Friday, January 30, 2009

NEW IN TOWN




Romantic comedy

PRINCIPAL CAST MEMBERS
Siobhan Fallon Hogan: Blanche Gunderson, Secretary with Munch Inc.
Renée Zellweger: Lucy Hill, corporate executive
Harry Connick Jr.: the local union representative Ted Mitchell
J.K. Simmons: Plant Foreman Stu Kopenhafer

REVIEW
Too often romantic-comedies lack both elements; this is no exception. In addition it is saddled with so many worn-out clichés it almost begs description.

Suspension of disbelief and low expectations are essential to see this one through.

CLASSIFICATION
for brief strong language.

FOR NITPICKERS ONLY
• As the “scrappers” sit around a table what looks like a large magnifying glass changes position from one shot to the next without anyone touching it.
• While having dinner at Blanche’s house, Lucy’s wine glass in front of her is half empty until she picks it up and now it’s almost full to the top.
• Ted stops on the highway with only the truck’s headlights on, gets out and when he returns the truck has backed up by itself and also turned on the big lights used when snow plowing.
• With the point of view over Lucy’s shoulder as she leans against the door frame while speaking with Ted we see her reaction to something. When the camera angle reverts to the position behind her she has conveniently slipped around the corner so we get an unobstructed view of Ted.
• The ADR while Ted and Lucy are going out hunting crows is poorly done. Ted's words are not in synchrony with the movement of his mouth.
• Lucy walks about the production floor area without a hairnet, a serious breach of regulations in any food processing plant.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

"Too often romantic-comedies lack both elements..." Great line, the truth of which kept me away from the genre for years. Unfotunately, pre-teen girls swoon and I have a pre-teen. I'll wait for Blockbuster's, guide her to this one instead of Bride Wars, and pour a large glass of wine. Thanks.
Kim