After a one-night fling, a motel manager (Steve Zahn) impulsively follows a small-time art dealer (Jennifer Aniston) across the country in this romantic comedy from playwright-turned-director Stephen Belber. Woody Harrelson co-stars as Aniston's wealthy boyfriend in the MGM production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, Rovi
A completely uproarious one-liner about Joe Strummer is still no reason to watch "Management." Had it stuck with insights on loners inadvertently backing themselves into emotional corners, rather than going for wackiness, it might have worked.
Forget logic here, there's a good cast, nice chemistry and warm feelings all around as they all fumble around for something to bring meaning to their lives.
There's more to Stephen Belber's debut than just manufactured whimsy, not least a wise and witty script, and some beautifully sketched side characters supporting two reliably charming leads.
Despite the obvious Norman Bates-ish resemblance, Zahn is clearly supposed to be dishy. The Zahn/Aniston pairing is without chemistry and there frankly isn't a spark of real life in the whole film.
Unable to decide between being a romantic comedy, a zany farce or a thoughtful study of two emotionally repressed losers finding fulfilment, it ends up a mess; but an intriguing mess.
Gentle and very sweet, this low-key romance takes some rather random turns as it drifts toward the obvious conclusion. But it's very nicely played, and it still manages to catch us emotionally.
Enjoyably offbeat indie romcom that's never particularly funny but gradually wins you over, thanks to a quirky, unpredictable script and great performances.
Possibly borrowing a bit from the breakout success of Knocked Up and its notion of upscale women dating down, way down, this smitten stalker comedy aims for the sweeter side of creepy behavior when it comes to romance.
The only thing that prevents the entire thing from becoming an unpleasant mess is Zahn, an often comic character actor who has an endearing goofiness to him and to his performances.
Sweet, touching and surprise dramedy (comedy-drama) about love and insecurities. Jennifer Aniston had plenty of charisma as always but the film belongs undeniably to Steve Zahn. He is the type of actor who may not be an Oscar caliber yet, possibly because of his goofy presence, he does have the talent and the heart to
get the job done. The chemistry between Aniston and Zahn was real. Thumbs up!
May 21, 2009
Dean McKenna
Super Reviewer
Wish I could give this one star because Zahn & Aniston are fun to watch but the film's so cliche, predictable & dumb that I just can't
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