America's Sweethearts

Normally, who is married to/engaged to/dating who in the movie world is something that I couldn't possibly care less about, and I still don't care, but America's Sweethearts manages to make that very subject amusing and entertaining. John Cusack and Catherine Zeta-Jones play Eddie Thomas and Gwen Harrison, two movie stars who have been tremendously successful working together and who have worked their way into the heart of the American public. The conflict comes from their highly publicized breakup, which has resulted in two consecutive box office failures for Gwen and some serious psychological problems for Eddie.

Stanley Tucci takes on a small but very effective role as Dave Kingman, the short tempered studio executive, furious with Christopher Walken's much more entertaining Hal Weidmann, the introverted filmmaker who sent Kingman the first print of his film (after charging $86 million of the studio's money), which consisted of nothing but titles and the hilarious message, `We could also do these in blue.' Kingman throws a predictable but very funny tantrum. We spend the rest of the film wondering why Weidmann is so cocky toward Kingman and so close-mouthed about the film, but we are rewarded in the final act.

Julia Roberts comes back in an ironic role when compared to her recent (and far superior) role in Notting Hill, in which she was America's Sweetheart who had fallen in love with a regular guy. Here, she is the constantly unnoticed sister of Gwen Harrison, her big movie star sister. Both women are perfectly cast as the famous movie star and the famous movie star's sister, but this is more a testament to their abilities as actors than it is to the ingenuity of the casting director. The acting was just excellent. Hank Azaria plays the part of Hector (`This is bull-chit!'), the over-the-top Spanish guy with the hilarious lisp that Gwen has been seeing ever since her rough break up with Eddie. Hector is an amusing character, but it is obvious from the first scene where we see him (in which he insists that he and Gwen will `go to the ‘hunket' together.') that he is an expendable character. He's funny, but he still badly mangled the Spanish accent as well as the lisp, coming off as amusing but impossible to take seriously.

The entire romantic subplot of the film was predictable from the very beginning, if only because it was given away in its entirety in the theatrical trailer. If you have ever heard of this movie before watching it, then you've already seen the emotional scene where Kiki (Roberts) tells Eddie that that woman that he saw standing by the spa that he had to spend the rest of his life with was her, and not her sister Gwen. From that perspective, America's Sweethearts is one of those movies where if you've seen the preview, you've seen the movie (take Pleasantville as another example).

Christopher Walken provides an excellent source of comic relief as well as one of the only really interesting characters in the film. He is the nutty filmmaker (indeed, the best films almost unwaveringly come from the people who are a little ‘off') who edits his films in the Unabomber's cabin, which he had moved onto his property, and who indeed created a truly memorable film, of which we unfortunately are only able to see a small portion. `The Blair Bitch Project,' as the press later calls it, is a kind of film that would be really interesting. The tabloids would have a field day.

There are a lot of sight gags and low brow humor in America's Sweethearts, and it is reported to bear a striking resemblance to Singin' In The Rain (although remains far inferior to that classic musical comedy), but it manages to keep the audience entertained if not hanging on every word. True film fanatics are sure to pick it apart for nearly feeding off of classic films and for following such a clear-cut formula, but there is definitely something to be enjoyed here.

I know this movie is not incredibly popular in the realm of IMDb voters, but I have to say, it's a really great comedy. I have always enjoyed it very much for it's wit and for the critical undertone it takes about how relationships function is Hollywood )something that is easily capitalized upon with today's celebrities). Really, the movie mocks the holllywood genre in general, which I find to be incredibly amusing! The performances are also very good. Billy Crystal, John Cuzsack, Julia Roberts, and Catherine Zeta Jones all play their roles in a very believable way. The dialogue is witty and engaging. I highly recommend it for a good laugh and a decent romantic comedy!

I had bought the DVD of this movie some years ago for $3, probably as a used disc when Blockbuster was closing their rental stores. But I had not gotten around to watching it, until last night. It has a number of fine actors and as a comedy and parody of the movie-making business it is suitably entertaining.

John Cusack as Eddie Thomas and Catherine Zeta-Jones Gwen Harrison are the power couple, generally referred to as "America's Sweethearts." The movie begins with a series of short clips from some of their popular movies where their characters are also lovers.

Their latest movie is set for release soon but there is a problem. Eddie and Gwen have split up. While still married she has gone off to live with a hot Latin lover. Eddie has not been able to get over the loss. Now the publicist and fixer (Billy Crystal) has to convince both of them to attend the press junket for the movie's release.

The other key role is Julia Roberts as Gwen's sister, Kiki Harrison. It seems Kiki has sacrificed her whole existence to help, and cater to, her famous sister who is very demanding and treats Kiki as a servant. That has to come to an end and it does in a most satisfying way.

As he does in most of his roles Christopher Walken is the scene stealer as a temperamental filmmaker. His role is rather short but in total might be the most important one, as the final catalyst for change.

My wife and I enjoyed it at home on DVD.

A fun movie that was much better than I thought it would be. I expected a horrible movie and I got a fun time-filler for ninety minutes. Great cast, entertaining movie. Billy Crystal and John Cusack stole the show from the leading ladies, but it's still a lot of fun to watch.

3/5 stars -

John Ulmer

This is a weird film, almost as if it was written by 2 different people with very different approaches to comedy. At times it's fast paced, surreal & hilarious. At other times it's more situational, down-to-earth and amusing but not really laugh-out-loud funny. "America's Sweethearts" did indeed have 2 writers (Billy Crystal and Peter Tolan), but I'm only guessing that that's the reason. Regardless, it's a good film worth watching.

"America's Sweethearts" begins with the fast-paced-hilarious, satirical approach which had me choking in laughter. The opening is reminiscent of the classic "Hollywood Shuffle" with its merciless mockery of the film industry. But it quickly simmers down to a more laid-back, easygoing romcom with a storyline. Periodically it hits us with some of the former hilarity but only in spurts.

John Cusack delivers a great performance as the borderline psychotic yet lovable jilted lover. Catherine Zeta-Jones is his counterpart, perhaps not as mental but every bit as memorable. Billy Crystal plays his usual wisecracking self, no need to describe that any further. Julia Roberts is the voice of reason, or the "straight man" role.

What ensues is somewhat predictable but packs enough surprises to keep you awake. Hank Azaria's portrayal of a Spanish gigolo is hilarious (if not slightly offensive to Spanish gigolos?) and that definitely keeps the momentum going. And then Christopher Walken makes a brief appearance or two, bringing down the house.

This is a fun movie for everyone, but in particular, entertainment industry folks and film geeks will get a real kick out of certain parts. Like "Hollywood Shuffle" or the more recent lashing of Hollywood "For Your Consideration", there are some funny inside jokes for movie buffs. But don't worry, if you watch it as a straightforward romcom it still delivers.