Star studded America's Sweethearts, includes a line-up of the biggest Hollywood contenders, including Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta Jones, Billy Crystal and John Cusack. It epitomizes extreme narcissistic Hollywood, giving us a glimpse backstage. Gwen (Catherine Zeta Jones) and Eddie (John Cusack), play the publicly adored couple, successfully matched as an on-screen dream, bitterly torn apart by Gwen's sordid affair with her new lover Hector. Eddie, deeply affected by the break-up of his marriage absconds to a retreat, to learn how to get over his loss and be grateful for everything else in the world.
A year and a half later, Gwen is still shacked up with Hector, the stupid Spaniard, Eddie is still battling his addiction to his parted wife and Lee (Billy Crystal) the frantic publicist for their new film has been given the copious task of reuniting the forlorn pair at a press junket. A few minor problems become apparent, like Gwen doesn't want to see Eddie again - ever - Eddie is still in the sanctuary and bad as ever and the film for the junket is not available until it's viewed to the press.
A year and a half later, Gwen is still shacked up with Hector, the stupid Spaniard, Eddie is still battling his addiction to his parted wife and Lee (Billy Crystal) the frantic publicist for their new film has been given the copious task of reuniting the forlorn pair at a press junket. A few minor problems become apparent, like Gwen doesn't want to see Eddie again - ever - Eddie is still in the sanctuary and bad as ever and the film for the junket is not available until it's viewed to the press.
Lee contacts the one person who can work on Gwen - Kiki (Roberts), Gwen's once frumpy, overweight sister, now PR guru and slim and beautiful (although she doesn't know it). Gwen is persuaded finally by Kiki to attend the junket, as her last two films without Eddie flopped and she knows she needs the publicity. Eddie is collected from the center defiantly, displaying nervous signs and mental instability about the prospect of seeing his incredibly beautiful, but ridiculously obnoxious wife. The limousines arrive in unison, Gwen arrives, paparazzi go wild, cameras flashing, Eddie arrives too, stepping out, just after Gwen, sparking rumors of a possible romantic reunion.
And the story goes on Kiki, runs around after her selfish, sister, obeying her demands, he tries to organize set-ups and photo opportunities for the pair's comeback, Eddie runs after Gwen, before realizing his love for Ugly duckling, turned swan, Kiki. They all try and stall the press who are waiting for the film none knows anything about.
Julia shines in her role as frumpy Kiki, paradoxically reflecting her true persona is real life as Julia Roberts - movie star. The irony of life imitating art is dense in this film, which is hugely entertaining. Zeta Jones (in top shape), plays Gwen Harrison, with humor, but gives her character alarming realism and diva-ness! Cusack's depiction of his love-lost egocentric character holds no boundaries, but the actions of his character are more predictable than the sun coming up the next day - disappointing.
An overview of this somewhat luke-warm production would generate the impression of an overall flop - not strictly true. America's sweethearts is entertaining to a point, if only for the excellent cast - but the predictable, wet story line - and so conventional ending, is nothing new and lacks innovation. But, in its favor, there are many humorous moments, instigating the odd laugh, chuckle and smirk, but it's not enough to hold your attention forever
With the 'A' list cast and big budget, America's Sweethearts could have done a lot more. Fun for a while, tedious to the end.
Film viewed at
Warner Village Cinema
Cardigan Fields
Kirkstall Road
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS4 2DJ
Tel: 44+113 2799855
