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62 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Doris and Rock--with a Twist!, November 10, 2003
"Down with Love" is a little gem of a movie that pays homage to the vintage 60s Doris Day-Rock Hudson films that were considered so witty in their day. Although director Peyton Reed explains in his excellent commentary (more about that later) that the film was based on a montage of many of the 60s movies, the plot most resembles "Pillow Talk"--and Renee and Ewan are absolutely perfect. From the clothes to the sets to the photography to the color to the split-screen "talking on the phone" scenes (much more suggestive than the originals!), this perfectly choreographed, beautifully written romp is just a blast, as we would have said back then. There is just enough of a "wink-wink" to let you know that the actors know that YOU know that it's all tongue in cheek"--but even though the satire is broad, it never spoils the fun. David Hyde-Pierce is superb as the neurotic friend of Ewan (the old Tony Randall role), and Tony Randall himself makes a cameo appearance that is simply the icing on the cake. The acting is a work of art, just right, making everything seem effortless. But when one watches the director's commentary, one realizes just how tightly each scene was choreographed to achieve that "effortless" look--unlike most DVDs, I found the director's comments actually added to my enjoyment of the movie, and I watched it again after finishing his explanation of how things were done. All in all, I recommend this movie highly. I truly hope they are successful enough to parody ALL the Doris-Rock movies. I'll be there to watch them if they do!
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pure, Unadulterated Fun!, May 6, 2006
This is one of the cutest chick flicks I've ever seen. Romantic comedy? Well, sort of. Our heroine, feminist writer Barbara Novak (Renee Zellweger) is out to change the world. How? By getting women to say "down with love," and adopt a more male life style--complete with sex a la carte!
Novak's plans are jepordized, however, when playboy journalist Catcher Block (Ewan McGreggor) is abadoned by his usual ladies. He is determined to stop Novak once and for all--using some very sneaky methods...
As other reviewers have pointed out, this movie is certainly lacking in substance. But who cares? You wanted a comedy, right? What this movie does have, in delightful abundance, is that old theatre charm. The acting, the comedy, and the special effects are all WAY over the top. But hey, not every movie is meant to be some deep, insightful masterpiece. If you do look beneath the surface, however, you will find one very important lesson: people are not always what they appear to be.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a delight!, May 13, 2006
Admittedly, I was hesitant to rent this movie, thinking it would be a cheap knock-off of a 60s re-make, but I was completely surprised. I don't see how this movie lacks in substance. It has the same wit and whimsy as the Doris Day/Rock Hudson sex comedies, except with a slightly jazzed up version of the 60s. Nothing ever replaces the classics, but Down With Love certainly holds its own with charm, suggestive humor and a clever script with a slinky little twist.
Costumes are amazing, acting is superb on all accounts (most especially by the sublime David Hyde Pierce). It's made of the stuff that Hollywood used to be about, and sometimes it's nice to have that nostalgic break in the current trend of controversial politico-religious films.
Renee and Ewan's chemistry is so on par that it takes the Hudson/Day connection to another level. This is a must see romantic comedy about the battle of the sexes. Men and women alike will love it.
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