Lovely & Amazing

2002

Lovely & Amazing

Critics Consensus

The bitingly truthful Lovely & Amazing is a smart and perceptive female character study.

86%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 124

63%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 5,295

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Movie Info

Jane Marks is the matriarch of a confused trio of daughters -- a heady brew of vanity, insecurity and humor -- that seem to have nothing in common. Former homecoming queen Michelle, the eldest daughter, is in a loveless marriage with a spouse who does not appreciate her decidedly obscure artistic endeavors. Younger sister Elizabeth, a self-doubting actress whose career is beginning to take off, compulsively takes home stray dogs, saving them whether or not they need to be saved. Only the youngest sister, Annie, an adopted African American eight-year-old, seems emotionally equipped to stand a chance at rising above the family's legacy. But on the threshold of what already promises to be a confusing adolescence, Annie has developed a preoccupation with her appearance - natural enough for a pre-teen - but given her adoptive family's history, quite possibly a hint of what's to come for the newest member of the Mark's family. Each of the women seeks redemption in her own haphazard way, but whatever salvation they find is illusory and short-lived. When complications from cosmetic surgery threaten Jane's well being, the family of comically self-absorbed women must quickly find room for each other in their lives to offer comfort and strength.

Cast

Catherine Keener
as Michelle Marks
Brenda Blethyn
as Jane Marks
Emily Mortimer
as Elizabeth Marks
Raven Goodwin
as Annie Marks
Aunjanue Ellis
as Lorraine
Clark Gregg
as Bill
Jake Gyllenhaal
as Jordan
James Le Gros
as Paul
Dermot Mulroney
as Kevin
Michael Nouri
as Dr. Crane
Debbie Waldman
as Romy Rosemont
Ashlynn Rose
as Maddy
Dreya Weber
as Donna
Ivy Strohaimer
as Jessie
Spencer Garrett
as Willy
Christine Mourad
as Cindy
Tray Ruptash
as Photographer
Ileen Getz
as Saleswoman
Kristen Dalton
as Saleswoman
Brooke Allison
as Pool Administrator
Jennifer Zehnder
as Teased Girl
Mariah O'Brien
as Kevin's TV Costar
Jeanne McCarthy
as Casting Director
Evan Miranda
as Director
Branden Williams
as Teenage Boy
Nate Richert
as Other Teenage Boy
Cory Joffe
as Customer
Dawn Saucier
as Bertender
Stacy Jorgensen
as Lorraine's Pool Friend
Tennison Hightower
as Baldasaro Salesgirl
Lee Garrington
as Jordan's Mom
John Srednicki
as Premiere Guest
Jeremy Kramer
as Premiere Photographer
Madeline Moskowitz
as Premiere Guest
Eric Wizenreid
as Parking Attendant
Mark Beltzman
as Premiere Guest
Greer Goodman
as ER Doctor
Jerome Butler
as Policeman
Scott Adsit
as Young Man at Phone
Ryan Wolfe
as McDonald's Clerk
Alan Naggar
as McDonald's Customer
Elayn Taylor
as Jane's Nurse
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Critic Reviews for Lovely & Amazing

All Critics (124) | Top Critics (34)

View All Critic Reviews (124)

Audience Reviews for Lovely & Amazing

  • Jan 13, 2012
    Has a Mike Leigh film to it. Perhaps that is because of Brenda Blethyn but who knows. Nonetheless it was the belle of the ball at the 2001 TIFF and rightfully so. A good film in a horribly memorable festival.
    John B Super Reviewer
  • Jun 22, 2011
    While yes, it attacked many serious female issues, I couldn't get into this movie.
    Jackson W Super Reviewer
  • May 01, 2011
    The fat black adopted girl is really, really funny. I do think Nicole Holofcener has a gift in comedy, but I don't like this as much as Please Give.
    Jennifer X Super Reviewer
  • Oct 05, 2010
    Not really so lovely, and definitely not amazing. Just average...
    Cynthia S Super Reviewer
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