I have never understood the appeal of Mae West. Apart from a funny smarmy comment here or there, most movies feature her being pursued by countless love-struck (or possibly just horny) men. And here is where the problem lies! How can the producers get anyone to seriously believe that men are so attracted to West?! She is, without a doubt, the most unappealing female lead in Hollywood history (I can't count Lassie in this category because as most of us know, this dog was actually played by male Collies). Old, bloated and sleazy to me are not exactly attractive qualities and it is completely unbelievable she could play much of anything other than an over the hill prostitute. The ridiculousness of her love affair with young and handsome Cary Grant completely undermines the movie. They played in a couple movies together and not for one moment could I believe Grant would even look twice at a woman like West. However, despite this, he and several other men spend most of the movie chasing after her like sex-crazed weasels! This is an incredibly one-note and over-rated film that stands up poorly over time.
Update: Since doing this review, I got an email telling me that I was stupid for disliking this film--especially since I actually liked TALLADEGA NIGHTS. Perhaps they have a point--especially since so many people have marked my rant "not helpful". I just don't like Mae West and despite seeing several of her films, she never converted me to believing she was a great actress. Maybe one day I'll try watching I'M NO ANGEL again, but considering how much I truly disliked the film and how miscast Cary Grant was, I doubt it. It's all a matter of taste, and this lover of classic Hollywood comedies just doesn't enjoy her films.
Update: Since doing this review, I got an email telling me that I was stupid for disliking this film--especially since I actually liked TALLADEGA NIGHTS. Perhaps they have a point--especially since so many people have marked my rant "not helpful". I just don't like Mae West and despite seeing several of her films, she never converted me to believing she was a great actress. Maybe one day I'll try watching I'M NO ANGEL again, but considering how much I truly disliked the film and how miscast Cary Grant was, I doubt it. It's all a matter of taste, and this lover of classic Hollywood comedies just doesn't enjoy her films.