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Studio mogul, David Kingman (Stanley Tucci) is having some problems; Hal
(Christopher Walken), the eccentric director of the studio's latest film
won't let anyone see the edited version until the press junket, the romantic
leads Eddie and Gwen (John Cusack & Catherine Zeta-Jones) are no longer
the loving megastar couple that won America's hearts - she's shtupping
Hector (Hank Azaria) and he's off trying to find the meaning of Life with
a Spiritual guru (Alan Arkin), the only person who could possibly make
all of this work out for the studio is the senior publicist that David
just fired - Lee (Billy Crystal).
Lee's a genius, with the help of Gwen's very competent assistant - Kiki
(Julia Roberts) he might be able to re-unite the feuding stars and create
enough buzz about them that the press won't notice that there isn't actually
a film to review. Lee can even "work with" the twist when Kiki
and Eddie fall for each other.
Very funny behind the scenes look at "the industry". This starts
with trailers of the cheesy movies that Gwen and Eddie have starred in
together, (insert your own disparaging remarks about CZJ and her past performances
- we did) and moves along to the "will they or won't they" bit.
Overall the pacing of this is good with just a couple of bogged down potentials.
The jokes are set up well but the lovers could have used more on-screen
time to develop. Of course this is suppose to be about Hollywood types
and we all know they fall in and out of love at the drop of an Oscar.
This may deter some tinsel town wannabe but here's a breakdown if you're looking for Career Options in Film:
Leading Actress/Movie Star - you have to be spoiled, give bad line readings,
be self-centered, fake, and a spotlight hog (best performance (?) we've
ever seen from Catherine Zeta-Jones).
Personal Assistant - must take care of a diva with kid gloves; do all the
dirty work, not allowed to have a life of own (Julia doesn't make it look
fun, but she does make it funny when she gets to vent).
Leading Actor - avoid candid answers for press, may fall in love and complicate
matters, 2 weeks to spiritual enlightenment may take longer if you are
a "method actor" (John's got the mantra down pat).
Publicist - must be willing to stoop to anything to get a film promoted
(Billy Crystal proves this with the friendly Doberman and the photo ops).
Director - don't have to bathe, you can make an art movie from an old Terminator
script, plead "artistic sentiment" and get away with anything
(we're sure it was a stretch for Christopher Walken to play a crazy-hermit
director).
Boy Toy - may suffer slings and arrows for speech pattern and questions
regarding masculinity, get to have your picture taken with beautiful women,
might get to hit someone (Hank Azaria is funny, but too much of a good
thing is annoying.)
Press - must have wacky opener for TV spot, ask uncomfortable personal
questions whenever possible, and get fabulous parting gifts (sign us up!)
John Cusack gets three thumbs up and a couple of winks for his black leather
pants. He certainly has the movie star smile and those eyes! Mrs. Robinson
- can you say he keeps getting better looking?
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