For better or worse, '90s humor, music, fashion, pop culture references (mostly '70s TV), and stars are in full effect here. Watch for the nostalgia trip and an almost effective romantic comedy.
Nancy Travis is the real highlight. Her performance still charms, and her character stands up well to modern expectations. She's an independent business owner, a butcher in fact, has deadly martial arts skills, speaks multiple languages, and is smart and good looking. Mike Myers' character does what exactly? It was never clear to me if he worked despite driving around an expensive city in a convertible. Myers is quite funny here, but it might have been better if he dialed that down and played it more of a straight rom com. There are shades here of his Wayne Campbell and even Fat B*stard. I think he could have been more of a romantic lead in movies if he didn't try so hard for laughs. "Hello!"
As of now, Thomas Schlamme hasn't directed a theatrical feature since this one, focusing instead on TV, where competence is key. This film opens with a cool tracking shot, and there are a couple fun wipes in the editing, but overall the style is fairly bland.
This is worth a watch and a rewatch, but it's more of a mild misfire or also-ran than a hidden gem.
Nancy Travis is the real highlight. Her performance still charms, and her character stands up well to modern expectations. She's an independent business owner, a butcher in fact, has deadly martial arts skills, speaks multiple languages, and is smart and good looking. Mike Myers' character does what exactly? It was never clear to me if he worked despite driving around an expensive city in a convertible. Myers is quite funny here, but it might have been better if he dialed that down and played it more of a straight rom com. There are shades here of his Wayne Campbell and even Fat B*stard. I think he could have been more of a romantic lead in movies if he didn't try so hard for laughs. "Hello!"
As of now, Thomas Schlamme hasn't directed a theatrical feature since this one, focusing instead on TV, where competence is key. This film opens with a cool tracking shot, and there are a couple fun wipes in the editing, but overall the style is fairly bland.
This is worth a watch and a rewatch, but it's more of a mild misfire or also-ran than a hidden gem.