Rating: Summary: A movie that sticks with you (if you like comedy black) Review: It's saying something about a movie when a friend asks you for a recommendation in 2004, and 1998's "The Opposite of Sex" is one of the first things that pops into your head. Christina Ricci - in her first real adult role - rips the paint of the walls with her performance as Dede Truitt, a one-woman hurricane. She wreaks havoc here in everyone else's life, starting with half-brother Bill, played by the always excellent Martin Donovan (see, among others, "Insomnia," in which he plays Al Pacino's doomed partner).In fact, for all the attention garnered by what was essentially Ms. Ricci's very successful coming out party, the real news here are the excellent turns by Donovan, Lisa Kudrow (playing about as far from Phoebe as one can get) and Lyle Lovett. Mr. Lovett proves her that he doesn't need Robert Altman to transfer his charisma from his musical performances to film. [He had been essentially an Altman 'house player' up to this point in his career.] The script is sharp and witty. We've got Don Roos (as writer and director) to thank for that. I'm a little perplexed by Mr. Roos' career since that point - 'Bounce' (a disappointing Affleck/Paltrow outing) came out in 2000. He did have a critical hit with 2000's TV summer replacement 'M.Y.O.B.' Roos has proven himself to be a great writer who attracts quality stars and directs them to impressive performances. He does have 'Happy Endings' in production right now with Ms. Kudrow and other talented actors. As far as I'm concerned, his success with 'Opposite of Sex' will compel me to see anything that he creates.
Rating: Summary: Cutting Wit, Good Cast (and, even a funny "Friend") Review: Christina Ricci is marvelous as the sarcastic narrator of this witty, sly little film. Although the plot has a few not-so-plausible glitches, in my opinion, the cast, including Lyle Lovett and Lisa Kudrow, make the film a worth-while endeavor. Some of the one-liners in this movie are lost if you only give it the once over. It's comedy that remains true to the characters; its character sketches that are worth fleshing out; and its multi-dimensional so it satisfies the audiences who may view it multiple times and discover tid-bits they missed the first time around. Intelligent and engaging, it should have found a broader audience; it definitely has a broad appeal. It's not only worth owning, it's worth loaning to friends and family who may, just by looking at its packaging overlook it, but will watch it because you asked them to. They'll thank you later.
Rating: Summary: Just Wickedly Funny! Review: The keyword to this film- wicked. Here, we enter the mind of Deedee Truit (Cristina Ricci), a teenager who just comes into the lives of many people and just wrecks the wits out of them. But she does have a lighter side, and it does show up at the final stages of the film. I love gay movies. This one isn't a purely gay film- it really focuses on what love really means, and you just can't help but get a little mushed up at the final scenes. Lisa Kudrow is extremely funny in this film. As usual, her witty one-liners will get you to laugh so hard. The first time I saw it, my stomach just got hurt bad laughing from Lisa's quips. All the other performances are just as good. The DVD itself treats us to some interesting deleted scenes, two of which are really funny. I personally think the director's commentary was a bit disappointing. I thought he had a lot of guts to do such a film, but his commentary focused on the technicalities of this film. If you like gay movies, or if you're straight but you love gay people, you should get out and rent the DVD and if you love it, then order it!
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