Romy and Michele: In the Beginning

My theory is that someone had a script for a bad comedy about two girls moving into a big city lying around on his desk and while there was nothing else to do, they simply chose to use the script as it is and borrow a name from a well known movie to attract at least some viewers. This would explain all the anachronisms, mixed up names, the long time period between the movies and the fact that the movie is only very distantly connected to the original Romy and Michele movie.

Even so, the movie is not all bad. I'm not saying it is not bad, because it really is. But it's not all bad. The two lead actresses do a fine job, and so does Kelly Brook. Not really going for an Oscar there, but I've seen a lot worse. As far as for the script goes, there's not even a one tiny drop of originality in it but I guess one can't expect that from this type of comedy. As a whole the movie is a cute little comedy which is not particularly entertaining but does not cause a severe headache either.

The movie gets four stars for the wonderful interpretation of Lisa Kudrow by Heigl. Immediately at the film's beginning the audience sees how magnificently she does the voice and facial expressions of her predecessor.

Which would have been enough to give the movie ten stars if it wasn't for the small fact Katherine Heigl is supposed to be playing the part of Mira Sorvino. I thought for a moment I had just mixed up the names from my memories of the previous movie, but no: now that I'm checking this site, I see it was the movie's mistake. They either didn't notice it or didn't care. Whichever is unforgivable.

I'd give the whole thing zero if Heigl hadn't been perfect in her portrayal of at least somebody.

We have Katherine Heigl, playing the role of Romy White. Alex Breckenridge plays the role of Michelle Weinberger. Ms. Hiegl is a tall blond doing a credible Lisa Kudrow impression. Ms. Breckenridge is a somewhat shorter brunette, doing a credible Mira Sorvino impression.

Trouble is, Lisa Kudrow, the tall blond in the original, plays the role of Michelle Weinberger. Mira Sorvino, who is a somewhat shorter brunette (there's a conversation about how great she looks with dark roots), plays the role of Romy White.

Anyone else notice this? I find it odd that so many of the same people were involved, but that the actresses are clearly playing to the wrong character. I taped this off AMC and had to watch for most of the film before realizing what was bothering me.

This is not your typical ABC Family movie. The jokes are surprisingly raw.

I'm surprised I enjoyed this movie so much. So before anyone judges my tastes, I'd like to explain how this movie is one of the first to focus on a "meta" world.

Yes, the gags are sit-com like. And yes, the plot is incredibly predictable, but this is the movie Romy and Michele would make if they could make a movie. It really celebrates a more upbeat optimistic view of the "Hollywood Dream." And is washed with so much color and patent characters of THAT specific era. I really like they captured a bygone era of these post- teen comedies. Where, in any other world, they'd be in deep trouble.

It's not to say that they are completely clueless. They make some really dark innuendos to how often they have sex, who they would have sex with (living or dead), sex changes...basically all the archetypes of what most people think Hollywood is about. Which (now working in Hollywood myself) isn't that big of a stretch. They run into self-important publicists. a VERY narcissistic model, Clubs they're under/over dressed for, next door neighbors who they think are gay. For those in the industry, it's a toybox of your first time here. But in Romy & Michele's case, seen through a sunnier view.

What, I think, a lot of cynics will criticize is how stupid the concept it. The same that would embrace "Dumb & Dumber." That's the point, Romy & Michele live in this very bizarre world that if they are positive, positive things will happen. If you don't believe in "The Secret" (personally I think it's garbage), then this will annoy you to no end. I found it hilarious how their tunnel vision keeps them going on their adventures, whether you think them to be idiots or not. They A) don't seem to care what you think or B) just don't know.

Isn't refreshing to have that type of freedom in life?

It's rudimentary, to be sure, but on a slow night, it's actually a fun watch.

I have never been into this sort of film and never liked legally blonde or its follow up but after watching this film I wanted to know more about it all.

It was nice seeing the girl from Roswell playing a fun part,she plays dumb really well and boy does she look good. I also found her co star amusing and cute. This is a bit of a NO BRAINER, but I found it funny.

I found my self wanting more and now want to see the original film even though the cast is different. Paula Abdul and Kelly Brooke make appearances, Brooke shows she is limited as an actress but looks fantastic, her part is of limited appeal. Overall give it a go and you may have a bit of a giggle