Maid to Order

I think this film may have been given too little credit. Although not an Oscar winner by far, it did lead me out of reality for a while and put a smile on my face. It is always nice when a film can do that. The music, by famous film composer Georges Delerue (Steel magnolias) helps cast the spell. Beverly D'angelo is well cast and Ally Sheedy is...well...Ally Sheedy

Jessie Montgomery (Ally Sheedy) is the spoiled only child of Charles Montgomery (Tom Skerrit), the chairman of Starlight Foundation. Jessie loves partying all night. She does nothing but seeking pleasure. One night she is busted by a cop for speed-driving and using drugs. When Mr. Montgomery is notified regarding this incident, he can't help feeling so disappointed and frustrated, and he says he wishes he never had this daughter.

Jessie's fairy godmother (Beverly D'Angelo) appears, erases Jessie's criminal record, taking her out of the police station and tells Jessie that her past has also been erased. Now she's on her own. Her friends don't know her any more. Her father doesn't know her any more. After wandering on streets for days, she has to get a job. One thing she would have never done in the past.

Working as a maid at a trendy house in Beverly Hills, Jessie learns how to do housework and how to treat people in a better way. Finally, she becomes unselfish and compassionate.

Overall, it's pleasant to watch this movie.

I caught this movie years ago on TV. Subsequently, it seems to have disappeared from the Earth like some others have. I snagged a copy from eBay and so got to watch it again during an otherwise tedious time in an airport.

I'd say it held up just fine. The reason I enjoy this and similar shows is there's nothing bad happening. I'm uninterested in watching people torn apart or otherwise destroyed, cities laid waste to and the other disasters we're subject to now that CGI has reached a high state of excellence.

This is a terrific ensemble rather shakily directed with a few odd choices in plot details such as the choice of the comeback song performed at the charity event. Still, the whole thing goes down easily.

I've seen it compared to Tootsie and no, it's not anything of that caliber if you care about movie quality. That doesn't decrease how much I enjoy this show. Not every thing needs to be serious and this isn't.

This charming fairy tale features some fine performances, especially from Dick Shawn, Valerie Perrine and Beverly D'Angelo. The movie is sweet and enjoyable, and there are a couple of nice songs, too. Suspend your disbelief, pop the corn, sit back and enjoy.

Ally Sheedy works very hard to convince us she's a spoiled rich girl who takes everyone for granted. I felt it was all a con, and therefore couldn't wait for her character to make that transformation into a Better Person. Sheedy wasn't necessarily miscast as she was misdirected; she naturally projects a very savvy, efficient persona, and acting childish is beneath her. The second part of the film, with Sheedy working as a maid to wealthy neurotics Dick Shawn and Valerie Perrine (both terrific), is more successful, and the fantasy elements of the plot have had time to grow on us and are more acceptable. There are still some clumsy or awkward moments here, however for the first time Michael Ontkean is a CHARMING Prince Charming (not just a substitute for one) and the supporting cast is made up of wily and likable characters. "Maid to Order" leaves you smiling and that means it has done a good job, though it takes at least thirty minutes to kick into gear. *** from ****