7/10
Lots of good ideas, witty dialogue, and fine acting but the ending feels incomplete
13 July 2015
Conrad (Jason Bateman) has been one of the luckiest people on the planet. His parents own a stately hotel in Manhattan, the Valmont, where "Connie" has lived his whole life. Nested in the penthouse, life is an endless string of women and parties. The claim is that he is a writer in the "developing stages" of a book. But, alas, Poor Yorick! His parents decide on a divorce and neither wants to pay for Conrad's current lifestyle. Thus, he is soon "hotel-less and homeless". Its a shock, with Conrad having to leave his dog Napoleon in the hands of a longtime hotel employee. Thus, he ends up bunking with a male pal, Dylan (Billy Crudup) who is perhaps Connie's only true friend. Almost at once, Dylan tells Conrad that he has broken up with a longtime girlfriend and has his eye on a beautiful fashion model, Beatrice (Olivia Wilde). Bea has been setting boundaries for Dylan's pursuit, though she does seem interested in the man. Wouldn't one know, when the three of them get together that Conrad develops a crush on Beatrice, too? With his more aggressive style, this juvenile, penniless little rich boy makes more time in a few days than Dylan has in weeks, all behind Dylan's back! Will this new romance last? This is an unusual film, urban, witty, and interesting. The sharp dialogue will make those who like words over action stunts very happy. Then, too, Bateman, Wilde, Crudup, Tony Roberts and the rest of the acting crew are most wonderful as well. although it would have been nice to see Crudup more. With great sets, costumes, and direction, The Longest Week has its charm and fun. Alas, the ending was unsatisfying for this viewer but others might not find it so. Even so, this notable flick will help film fans who delight in something other than superheroes quite gleeful.
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