Harry here with the 'other' Julia Roberts romantic comedy of the summer (the other one being NOTTING HILL). We've had a couple of reports on this one so far, but I believe this is the first out and out super praising look at the film. The others seemed to not like the genre that much, so perhaps this is the more apt look at the film (at least if you're a Romantic Comedy fan), without further ado, here's Agent O....
Hey Harry, Agent Orange here. I was just finishing killing Charlie when I snuck into a test scree- hey wait a minute, I always hate these silly in-character intros that people do on your site. So I'll just skip that...
I saw an early screening of "Runaway Bride," the new Richard Gere/Julia Roberts/Gary Marshall directed movie a few weeks ago but am just getting to write about it now. While "Notting Hill" is getting all the buzz, I must admit this one is quite good too, so maybe this will get some good word going on it.
Anyway, ya'll know the plot, and if you don't here it is in 30 words or less: Richard the column writer writes about Julia dumping many men at alter, gets fired for making up story, goes to Julia's hometown to vindicate himself, you know what happens next. But really, the fun is getting there. Other than Julia (who gets top billing!) and Richard, who have terrific chemistry together, the rest of the cast is nicely filled out- Joan Cusack, Hector Elizondo, Rita Wilson, Laurie Metcalf and Donal Logue. Oh, and the guy who plays Julia's sports-obsessed fiancé, don't know his name, is very funny too.
There are many moments reminiscent of Pretty Woman: Richard making an offer and Julia highering it while Richard lowers it; Julia being denied clothes because the saleswoman thinks she can't afford it and Richard coming to the rescue... but it's not derivative, it feels spanking fresh, even tho we've seen this type of movie a hundred times before. I can honestly say it's the most laughs I've had in a theater this year since Analyze This.
Of course, I was under the influence of getting in my first early screening, plus that it was free, and also that I was just in the mood for that sort of movie, but I sure liked it. Good date movie, I suppose. On par with Pretty Woman, I'd say.
The audience too seemed to love it. They laughed like hell, and gave a hearty applause at the end when Gary Marshall's (who was there, BTW) name came up. Looks like he might just bounce back after Dear God... and The Other Sister... and Exit To Eden... and... oh never mind.
Well, hope that's useful. Gotta go now, I hear Charlie coming 'round the bush.
Agent Orange
