FOOLS RUSH IN
Directed by Andy Tennant, written by Katherine Reback, story by Joan Taylor and Katherine Reback, starring Matthew Perry, Salma Hayek, Jon Tenney, Carlos Gomez, Tomas Milian, Siobhan Fallon, John Bennett Perry, Stanley deSantis, Anne Betancourt, Suzanne Snyder, Jill Clayburgh.
Trap:
Just like the monsoon, blackfly season, income tax filing deadline and similar annual scourges, Valentine’s Day is once more upon us – which of course also means at least one new romantic comedy from Hollywood. This year’s offering, FOOLS RUSH IN, tells the story of a New York yuppie (Perry) working in Las Vegas who marries a Mexican-American photographer (Hayek) after a one-night stand leaves her pregnant. The usual complications ensue – between his buttoned-down WASP parents and her exuberant extended family, between his workaholism and her love of life, and between both of their doubts that the marriage will work. All in all standard stuff for this sort of thing, wouldn’t you say?
Bluesy:
Yeah, I suppose you’re right. But like the old standards… sometimes a nice light romance just hits the spot. It’s no coincidence this film opens on Valentine’s Day; and for those in the mood for love, I can recommend FOOLS RUSH IN as a breezy date film… so long as it’s not a first date, then you might chance having the guy or girl in hives by the end of the evening. Like the old screwball comedies, or maybe an extended "I Love Lucy" episode, FOOLS has plenty of silly laughs and comic situational events… paired with some smart snappy one liners and the requisite "there’s somebody out there for everyone" scenario. Of course, it’s no strain on the eyes watching "Friend’s" star Mathew Perry doing his best Cary Grant. He is a charmer, and I’d say the best of the "cute frat boy’s" to be on the screen in some time. In fact, he appears a lot more sincere than Cruise’s character in JERRY MAGUIRE. Come to think of it… what is this the year for good looking commitment phobic men in movies to decide to "take the big plunge?" Maybe all that "family values" rhetoric the politican’s have been pushing has finally made it’s way to the big screen. Hell, maybe it’s safe to date again. What do you think, Trap? Trap, are you feeling okay?
Trap: Well,
Don’t look at me – I thought BRING ME THE HEAD OF ALFREDO GARCIA was a date movie too – though admittedly the woman I went with didn’t agree. But that’s just me. I’ll agree with you that people going to this will be looking for cute actors in pretty surroundings, the occasional laugh, one good tearjerking scene, and a hearty
reassurance that, as you pointed out, there’s somebody for everyone, with originality being at best a secondary consideration. This certainly has all of that, and if it seems more than a little familiar, the charm of the two leads and the affection the filmmakers feel for their characters (according to the press release, the story was "very loosely" inspired by the real-life courtship of producers Doug Drazin and Anna Maria Davis). While the film may occasionally be corny and obvious, well, so is Valentine’s Day….
Bluesy:
Yeah, well sometimes corny and obvious is necessary… take note you would be suitors, women LIKE flowers. Save the plants for your mother. They also like seeing women on screen like Salma Hayek. Not only is she pretty and sensual, but this woman is NO dishrag. She’s got a mind of her own, plans of her own, a fiery spirit and she just won’t settle for second best. The fact that her character, Isabel, doesn’t put up with Alex’s wishy-washiness makes this film most enjoyable for me. While she’s no Joan of Arc, it sure is nice to see a strong female character on screen that isn’t somebody’s wise old grandmother.
Trap:
And of course I’m sure the men in the audience won’t mind that she’s a knockout as well (most viewers will probably recognize her as DESPERADO’s damsel-in-distress, and as the vampire queen in FROM DUSK TIL DAWN). I also thought that the film actually tried to do something with the "clash of cultures" aspect of the plot – avoiding obvious stereotyping in depicting its Mexican characters, for instance. There aren’t any great insights here, but it gives at least a semblance of freshness and even heart to a tried-and-true formula.
Bluesy:
Trap, are you going soft on me? You liked a typical "chick flick?" I’m shocked. Does this mean some lucky gal’s gonna get roses or candy from you this Valentine’s day?
Trap:
Well, I was thinking of a Ramones CD and a six-pack, and maybe working my way up -- I wouldn’t want to scare her, you know….
