As happens so often with ensemble cast films it seems they try to supplement the lack of plot with the number of big names they can fit into the credits. At times this film can be fun to watch, but it tries so hard to deliver a message regarding the world being phony and pretentious and obsessed with physical beauty
that it becomes what it is trying to parody. It is also too obvious (to go as far as putting the word "facade" on a poster during a particularly 'poignant' scene). This movie misses the mark in so many ways. I adore so many of the actors in this movie (though this was really the worst performance I have ever seen Matthew Modine give...unless that was another point the film was trying to smash you over the head with) and some of the moments were very funny and really did hit home, but that only accounted for about 20% of the film. The rest of it was cliché and trite. It is watchable and there are some real gem scenes and messages, but it could have been done so much better. It was trying to be an art house film and so it arrived as a Hollywood flop. Rent it for a lark or to see some of your long lost movie pals, but don't put to much money down on it coming in first in your movie ranks.
July 17, 2007
