THE HOUSE BUNNY is yet another variation on the theme that it’s always better to be yourself. Only better. Of course, that takes a broad swath of heavy make-up, push-up bras, and platform sandals of dizzying heights. It’s a mixed message designed to sell what it purports to subvert, also known as having it both… Read More »
UGLY TRUTH, THE
The wonderful thing about Gerard Butler is that his puckish animal magnetism can almost carry a clunker like THE UGLY TRUTH. A putative romantic comedy about the fundamental differences between men and women, it reduces both genders to emotional cripples while failing to find any humor in the situation. Katherine Heigl, an engaging enough actress,… Read More »
ELLA ENCHANTED
Taking aim squarely at a society that demands that its women be obedient, or at least self-effacing, ELLA ENCHANTED, based on the classic book by Gail Carson Levine, uses the archetypal story of Cinderella to skewer convention with that most deadly and effective of weapons: humor. Theres not a trace of bile or vitriol, either,… Read More »
SHE’S THE MAN
The only thing worth noting in SHE’S THE MAN, the latest vehicle for ‘tween idol Amanda Bynes, is how completely free of anything resembling competence that is exhibits. And yet is has the temerity to proudly proclaim in its opening credits that it was inspired by Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. As for any actual similarity between… Read More »