Helen - Monday Morning Review

THE OH IN OHIO

Priscilla Chase (Parker Posey) seems to have everything going for her – the perfect job, the perfect house, the perfect husband – except in bed, where sex has always left her a bit short of the finish line. When her husband unexpectedly leaves her to regain his manhood, Priscilla embarks on a wild journey that ultimately leads her to love in the most unlikely place … One woman’s story is about to climax ...

I don’t remember seeing or hearing any info about this movie when it first came through theaters, so when I saw it on the shelf at Blockbuster I didn’t know what to expect. I rented it to watch with my daughter when we were both at home having a sick day. About five minutes into it, she turned to me and said, “I can’t believe I’m watching this with you!” That might have been half the fun of it for me, although I did have to keep reminding myself that my daughter’s eighteen.

So Parker Posey’s life ain’t all its cracked up to be. She’s a successful marketing exec who’s just received a promotion, but she can’t hold her yoga poses, if you know what I mean. Oh, all right, I’ll spell it out for you. She’s never (gasp!) had an orgasm.

Somewhere along the way, the movie states that 30 million women suffer from sexual dysfunction. I have no clue if there’s any truth to that statistic, but watching the main character’s attempts to rectify her situation are hilarious. Let’s just say she has a love affair with a certain mechanical object, and, once she gets going, can’t seem to stop herself. I laughed in this movie the way my husband laughed in the movie There’s Something About Mary. It felt great.

Usually, I’m a big dialogue person, and it’s not that the dialogue is bad or anything, it just doesn’t seem as important as the body language and facial expressions. I’ve never seen a movie where so much is not said, yet everything is understood so perfectly. Which gets me to the wonderful acting.

Parker Posey is adorable in her role as Priscilla Chase, the main character, and Paul Rudd is flawless as her not entirely pathetic husband. Danny DeVito (here's a second looker for ya), as always, is a kick. Those three make the movie. The only disappointment is Mischa Barton. Her performance is nothing short of wooden, making her character seem unbelievable. Heather Graham has a couple short scenes. She’s someone I’ve never really cared for, but this movie changed my opinion. Oh, and Liza Minelli has a cameo appearance too. Very funny stuff.

The ending is sweet, leaves a smile on your face, and brings home the point that being able to laugh with someone can make or break a relationship.

Has anyone else seen this movie? Was I just in the mood to laugh, or is it truly funny?

What’s your favorite mother/daughter movie?

Debra - MONDAY MORNING REVIEW

Because I Said So...

ROMANTIC COMEDY
3 1/2 stars (out of 5 stars)

Cast: Diane Keaton, Mandy Moore, Gabriel Macht, Tom Everett Scott, Lauren Graham, Piper Perabo, Stephen Collins

I have to admit that I went to see this movie because I'm a fan of Lauren Graham (Gilmore Girls). The trailer during Gilmore Girls last week made it seem like she had a much bigger role. Unfortunately she was on screen too little to make me happy.

The movie is really about the relationship between a meddling mother (Diane Keaton) who just wants all her daughters to be happily married and her youngest daughter (Mandy Moore) who can't seem to put a decent relationship together despite being attractive, a business owner, genuine and kind. The MM (meddling mom) has a nasty little habit of offering well-meaning advice that slices through her younger daughter's confidence.

Somehow MM's character is deftly played by Keaton and you truly believe she loves her daughter and wants to help rather than sticking in nasty jabs here and there as a power trip. MM is just clueless. Can't buy a clue. Wouldn't know a clue if it fell on her head. And doesn't know why she's so driven to see all of her daughters happy. Her motivation will be revealed to her as the events unfold. The viewer is pretty certain from the get go that MM wants her childen to avoid a long lonely life. She's raised them by herself and hasn't been in a romantic relationship/had a partner in ages. In one particularly touching scene we find out that she's never had an orgasm.

But let's get back to the action...

Instead of backing off as her daughter has asked, she places an online personals ad to interview men for her daughter. (mistake #1) After a disasterous number of men, she finds one that seems perfect. One a lot like her. An important, structured architect. (mistake #2) Meanwhile, a completely charming young musician with a 50's Brat Pack essence has watched her for most of the day and helps her out of a jam. He thinks he might like her daughter and throws his hat into the ring. MM turns him down. (mistake #3) So the charming young musician palms a card for the daughter's business from the table and arranges his own meeting.

The movie is predictable but fun. Comedy unfolds as the daughter juggles two men and her meddling mom and seeks the advice of her sisters. Gabriel Macht who plays the muscian is yummy and he's a stand-up guy with a young dynamo for a son. It's fun to watch the MM begin to realize her flaws and needs. There's a romance thrown in for her (Stephen Collins who is the father of the yummy musician). And did I mention Gabriel Macht?? Yummy.

If you're a romantic comedy buff, give this one a look at the theater. My husband even enjoyed it. Not the best romantic comedy ever but a lovely way to spend the afternoon with a salted pretzel.