Greetings again from the darkness. Writer, Director and Lead Actor Michael Showalter ("Wet, Hot Summer", "Stella shorts") attempts to deliver the whole package with this one - even billing it as a Howard Hawks type screwball romantic comedy. What we get is a very cute, enjoyable low budget romcom with a stellar supporting cast and pretty weak leading man.
Part of what made the Howard Hawks films work was he often had Cary Grant in the lead. Sorry, Mr. Showalter, but you are no Cary Grant. With such a strong supporting cast, I would be very interested to see what a real actor could have done with this role. Not sure if ego or budgetary issues drove the decision, but it definitely did not help the film.
Elizabeth Banks ("The 40 Year Old Virgin", "Seabiscuit") is terrific as Caroline. She brings so much energy to her roles that it forces her co-actors to step it up a notch. Peter Dinklage (so great in "The Station Agent") is hilarious as the most observant wedding planner. He has a slyness and screen presence that eludes most. The real gem of the film is Michelle Williams ("The Station Agent"). Her earnestness and realness are mesmerizing and heart-warming. Throw in Michael Ian Black (looking pretty rough in the colored briefs) and Paul Rudd (fresh off great reviews for "The 40 year old Virgin") and you see what I mean about the supporting cast.
The idea of a "baxter" being the guy (or girl ... see Michelle Williams character) or always manages to lose out at the last minute to the other "true love" is brilliant and easy for most of us to relate to. The film is well written and overall well-acted. The scene in Elliot's apartment when Carolyn (Banks) ALMOST discovers Michelle Williams while arguing with Elliot is pure screwball physical comedy at its very best.
This is definitely one to see and you will laugh a few times and smile many, but it will leave you wondering .... "if only they had cast ...?"
Part of what made the Howard Hawks films work was he often had Cary Grant in the lead. Sorry, Mr. Showalter, but you are no Cary Grant. With such a strong supporting cast, I would be very interested to see what a real actor could have done with this role. Not sure if ego or budgetary issues drove the decision, but it definitely did not help the film.
Elizabeth Banks ("The 40 Year Old Virgin", "Seabiscuit") is terrific as Caroline. She brings so much energy to her roles that it forces her co-actors to step it up a notch. Peter Dinklage (so great in "The Station Agent") is hilarious as the most observant wedding planner. He has a slyness and screen presence that eludes most. The real gem of the film is Michelle Williams ("The Station Agent"). Her earnestness and realness are mesmerizing and heart-warming. Throw in Michael Ian Black (looking pretty rough in the colored briefs) and Paul Rudd (fresh off great reviews for "The 40 year old Virgin") and you see what I mean about the supporting cast.
The idea of a "baxter" being the guy (or girl ... see Michelle Williams character) or always manages to lose out at the last minute to the other "true love" is brilliant and easy for most of us to relate to. The film is well written and overall well-acted. The scene in Elliot's apartment when Carolyn (Banks) ALMOST discovers Michelle Williams while arguing with Elliot is pure screwball physical comedy at its very best.
This is definitely one to see and you will laugh a few times and smile many, but it will leave you wondering .... "if only they had cast ...?"