Reviewed by Chloe Deng
Stars Richard E Grant, Carrie-Anne Moss, Johnny Pacar,
Jenna Elfman, Janeane Garofalo, Camryn Manheim | Written by Barra Grant
UK certification 15 | UK RRP £15.99 | DVD Region 2 | Runtime 90 minutes | Directed by Barra Grant
This light hearted romantic comedy has a 90s telemovie/very cheesy film feeling about it, but, do not dismiss it on these counts.
Grant stars as Ben Bingham, a middle aged dentist that does not realise the trouble his marriage is in. When his wife Amanda (Moss), a beautiful vibrant landscape gardener leaves him for a handyman, he sinks into days of gin and nights playing computer games beyond sunrise. It is left to his popular teenage son Justin (Pacar) to pull him together. Johnny decides to help his father, giving him a makeover and telling him to have fun. Soon he is having fun with his assistant nurse (Jenna Elfman), personal trainer (Garofalo) and some karaoke twins (Paula and Pamela Mattioli).
In the midst of his new lifestyle, Justin falls in love with a Russian ballerina. Ben then has a realisation that he needs to help Justin and that he wants to save his marriage. The development in the film is pleasing and demonstrates the growth in the characters. Justin, who is confident, finally learns what it is like to be to in love and Ben who is now relaxed, finally learns to express his feelings and care. It takes the characters further, allowing us to be entertained in different ways to before. The constant stream of funny event never stops.
Grant’s performance is brilliant. Enthusiastic, witty, slightly stubborn and very much middle aged Dad. The chemistry between him and Pacar is touchingly sweet and strong. Pacar’s performance is also brilliant as the popular and then lovelorn teenager. The other performances are also very strong, from Ben’s array of lovers to Justin’s friends, despite the group being a little Disney-channel-young-teen-star-like. The film is incredibly funny. There are zany yet loveable characters, some interesting costumes, funny activities and realistic experiences, bundled into a simple story that isn’t difficult to follow or enjoy.
The film is truly one about life, development and hope. It’s a fun film that is very enjoyable, so long as you do not take it too seriously. It is almost certainly better than other films with a similar plot. The script is witty with a fun soundtrack and fantastic performances. The film is touching, heartwarming and sympathetic to the trouble men have. Maybe I began with low expectations or maybe the nineties television feeling it has is misleading, but I was more than pleasantly surprised.
EXTRAS None at all ...