A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Maid in Manhattan

Date Viewed: 12/23/02

Details:

Jennifer Lopez

Ralph Fiennes

Natasha Richardson

Stanley Tucci

Tyler Posey

Bob Hoskins

Director: Wayne Wang

Score: 1/2

The Review: A romantic comedy of mistaken / disguised identity -- a bit of Shakespeare, a bit of Wilde, a bit of Pretty Woman, a bit of Notting Hill. J.Lo plays a maid at the prestigious NYC Beresford Hotel who becomes involved with a political hopeful (Fiennes) staying at the hotel. (Yet another of the many big screen portrayals of JFK Jr this year: see also Sweet Home Alabama).

The supporting cast is pretty good. Posey is engaging as Lopez's young son, fascinated with the political history of the 70's and with Richard Nixon -- appealing counter-casting to that age group. Stanley Tucci is annoyingly amusing as the manic, paranoid (and intrusive) campaign manager. Bob Hoskins is the butler for the hotel's executive suites, a genial if stern taskmaster with a soft spot for Lopez. And Natasha Richardson is over the top as a ditzy, scheming rich bitch on the prowl for a high profile suitor.

The unbridled and self-conscious exposure of the private lives of public figures is a strong sub-theme, allowing even a marginal senatorial candidate to be sympathetic. OK fluff, but probably not worth watching twice.

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