AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS (2001) *** This is the film that lends gravitas to even the Eagles' "Witchy Woman." Gotta give credit to Joe Roth, and also the way Catherine Zeta-Jones shakes the back of her hair for that one... Hollywood loves movies about Hollywood (even when they take place elsewhere), and I have to say that I'm with them in that. My limited couple times living in L.A. for a couple of years—-I've seen all this stuff they're making fun of, and celebrating; they're all cartoon characters but it's true. The thing about great acting is that it makes anything real, cartoon or not. And you can't do casting like this with just a bunch of cash. Julia Roberts stands out as the most brilliant performance, Zeta-J's not far behind, John Cusack is wonderful and...and....and the insiders of the insiders have to be raising cups to Stanley Tucci and Billy Crystal. That's right, Billy Crystal, I'm saying he's real good in it too. Christopher Walken, Hank Azaria, yep outstanding Oscar-consideration worthy performances all over the corners, too. It flirts with a major form of greatness for over an hour and when it comes time to throw down their chips you have to admit that they throw 'em...it's not a terrible letdown, it's still fun, it goes along with everything else, but it just doesn't quite come up royal straights of roses the way I hoped it might.
back to Brilliant Observations on 2120 Films page, or Index
go back home, or send me email
Reviews won't do it any more! I need sustained brilliance! I want to buy your novel!