Hey, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab.
Gotta see it. Looks great.
Hi Harry,
Just saw an advanced screening last night of "Down With Love" last night at Harkins Scottsdale Fashion Square, courtesy of Phoenix Film Society.
Wow! This movie packs energy, fantastic casting, acting, dialogue, sets, costumes into the most satisfying romantic comedy I can remember.
Had no idea what to expect from the film. Going into it, I only knew it was a romantic comedy starring Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor. Sounded promising, and the movie made unexpectedly good on that.
We open with a perfect introduction of Zellweger's Barbara Novak, a soon-to-be hit writer and role model among 1960's wannabe-more-independent women around the globe, to New York City's Banner Publishing House. The country girl from Maine, as she's marketed, has created a 3-step process to becoming a "Down With Love" girl, all described in her new self-help guide. Her editor, Vicki (don't know who plays her; haven't noticed her before, but she's fantastic!), helps her along the bumpy process to fame, fortune, and perhaps...love?
One of Vicki's marketing plans is to get a cover article in "Know" men's magazine. David Hyde Pearce plays a perfect neurotic heir to the family fortune and editor-in-chief of the magazine. He's insecure, repressed, yet hopeful to score with some (any) lady who will have him. But he's not Niles Crane - his energy level in this movie transforms him into something more akin to Tony Randall's (who plays the CEO of Novak's publishing company) Felix Ungar--but without the Princess and the Pea annoyances.
To promote the book, Vicki sets up a meeting for herself and Novak with Pearce and Ewan McGregor. McGregor plays Catcher Block, "Know's" Pulitzer-winning "man's man, woman's man, man about town" playboy/writer. Block is too distracted by international stewardess hotties (think 7 of 9 from Star Trek: The Next Generation, but in fantastic 60's uniforms) to pay attention to Novak.
Ultimately, we know Block and Novak will fall in love, but it's the HOW this all happens that distinguishes this movie. The details of this film are exquisite, but some of the highlights...
Let's start with Dialogue! Haven't heard such FUN, taut, well-written dialogue, so freely delivered since...I can't remember. Multiple screenings are in order just to enjoy the monologues and repartee again.
Touch of the old: The movie is a knowingly affectionate revamp of 50's and 60's classics, and will entertain and delight men and women of all ages. Heard some of the older viewers lamenting in the men's room that the younger crowd won't get it because of all the odes to Doris Day/Rock Hudson/Cary Grant romps. Saw the screening with my mother, and she told me I couldn't appreciate everything, telling me how she had a dress just like Zellweger's, etc. But I say it won't matter. Unlike so many movies, this movie has something for everyone. At least those over 12, that is, because this film soars with its stylized but up-to-date sexual humor.
Direction: There are many great details in this film. Many fresh adaptations brilliantly executed.
Finally: Acting. Zellweger is cute and sweet and dynamic, but we know there's something more about her, and when we find out what it is, it is not disappointing. McGregor plays two characters in this film. I won't spoil it with details, but let's just say he took a page from Gollum in TTT as we enjoy both characters. McGregor blends character acting with being a leading man so thorougly, so perfectly. His physical acting and facial transformations--and the process we get to see--pure talent and fun. The other parts of the movie are wonderfully casted and nailed; no disappointments whatsoever.
Predictions here: Oscar nomination for Ewan McGregor; summer blockbuster ticket sales; staying power.
The individual parts and their sum all add up to a perfect summer catch.
Bassmaster
”The Movie So Good It Made Bassmaster Write Like Gene Shalit!!” Boy, I hope this is true. If Peyton Reed is really good at what he does, and if this is a hit for Fox, then maybe... just maybe... FANTASTIC FOUR could rule.
"Moriarty" out.
