Head Over Heels

I predicted the "critics" would review this film poorly, and I was right. If I were a professional (paid) critic, I'd feel obligated too. But as a fun film to watch for sheer entertainment, my wife and I thought it was a hoot. The plot isn't terribly important, but it involves an FBI agent (Prinze) trying to solve a diamond smuggling crime ring while falling for a pretty art restorer (Potter). It would be a very straight and un-funny film without the four models!!

Potter's character needs a new place when she finds her boyfriend cheating on her, so finds what amounts to a large closet with a window for rent at $500 a month ("cash, please, if you can") in a luxury apartment that is given to four models. They like to rent out the "extra room" for a little spending money. But these models are funny, say the darndest things, fall over things, into things, and generally make the slapstick part of the film work. Along with a Great Dane that runs and knocks Potter down every time he sees her - except the last time!

None of the acting is great, but it is all OK. The dialog is snappy and funny most of the time. Film fans who enjoy "Dumb and Dumber", "Happy Gilmore", and "High Heels and Low Lifes" would probably also enjoy "Head Over Heels." I rate it "7" of 10 for sheer fun.

Head Over Heels seems like your typical romantic comedy but it was actually really cute, funny and different. Monica Potter was great as the lead, 'insecure' non-model; Sarah O'Hare's character was funny even though she was typed as the 'typical' Aussie; and Freddie Prinze Jr. just oozed sex appeal in a suit. It was funny, romantic and definately had a different twist to normal comedies. I'd see it again in a second.

I'll admit it: it's utterly embarrassing to watch this movie with another human being. I was embarrassed when I laughed uncontrollably at things numerous reviews had told me were idiotic humor. Well, this movie is idiotic. It's also adorable romantic comedy, with a funny and somewhat original premise . . . at least, it's cobbled together from original premises, like the "Rear Window" setup where Amanda thinks she witnesses her obsession across the street, Jim, murdering someone. Freddie Prinze Jr is completely irresistible, and Monica Potter's somewhat one-note nice-girl cuteness is made palatable by the insanity of her four supermodel roommates and her practical lesbian friend. Watch this, laugh hard and don't be embarrassed, because this movie, even at its most poorly scripted moments, is earnestly trying to make you laugh, unlike most of today's prefab romantic comedies, whose earnestness is sheer manipulation. Plus, only a small percentage of those have Freddie in them.

Is it a good movie or isn't it? If the movie is a comedy and it makes you laugh, somebody must have done something right. The humor is raunchy, but funny. There isn't any profanity, but the sexual content makes up for that. There is something wrong when Amanda comments on the fact that she slept with someone whose name she didn't even know. It furthers her cause as a victim of bad relationships, not really funny, but intended to garner sympathy. Even in this age of promiscuity, it is hard to be sympathetic when she jumps in bed with a guy she's only met a few times. No wonder her romantic life is in tatters.

The reason I believe this movie flopped at the box office is it doesn't have a target audience. Monica Potter isn't exactly a household name, so most guys are off target. Freddie Prinze Jr. appeals mostly to young girls, who because of the strong sexual content, probably were not allowed to see the movie. Personally, I would have liked to see more action, but hey, I'm a guy. (Actually, my wife said it and I'm just agreeing with her.) This movie would have benifited with an "R" rating, and I'm not talking about language or nudity, which rarely enhances a movie box office score.

As a comedy, the movie succeeds, I laughed a lot. As a romantic comedy, well let's just say that the chemistry was lacking. Just because two people look great together, doesn't really mean a thing.

I picked this up from a free trial of a movie channel on a random Wednesday evening. I thought it was perfect.

The film has a wide range of comedy from witty sarcasm to toilet humour. The characters (especially the models) are blatant stereotypes but they are not portrayed in a malicious way allowing you to get attached to them. The plot is fairly basic ( a mix of 'Shes all that' and 'Rear Window') but has just enough substance to keep you from drifting off.

Sterling performance from Monica Porter, production, lighting, sound track etc. all to standard.

Don't expect to have your mind blown or injure yourself laughing. Do expect a good solid rom-com you can relax and grin too.