America's Sweethearts

When you let a bunch of actors make a ton of self-referential jokes with a few cornball chuckles thrown in, you could end up with a big mess. It's not quite time to bring out the Brawny, however, as you watch Julia Roberts, John Cusack, Catherine Zeta Jones, and Billy Crystal spill a little good stuff on the floor. You don' t necessarily want to lick up their droppings, but you're OK with watching them sit there for an hour and a half.

"America's Sweethearts" is the story of Hollywood's Cutest Couple (Cusack and Jones), who have split up because she is in love with an Italian actor (played by Hank Azaria, hilariously, if with a bit of offense to Italians). Cusack's character is crazy without her, which leads him to seek peace with a wellness guide -- meditation, root-chewing, etc. When their new movie is about to be released and in need of some serious PR, they are called to a press junket, show up, and chaos ensues. She wants to keep up appearances for the world's sake, he doesn't. Oh, and he falls hard for her sister, Kiki (Roberts).

Their latest flick is vital to their careers, and is also a centerpiece of this film. Christopher Walken brilliantly plays the concept-driven director. Film, in fact, plays many roles in "America's Sweethearts". The Lovebugs' early flicks provide for some great, heartfelt laughs.

I didn't see the point of having Julia Roberts' character show up recently-emerged from losing 60 pounds. As if we all need reminders of how great her body is. Plus, if she was really eating as much as they insinuate that she was, she'd be gigantic, not just a girl with a cute belly roll and a bit of the ol' double chin. The fat suit works--she does look chubby and un-starlet-like--and I guess the point is that Cusack's character was somewhat attracted to her even when she was overweight, so it must be true love. Now that she's gorgeous, he can go to her with a light heart! But I digress.

I also didn't see the need for some silly dog humor. Shakespeare used dogs on stage for comic relief. Dogs are funny, obviously. I love dogs. But, come on, unless you're in the middle of some seriously morbid stuff, why pull a dog gag? It cheapened an otherwise smartly funny movie.

Overall, a fun film with some great jokes and some high-quality performances. Don't see it if you're expecting a very serious romance -- but, if you're up for laughing at others (and maybe at yourself, too), give this one a watch.

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