Customer Reviews

Mr. Wonderful

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Matt Dillon was seriously mis-cast in this film. He came across as an unlikable, hopelessly plebian, crotch-scratching "dese, dem, and doze" low-class slob, while the lovely Annabella Sciorra seemed urbane, literate, and softly spoken. One wonders how these two ever got together in the first place. For people who supposedly grew up in the same neighborhood, the speech patterns are noticably at odds, with Dillon's character coming out at the bottom. The premise was predictable, the main character unlikeable, and the ending unbelievable. The supporting cast, however, was superb, considering what they were given to work with. Vincent D'Onofrio is wonderful as the shy pharmacist, Sciorra is a beautiful and engaging ex-wife to Dillon, and Mary Louise Parker comes across as a much better match for Dillon's character than Sciorra. If you want a good romantic movie, see Happy Accidents instead. Review refers to the VHS Tape edition

Anthony Minghella (Truly, Madly, Deeply; The English Patient; The Talented Mr. Ripley) makes movies with a lot of heart, but I can only guess he was sleepwalking through this one. I found the protagonists unlikeable and cringed every time they started shrieking at each other. Dillon plays a commitment-phobic (wow, we've never seen that in a man before) ConEd worker whose main hobbies are banging his much-too-nice-for-him nurse girlfriend and yelling at his ex-wife, the lovely Annabella Sciorra.

Solid supporting cast, though, with the ever-excellent Vincent D'Onofrio as a pharmacist most any woman would fall for and Dan Hedaya as a ConEd co-worker. Both make the most of the thin material they're given to work with.

Although i enjoyed most of this movie, not even minding Matt Dillion's hard-to-swallow alimony dilemma. William Hurt was never a serious contender for Annabella's next true love, but when Vincent D'Onofrio got up onstage and sang "I Say A Little Prayer" for those few magic monments with Annabella, well, any idiot woman would have fell in love with him. Sorry, but it takes a real man to get up onstage in front of your co-workers and sing off key! The chemistry between these two in the short minutes they shared in the movie far surpassed all the time spent with the Gus/Matt. The ending was a real letdown.

This is an utter failure as a romantic comedy. It is not romantic, nor is it a comedy. The fact that anyone would choose a sullen Matt Dillon over the obviously desirable Vincent D'Onofrio is not to be believed. It is only because of Vincent that I gave it 2 stars for the 6 or 8 minutes he appears in the movie and brings it to life. Vince is always excellent and compelling. He could have made something of the title role, but it was not to be. The audience's loss, I fear.

This is a sweet and charming film; only the ending disappointed. The entire film and premise was so different from other romantic comedies, and the leads and supporting cast are fantastic, but the typical overly sugarcoated ending ruined it. I expected better considering the rest of the film. Overall though, this one is recommended over recent Hollywood romantic comedies. It definitely made me smile.

The characters in this movie grow up and grow apart. But when they realize they've both changed they start growing closer to one another without realizing it! Wonderful spring-summer type movie! Especially with a date!

Marone! Some of these reviewers just don't get it. You realize from nearly the beginning, despite Matt's woodeness, that Gus and Lee never sbould have split. When she left, Gus hoped she'd come back and Lee thought he'd have called. Nonetheless, while he's trying to fix her up so he can stop paying alimony and put up his share to buy the old neighborhood bowling alley, Rita, Gus' new girl; Dominic; Lee's new guy; Gus' friends and family all realize that Gus & Lee still care about each other and ultimately are still in love. Despite William Hurt's professore' performance you knew he was a heel and despite D'Onofrio being the really sweet pharmacist he is, you know that Gus & Lee only argue because of the passion they don't want to unleash due to the hurt they felt, still feel. They've known each other since childhood, for God's sake! I don't know if you have to be Italian or Catholic to get this movie, but it might help. I love this film, but then I love Annabella Sciorra.

Very disappointing. I was expecting an Anthony Minghella film, but he only directed, and good direction and good casting can't overcome mediocre writing and characterization. And almost nothing can overcome an overbearing 80s-style score.

a very enjoyable although predictable romantic comedy with good performances from Parker,Dillon, Sciorra,Hurt,D'onofrio and a cameo appearance by Gandolfini in his pre Sopranos days.

This is the movie i remember watching on tv when it first was released and thinking... "wow that was so entertaining" Matt Dillion plays the part well as the Ex that is trying to move on with his girlfriend from his ex wife played by Anabella Sciorra.
Without actually watching the whole movie the first time i knew these two characters still were in love. Hated each other for the demise of their marriage but loved each other deeply and Italian pride just played a huge part of them divorcing and going their separate ways.
A must see movie for all the romantics and all those who can genuinely relate to this story. The struggles and complications of certain relationships between couples, ex couples, family and friends.
A pleasure to watch, i recommend this to anyone who wants to just sit down, relax and watch a feel good movie.