation drive the movie’s humor.

However, Father of Invention has a hard time crossing the line from adequate to exceptional. Robert Axle is only so deep a character, and one or two moments of contrition are not enough to make him sympathetic. His relationship with Claire has everything it needs but not a lot more. One the comedy side, Axle’s routine as a desperate salesman wears thin after a while, and none of the jokes are truly outstanding.

Give Father of Invention a shot when you’re in the mood for a light comedy with just a touch of heart. Father of Invention is not as polished as some other comedies, either in terms of its jokes or its emotional arc, but it does deliver what it promises. Accommodating viewers will find it charming. Exacting viewers will find that its vision is not quite strong enough.

For Kevin Spacey in a similar comedic role, try Casino Jack. For a more memorable comedy about the rise and fall of a master manipulator, try The Wolf of Wall Street. For a dramatic comedy about a down-on-his-luck businessman trying to talk his way back to success, check out Solitary Man. For a raunchier comedy about sales, try The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard.

[5.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1381505/). I give it a 6.0 to 6.5 for good ideas, a well-cast lead, and flawed execution.

“More isn’t always better, Linus. Sometimes it’s just more.” —Sabrina

Today’s quick review: Sabrina. Sabrina Fairchild (Julia Ormond) has always been in love with David Larrabee (Greg Kinnear), the handsome younger son of the wealthy family her father works for. But David only returns her affections when she leaves for Paris and comes back as a brand new woman. To save David’s engagement and the business deal that will come with it, his older brother Linus (Harrison Ford) steps in to sabotage their relationship.

Sabrina is a romantic drama about a chauffeur’s daughter who finds herself during her time living in Paris. Sabrina Fairchild matures from a lovestruck girl to an elegant young woman, in the process winning the affections of David Larrabee and the grudging respect of Linus. Sabrina goes far on the strength of its nuanced character work and charismatic cast. However, its dry romance and slow pacing will not appeal to everyone.

Sabrina’s characters occupy a niche of their own. Sabrina and Linus are mature in complementary ways. Sabrina is gentle and patient, with an honest appreciation for life. Linus is cold and businesslike but not wholly heartless. Their relationship is more subdued and indirect than those found in other romances, bypassing over sentimentality in favor of deeper questions about meaning and happiness.

This style of romance is a double-edged sword. Many fans of the genre will find the lack of grand gestures or overt comedy disappointing, leaving the movie a little too detached for its own good. But for viewers who are willing to get to know the characters, Sabrina is an unusually mature romance that’s full of subtle character development, sweet gestures, and nuanced thoughts about life.

For a richer and more enduring take on the same story, try the original Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. For a similarly level-headed romance, try Roman Holiday. For a classic romantic comedy about high society, try The Philadelphia Story. For a classic comedy about the follies of the rich, try My Man Godfrey.

[6.3 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0114319/). I give it a 7.0 for well-developed characters and a thoughtful script.

“Let’s arm wrestle.” —Miss Scattergoods

Today’s quick review: The Love Letter. Helen (Kate Capshaw), the owner of a bookstore in the town of Loblolly-by-the-Sea, is driven to distraction when she finds an anonymous love letter in her store. Captivated by its writing, Helen convinces herself that it was written for her by Johnny (Tom Everett Scott), her young employee. But as their relationship blooms, it drives a wedge between her and George (Tom Selleck), her childhood friend.

The Love Letter is a romance about an anonymous love letter and the impact it has on the residents of a small seaside town. Everyone who reads the letter is touched by its passion, kindling several relationships as Helen and her friends try to guess who wrote it. The Love Letter aims to be a light look at the unpredictable course of life and the complexities of romance. However, its story and characters leave something to be desired.

The Love Letter has an ambivalent plot that never quite comes together. Helen dithers between Johnny, a handsome man who is much younger than her, and George, a father just going through a divorce. The story is strewn with other relationships, from Helen’s prior marriage to the many romantic pursuits of her best friend Janet (Ellen DeGeneres). But none of the relationships, major or minor, is romantic enough to carry the story.

As a result, The Love Letter ends up bouncing between subplots without properly resolving any of them. Every time the movie starts to run out of steam, it throws in another romantic wrinkle by having a new character find the love letter and draw the wrong conclusions. In principle, The Love Letter shows love in many different forms, some hopeful and some tinged with regret. But it lacks the commitment needed to see these themes through.

The Love Letter holds modest appeal for fans of messy romances without tidy answers. Its light tone and romantic entanglements give it something to offer. But for all the time it spends building up a large cast and their relationships with each other, the movie has disappointingly little payoff. Viewers who are looking for a powerful emotional arc, a witty comedy, or deep insights into the nature of love will want to steer clear.

For a more dramatic romance that touches on similar themes, try Nights in Rodanthe. For a romantic drama with a younger cast that does a better job of capturing heartache and regret, try Dear John.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166252/). I give it a 5.0 for a weak premise and poor follow-through.

“We all make choices in life. The hard thing is to live with them.” —The Old Man

Today’s quick review: The Words. Rory Jansen (Bradley Cooper), a writer struggling to get published, kickstarts his career by passing off a manuscript he found as his own. The book is a hit, giving Rory the success he always dreamed of and letting him make a comfortable home with his wife Dora (Zoe Saldana). But his lie comes back to haunt him when the old man who wrote the manuscript (Jeremy Irons) confronts him about his theft.

The Words is a thriller and romantic drama about an author who plagiarized the story that made him famous. As Rory reaches the pinnacle of his career, the guilt over what he has done threatens to tear him apart, jeopardizing both his work and his marriage with Dora apart. The Words is a story within a story, framed as the latest bestseller by Clay Hammond (Dennis Quaid). Potent writing and a carefully constructed story make it a worthwhile pick.

The Words takes basic building blocks and assembles them into a satisfying whole. Rory’s struggles as a writer, his chance discovery of the manuscript, and the crisis of conscience he faces afterward are not unexpected as far as story devices go, but they play their role well. The gradual escalation of the story, the true origins of the manuscript, and the mystery surrounding Clay Hammond all serve to draw the audience further and further in.

The Words does not have the same bite to it as other thrillers. There is a sense of anticipation, but not much overt suspense. Instead, the conflict plays out at the moral and emotional level. Given the choice between toiling in obscurity and lying his way to success, Rory picks the latter. Seeing him wrestle with the consequences of his choice leads to some interesting tension, while the moment-to-moment writing is polished and effective.

Compared to other movies of its ilk, The Words does not have the same immediate appeal. Its story is slow and indirect, its writing is layered in a way that is only partially effective, and it’s missing some of the emotional payoff that its premise would imply. But for all of that, The Words succeeds at what it tries to do, weaving a morally ambiguous story about the nature of writing, the complexities of romance, and the price of success.

For a sharper thriller with the same style of methodical storytelling, try Gone Girl or The Ghost Writer. For a psychological thriller about an author who plagiarized his work, check out Secret Window. For a crime thriller about a couple torn apart by a moral choice, try Good People.

[7.0 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1840417/). I give it the same for a quiet but compelling story.

Today’s quick review: Moonstruck. Widowed at a young age, Loretta Castorini (Cher) gets a second shot at marriage when Johnny Cammareri (Danny Aiello), a safe but boring man, proposes to her. Loretta says yes, and they set the date for a month from now, after Johnny gets back from his trip to Sicily. But everything changes when Loretta meets Johnny’s estranged younger brother Ronny (Nicolas Cage), a tormented man she immediately falls in love with.

Moonstruck is a romantic comedy about a woman torn between her fiance and his brother. The movie explores the nature of love and marriage as Loretta, normally a responsible and level-headed woman, finds her resolve put to the test. Moonstruck is not a storybook romance, but it is an engaging story, with realistic characters, themes of family and forgiveness, and a script that captures something important about human nature.

Moonstruck does not aspire to high drama. The story is a personal one, grounded in specific characters and situations. Loretta lives with her mother Rose (Olympia Dukakis) and her father Cosmo (Vincent Gardenia), and her romantic life is a constant give-and-take with them. For his part, Ronny is passionate and bitter, with an attraction to Loretta that neither of them entirely understands.

Moonstruck is a messy but heartfelt story that captures the complications of love. Multifaceted characters, nuanced themes, and a family focus that is rare in the genre all make Moonstruck a worthwhile pick for the right viewer. Those who prefer passionate romances with few complications will find it a little unfocused.

For a similar exploration of love, life, and infidelity, try Hannah and Her Sisters. For a gritty crime drama that touches on love and loyalty in an Italian family, try Mean Streets. For a darker romance starring Nicolas Cage, try Leaving Las Vegas.

[7.1 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093565/). I give it a 7.0 for an insightful story.

“That just doesn’t help me at all, but thanks.” —Jack

Today’s quick review: Honeymoon in Vegas. Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) promised his mother on her deathbed that he would never get married. Five years later, his girlfriend Betsy (Sarah Jessica Parker) finally convinces him to tie the knot. The couple travel to Las Vegas for a quick wedding and a romantic honeymoon. But disaster strikes when Tommy Korman (James Caan), a professional gambler, wins a weekend with Betsy from Jack in a poker game.

Honeymoon in Vegas is a romantic comedy about a man trying to win back his fiance from a charming card shark. Honeymoon in Vegas takes this premise and runs with it. Its characters strike a nice balance between flawed and likable, its tone is playful and charming, and its story escalates to a chaotic finale, all backed by an Elvis-heavy soundtrack. The result is a straightforward but enjoyable comedy with a distinctly Vegas flavor.

Honeymoon in Vegas has its limitations, though. The movie has one-note characters, with just enough development to make the story work but not much beyond that. The jokes come from wild situations and exaggerated characters rather than sharp writing or comedic insight. And while the structure of the story works well enough, the movie has to work to gain traction, spinning its wheels for a while before it really gets going.

For the right viewer, Honeymoon in Vegas is a charming romance with a dash of the absurd. The story and characters are nothing out of the ordinary, but they take on a life of their own as the movie gathers steam. Honeymoon in Vegas works best when you’re in the mood for something earnest and silly. Steer clear if you’re looking for finely honed comedy or insightful relationship drama.

For a more dramatic romance starring Nicolas Cage set in Las Vegas, try Leaving Las Vegas. For a fuller treatment of gambling addiction, try The Gambler or Rounders. For another Elvis-themed romantic comedy, try Elvis Has Left the Building. For a crime comedy set in Las Vegas with similar romantic undertones, try Ocean’s Eleven.

[5.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104438/). I give it a 7.0 for a charming story with a liberal application of Elvis.

Today’s quick review: Peggy Sue Got Married. Peggy Sue (Kathleen Turner), still reeling from her divorce with Charlie (Nicolas Cage), goes to her high school reunion to catch up with her old friends. But when she passes out at the party, she wakes up back in high school at the end of her senior year. Knowing what’s to come if she marries Charlie, Peggy Sue has to decide whether to change her past or make the same mistakes all over again.

Peggy Sue Got Married is a romantic comedy about a woman who gets sent back in time to 1960, a pivotal time in her life. The movie follows Peggy Sue as she revisits her past, works through her conflicted feelings about Charlie, and looks at high school through new eyes. Peggy Sue Got Married gets some good mileage out of its premise, with a nuanced romantic conflict and some clever ideas. However, its loose writing and odd emotional arc hold it back.

The strongest aspect of Peggy Sue Got Married is the way Peggy Sue treats high school. Having lived through it once before, Peggy Sue knows exactly what matters and what doesn’t, allowing her to cut through the teenage drama and have meaningful interactions with the people around her. The premise also adds layers to her relationship with Charlie, forcing her to reconcile how it started out and where it will ultimately end up.

Still, Peggy Sue Got Married is not as tightly woven as it could have been. The movie leaves its time travel mechanics ambiguous, focusing on the emotional conflict over specific changes Peggy Sue is making to the timeline. Peggy Sue herself bounces around a lot, pursuing a variety of loose ends from high school rather than focusing solely on her relationship with Charlie. And while the plot works well enough, it drifts towards the end.

Peggy Sue Got Married is a serviceable time travel story that deals with high school, romance, and marriage in a unique way. Neither its characters nor its story are strong enough to leave a lasting impression, but the themes it explores make it a worthwhile watch. Give it a shot if you’re in the mood for something eclectic and interesting. Skip it if you’re looking for tightly scripted comedy or a heartfelt romance.

For a romantic comedy starring Nicolas Cage about a man given the chance to revisit his life choices, try The Family Man. For a more playful and iconic time travel story set in the 50s, try Back to the Future. For a romantic crime comedy about a high school reunion, try Grosse Pointe Blank. For a sci-fi thriller that toys with similar ideas, try Frequency. For a trip through a dead relationship, try Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.

[6.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0091738/). I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for a fun and fruitful premise.

Today’s quick review: Accidentally Engaged. Clarissa Beyers (Lexi Giovagnoli), an actress working for her big break, lands in a pickle when the press mistakes her for the new girlfriend of Chas Hunter (Brent Dougherty), a famous actor. To protect Chas’ real relationship, Clarissa agrees to go along with the ruse. But the lies spiral out of control when she takes Chas to her best friend Maya’s (Lexi Atkins) wedding.

Accidentally Engaged is a romantic comedy about a struggling actress who winds up in a fake relationship with a big star. What begins as an innocent mistake escalates into a fraudulent engagement that forces Clarissa to lie to her friends and family. Accidentally Engaged aims to be a light story about love overcoming lies. However, its mediocre characters and sedentary plot keep it from doing much more than going through the motions.

Accidentally Engaged doesn’t put its premise to good use. The plot progression centers on Clarissa and Chas’ animosity evolving into genuine affection, all while their sham relationship gets harder and harder to control. But instead of escalating naturally, the plot relies on artificial developments and forced developments to make any progress. The result is a relationship that develops much more slowly than the movie wants it to.

Progression issues aside, Accidentally Engaged has shaky fundamentals. The characters are too ordinary for their own good, with none of the spark of a more ambitious romcom nor the resonance of a realistic drama. Their personalities are shallow and not especially interesting, while Chas and Clarissa have very little chemistry. The movie also relies on conversations to report on the story, rather than finding ways to show the events directly.

Accidentally Engaged still checks enough of the boxes to satisfy fans of the romantic comedy formula, but discerning viewers will find it to be a poor choice. If you are a fan of the genre and just want a light, dialogue-focused story about a budding relationship, Accidentally Engaged is a passable choice. Steer clear if you are looking for rich characters, a gripping plot, or innovation.

For a romantic comedy about an actor and an artificial relationship, try The Reality of Love. For a romcom of similar caliber, try Betting on the Bride. For a classic madcap comedy about a fake relationship, try Christmas in Connecticut.

[5.8 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4742556/). I give it a 5.0 for weak characters and a bare-bones plot.

Today’s quick review: Betting on the Bride. Melanie Banning (Karissa Lee Staples), a personal trainer and nutritionist, has just broken off her third engagement, swearing to never think about marriage again. Meanwhile, Damon Hadley (Peter Mooney), an ad executive who refuses to settle down, bets that he can get a woman to marry him in just one month. When Damon picks Melanie as his target, it leads to a relationship neither one of them expected.

Betting on the Bride is a romantic comedy about a couple with commitment issues. What starts off as a shallow bet blossoms into a genuine relationship as Melanie and Damon discover that they really are right for one another. Betting on the Bride is a by-the-numbers romance that tries to spin a story out of its main characters’ reluctance to tie the knot. Unfortunately, weak characters and a mediocre script make the movie a shaky pick.

Betting on the Bride’s main shortcoming is that it never takes any risks. Melanie and Damon are tame characters with safe flaws and personalities that are only half-developed. The story goes through the motions of bringing them together and having them fall in love, but they have no real connection, just some light banter and a handful of quasi-dates. The result is an underwhelming story that has very little to catch the audience’s interest.

For dedicated fans of the romcom genre, Betting on the Bride may put in just enough work to be an enjoyable watch. It is a cautious and unexceptional execution of the formula, but it does go through all the steps it needs to tell its story. But the majority of viewers will find that there just isn’t enough there, with characters that are hard to connect with and a plot that retreads old ground. Consider looking elsewhere.

For a romantic comedy with a similar premise, try How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. For a more satisfying romantic comedy about a womanizer settling down, try Hitch, The Ugly Truth, or What Women Want.

[5.6 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7429362/). I give it a 5.0 for a bland romance with lukewarm execution.

Today’s quick review: You May Not Kiss the Bride. After a pet photography mishap, Bryan Lighthouse (Dave Annable) winds up in debt to Vlatko Nikitin (Ken Davitian), a Croatian mobster. To pay off his debt, Bryan agrees to marry Nikitin’s daughter Masha (Katharine McPhee) so she can get a green card and stay in the US. But the scheme goes sideways when, while on their fake honeymoon to the South Pacific, Masha is kidnapped and held for ransom.

You May Not Kiss the Bride is a romantic crime comedy about an ordinary man forced into a sham marriage by a menacing gangster. Amidst death threats, kidnappings, and other vacation troubles, Bryan finds himself genuinely falling for Masha. You May Not Kiss the Bride features a light blend of humor, adventure, and romance. However, the movie’s uneven comedy, weak characters, and somewhat contrived premise hamper its efforts.

You May Not Kiss the Bride has some promising elements, but it does not use them to their fullest. The dynamic between Bryan and Nikitin is enough to push Bryan out of his comfort zone, but neither character is well-rounded enough to capitalize on the dynamic. The jokes are light and accessible, but unreliable, and many of them miss the mark. Finally, the romance between Bryan and Masha is missing a few steps to be truly satisfying.

You May Not Kiss the Bride is a decent popcorn watch when you are in the mood for a comedic adventure, but it falls well short of its premise’s potential. Flexible viewers will find it charming and amusing in places, but it doesn’t have much to offer over other movies in a similar vein. Skip it if you are looking for something romantic or more than superficially funny.

For a tropical adventure that rekindles a relationship, try Fool’s Gold. For a richer comedy about an ordinary man and his eccentric in-laws, try The In-Laws. For a more successful blend of light crime comedy and romance, try The Whole Nine Yards.

[5.4 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1381418/). I give it a 6.0 for decent humor and a modest adventure.