Rating: Summary: 3 1/2 Stars: Let's Do The Time Warp, Again!! Review: Is the World ready for another stab at replicating the warmer, kinder, naïve movie that Doris Day and Rock Hudson indelibly imprinted in the late 1950's and 1960's? 'Far From Heaven' tried in the melodrama mode last year and in many ways succeeded, but the question remains: how do you parody a genre that is/was in itself a parody? All movies are a reflection of their time; be it 'Minority Report' (set in the future) or 'Gods and Generals' (set in the past). It is impossible to attempt to recreate the past or create the future without doing it with the sensibilities of the time in which we live. And there are a few comments in 'Down With Love' which would never have passed the censors in 1962. Conversely, 'Far From Heaven' has no such comments and sticks t o it's guns, period thinking-wise. So does that make 'DWL' more hip than 'FFH' or more of a cheat? All that being said, the production values, costumes in 'Down With Love' are awe-inspiring and Peyton Reed, the director has done wonders incorporating 1960's era stock scenes seamlessly into his film. (Kudos to the editor) Renee Zellweger does a good job emulating Doris Day, as does David Hyde Pierce, Tony Randall; who also has a cameo in this film. Hyde-Pierce really steals the movie from under Zellweger and Ewan McGregor noses, though with his on the mark portrayal of Peter. McGregor is problematic in the Rock Hudson role. He's physically too small and his hair and makeup in some scenes is ghoulish. There's no doubt that McGregor is talented but here he is woefully miscast. 'Down With Love' is fun and giddy as a rib tickling and it is physically a beautiful film. But trying to make a 1960's style comedy in 2003 doesn't work if your heart isn't in it enough to stick to the rules of the genre which means leaving your tongue firmly planted against your cheek at all times.
Rating: Summary: My new favorite movie Review: A great great movie! Gorgeous Ewan McGregor is totally charming as star reporter Catcher Block, the ladie's man/man's man/man about town, and Renee Zellweger is a funny and realistic Barbara Novak, the author of "Down with Love", which turns their 60's world upside down when it encourages women to stop falling and love and become social equals by joining the workforce. The dialogue is witty, the scriptwriting (particularly the telephone scene) is priceless, the character's schemes are hilarious, and the plot will keep even the most jaded moviegoer guessing. A great movie for a date or a girl's night out on the town.
Rating: Summary: Thought it would be better Review: The casting was terrific so I thought it would surely be a hit. Sadly, it was not. Great use of big names to make big bucks.
Rating: Summary: Ewan sings yet again! Review: this movie kept me at the edge of my seat from beginning to end. at first i was disappointed because Ewan didn't sing in the title musik, but once he was on screen everything was okay. Renee could look better though, i really prefer how she looked in Me, Myself, and Irene. everyone of the main actors, Ewan, Renee, and that guy from Frasier (his name escapes me at the moment...) were brillant and vibrant the whole time. i loved the many twists in the plot, once you think it's over it just keeps going, so awesome. perhaps it is kind of a chick flick, but it'd compare it to more of a movie similar to Moulin Rouge. not quite a chick flick, but not quite something else, it sets itself apart from all the movies out right now. i liked how it was kind of not pushed that much so only those who would really appreciate it would see it first. Ewan was hot as ever and i loved hearing his gorgeous voice once again. dancing in a towel wasn't bad either ^_~
Rating: Summary: Don't be Down on DOWN WITH LOVE Review: It was bad enough that they put this odd romantic comedy up against the Summer Blockbusters, not to mention the same weekend as THE MATRIX RELOADED, but the way in which the film was promoted was totally horrendous. I had absolutely no desire to see this film other than the fact that I had free tickets. Even my girlfriend wasn't interested and she is a fan of Ewan McGregor. Well, the phrase "never judge a book by its cover" couldn't apply more! Not only did the film turn out to be extremely amusing, but it does it in a way that is both unique and nostalgic. The packed audience seemed to love the movie, although one older couple felt that the sexual overtones were a bit much at times. This is a great date movie and fun for both men and women. Please don't let the bad promotion drive you away. Of course you need to see "Neo" fight the baddies on the big screen, but don't let this film slide by. See this movie! If you miss it at the theatre, make sure you rent it. You'll probably see a lot of romantic comedy clones this year, but I doubt that you are going to see anything like this!
Rating: Summary: Slightly before Austin Powers' time, baby Review: When I saw the commercial for this movie, I was thinking.. 'great, yet another male bashing chick flick'. BUT, this turned out to be a great romantic comedy while at the same time stereotyping the 1960's Pillow Talk-style movies.. from the chain-smoking debutant in belly-button covering shorts to the painful looking men's wing-tip shoes. Renee plays Barbara Novak, a woman tired of the male-dominating (especially in the bedroom) world. Ewan McGregor plays Catcher Block, a womanizing playboy and writer for KNOW magazine. Barbara's new liberal book opens the eyes of women across the world and making men miserable. It's Catcher's job to dig some dirt up on Barbara. The first half hour of this film drags a bit; but, once you get past that, it's a very entertaining movie. No Academy Award nominations in this one but very funny. The PG-13 rating is very appropriate, although there are several truckloads of innuendo. For those adults that have trouble understanding it, bring along your teenager to explain them to you. :) There is a part in the movie where Renee has a very long monologue in, what I'm concluding is, a very see-through dress (in the top, anyway). The producers need a better commercial for this movie. What they've got now doesn't do it justice. And, if you see it, stick around for Renee and Ewan's singing during the ending credits.. very Steve & Edie. :P In my opinion, it's worth the matinee AND the evening show price.
Rating: Summary: A Splendid Send-Off of the Sixties Review: How could you go wrong with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor? From the opening credits to the last song and dance over the closing credits (DON'T leave before that!) this film is a delight. The writing is refreshing and clever, the costumes are hysterically gorgeous and the four main principals carry the film seemingly effortlessly. Her monolgue explaining the "plot" is priceless. How did she remember all that, it is a single take. I can't wait to see it again.If you are familiar with the romantic comedies of the 50's and 60's you will enjoy this, but even if you are not into that genre there is a lot to love in this film. Very refreshing and courageous.
Rating: Summary: My girlfriend loved it. I thought it was okay. Review: If you like the old Rock Hudson/Doris Day films, this is your ticket. The film-makers went all out with the sets and costumes and Renee and Ewan do justice to the film's old-fashioned, zippy dialogue. In all, it's a lot of fun for a (dare I say it) chick flick. Like those old films, the plot is pretty conventional and the jokes are all innuendo-based. I'm a film-viewer who likes a tad more sophistication. That's why I preferred "Far from Heaven". But comparisons between the two films can only go so far. "Down with Love" was fun and my girlfriend really really loved it so what more can a guy want?
Rating: Summary: Enjoyed this Flick! Review: If you've seen the Doris Day / Rock Hudson movies then you will probably really enjoy this movie. The movie was fast paced and funny. The sets and clothing were real eye candy. Make sure you see the widescreen version.
Rating: Summary: Get Down With Love Review: Down With Love is a homage to the Doris Day and Rock Hudson comedies of the late 50's and early 60's. The film revolves around a young, unknown writer Barbara Novak (Renee Zelleweger) who has penned a runaway bestseller, Down With Love, which says that women can act just like men especially when it comes to sex. Women all over the country are becoming liberated and men aren't happy. Magazine writer and swinging ladies man Catcher Block (Ewan MacGregor) wants to interview Barbara and when he is denied, he sets up a scheme to take her down. Posing as a shy, mild-mannered astronaut Zip Martin, he sets off to make Barbara fall in love with him and disprove the whole Down With Love premises. Along for help are Catcher's best friend, Peter MacManus (David Hyde Pierce) and Barbara's best friend and editor (Vikki Hiller). Tony Randall, who appeared in three of the Hudson-Day films, makes his final film appearance as the head of Barbara's publishing company. The film is an entertaining romp and the actors have their tongues firmly in their cheeks. Mr. MacGregor & Ms. Zelleweger have great chemistry and the fun they having in the film clearly shows off. The sets are magnificent and the retro look and styles adds to film's appeal. The closing credits contains a great song and dance number with Mr. MacGregor and Ms. Zelleweger clearing taking advantage of the talents they showed in Moulin Rouge & Chicago respectively.
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