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Maid in Manhattan

Maid in Manhattan

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Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Cute but a lie
Review: Summary:
Marisa Ventura (Jennifer Lopez) is a single mother and a hard-working maid in an upscale New York hotel. Her son, Ty (Tyler Posey), whose father tends to miss all of the most important things in his life, just happens to be fascinated with politics. When 'Chris' Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a New York politician/playboy running for re-election, moves temporarily into the hotel where Marisa is working there doesn't seem to be a problem. Until, Marisa, coaxed by a friend, decides to put on the $5,000 suit of one of the hotel guests and is caught by her son, who has befriended Chris by talking politics and petting his dog, and Chris. Chris immediately falls for Marisa and invites her to go walk his dog with him and Ty.

In their brief walk both realize that they could pursue this relationship further. That would be fine except Chris believes Marisa is a very wealthy guest at the hotel and not one of the maids. What's more, Marisa has just been made a supervisor and is in a precarious position where any wrong move could ruin her career. Well, her wrong move is eventually caught and the tower of cards fantasy relationship with Chris comes tumbling down along with her career dreams. But apparently love knows no economic or racial/ethnic boundaries and despite the deception Chris finds himself so in love with Marisa that he looks past the lie.

My Comments:
The movie is kind of cute and really plays on the idea that romance can cross economic class boundaries. It's very much the Cinderella story played out in a posh Manhattan hotel with very few real changes to the story. Caroline Lane (Natasha Richardson), who reveals the lie to Chris, could be compared to Cinderella's stepsisters or stepmother; her friends, the other maids, would be the mice and others that help her get all dressed up, etc. So, the movie has some very classic elements.

There were, however, two things about the movie that bothered. First, despite actually being okay in this role, I still don't think Jennifer Lopez is a great actress. What makes this movie an exception is that she isn't really doing that much acting. She is Hispanic and has made it big because of her looks. Of course, in the movie they try to make it out as though her success is because of her hard-work and no-nonsense attitude, but what attracts Chris is the fact that she's, well, attractive. Chances are he wouldn't have fallen for her friend, who wasn't nearly as attractive, if he had found her dressed up. So, the problem here is that Jennifer Lopez wasn't acting - she was just being Jennifer Lopez.

The other thing about the movie that bothers me is the Cinderella fantasy. The more I think about this fantasy the more disgusted I become. The majority of relationships and marriages in the U.S. are between people of similar economic backgrounds. Sure, there are those select few, but to dream about that happening is really pretty much beyond being a dream, it's a fantasy. This type of movie, building on the Cinderella story, is a lie and encourages poor young women to believe that something like this could actually happen. Now, I recognize that I'm being a bit harsh, after all there are those special cases. But I just don't see it as healthy to maintain dreams of being whisked away by some Prince Charming with millions of dollars. In other words, the basic premise of the movie is a very uncommon occurrence - don't get your hopes up because it isn't going to happen to you.

Couple of other things... Ralph Fiennes was pretty good. I like him as an actor. He can play unique roles (see Red Dragon) and is pretty convincing. So, that was a positive for the movie. The other thing that is really standing out in my mind is, Why did Ty freeze up on his speech at the beginning of the movie? Was this supposed to be some character arc for him that he found a father-like figure in Chris and was finally able to speak in public again? The resolution of the 'problem' was kind of cute, but the setup was pretty illogical, especially considering how interested he was in politics and knowing that giving speeches is an important part of that.

Overall, the movie is really just Cinderella transported to New York and incorporating ethnic differences into the mix. It isn't a romantic comedy because it isn't really funny, Stanley Tucci is about the only person that pushes for laughs. I guess if you don't mind believing in something that is more than likely not going to happen you might enjoy this movie. I must admit that the finished product isn't too bad, but I don't like the message and I've never liked Jennifer Lopez as an actress.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: I LIKED IT
Review: I have to disagree with the reviews I have been reading here. I liked this movie, I thought it was adorable. What woman who is struggling and trying to raise a child, has not had a dream that her Knight in Shinning Armor will come along and change her life. Of course they have!
I also felt it showed the emotional struggle that both of them went through before they gave in to their love.
I enjoyed it and think many others will as well!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Beautiful Movie!
Review: Wayne Wang - great director. Jennifer Lopez - as beautiful as always. Romantic movies like this give one hope and inspiration. Great production. Great editing. Insightful characters. Wonderful writing!!! We need more of these! Keep up the good work!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: maid for greatness
Review: I saw this in theaters and thought it was one of the most genuinely charming movies of 2002. I'm a big fan of Jennifer Lopez and think the only better actress for this role would be Julia Roberts. Ralph Fiennes did a great job. I just highly reccomend it.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: Tired Story...But Jennifer Is Just So Likable....
Review: Yeah, it's basicly another "Pretty Woman" clone. It's got a smiliar story, similar characters, etc. But Jennifer Lopez manages to make up for that with a great performance...but she tends to do that with all her movies. The story involves a maid (Jennifer) working as a maid in a fancy-shmancy hotel where in a spontaneous instant, she tries on a guest's clothes and is mistaken as a guest herself by a rich politician. The story and drama ensues from there. Enjoyable to watch once just for Jennifer but that's about it. Otherwise, buy or rent "Pretty Woman."

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: Not Worth the Money
Review: ...Okay, I'll bet you any money that you can guess this movie's synopsis. Jennifer Lopez stars as Marissa, a single mother who works as a maid in a ritzy Manhattan hotel. The day before Marissa decides to run for the position of manager, a rich woman decides to stay at the hotel, and Marissa becomes her kind-of servant. One day while Marissa is cleaning her room, her friend comes over and pursuedes Marissa to try on the woman's outfit hanging in the closet. She agrees, and tries it on. She does look good, I'll admit, but not as far to be mistaken as a guest-which is exactly what happens when the mayor of NY walks in. Now, how he got the key, we don't know. That is all I will give away, seeing as some people actually want to see this rock of a movie.

My personal opinion is that this movie is a flop. It certainly was a flop at the box office, and didn't get that good of reviews from the critics... Take my advice, skip this one and rent a REAL romantic comedy like "Sweet Home Alabama" or "Two Weeks Notice".

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Really great movie!
Review: I really have to say, that this is one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen. I can watch it over and over again. Great story with political background.
The movie discusses the problems between the lower class and the upper class. To me it's great and much more emotional than Pretty Woman!!!

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: weak script
Review: Compared to this, WEDDING PLANNER was a work of art. First of all while Jennifer Lopez's character is well developed, however the alleged "Cinderella" romance consists of what: some Playboy politician getting hot for her and taking her to his hotel room. The matchup just doesn't work here at all. As for this being a "comedy", well I didn't see too much

Now of course we are eventually told they are "still together" after one year" -apparently another successful "Cinderella" shackup 21st century style.

Wedding Planner had all sorts of nuances and interesting things going on with time for the main characters to become real, this movie lacked that.

The butler actor was quite good, he did a great job.

Rating: 1 stars
Summary: What Were They Thinking??
Review: I mean the first time I heard about this movie another film immediately popped into my head: "Ever After: A Cinderella Story" starrying Drew Barrymore. Now I see why. "Maid In Manhattan" is basically the same story but updated. Same plot and everything just different characters. If you want a classic fun film with an original plot and good acting check out "Ever After: A Cinderella Story." F-

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: thee stares only fore j low
Review: jo low sghas everyone noes is da gereates actreseses dat every loieved. she sisr eallay the best. anf itms too bad dat maid fint mahnatan isn't ads htgood of a flick as it couljjd of beenm. becaise we all now dat j low derfcsreeved de best. ohnl,uy soem ple,eooer shouodl watch dis flcik. because j low has made otrher better flick klike thje cell the singnlemn gereates moboihe ever. othnetr flicjks like angel eyes and ananzconda. so maihjd ihn mahne5tghenb is an okaye flick. it hads somde egood afcytimng and the too actorsxs r okaye in it.....word out.


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