A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Down with Love

Date Viewed: 5/26

Details:

Renee Zellweger (Barbara Novak)

Ewan McGregor (Catcher Block)

David Hyde Pierce (Peter MacMannus)

Sarah Paulson (Vicki Hiller)

Tony Randall (Theodore Banner)

Director: Peyton Ree

Score: 1/2

The Review: Ewan McGregor plays Catcher Block -- "ladies' man, man's man, man about town" (remember that phrase, you'll hear it a lot) -- columnist for a manly men's magazine: attractive to anyone with a double-X chromosome, and mutually reciprocated. Renee Zellweger plays author Barbara Novak, who has written what will become the eponymous best-seller, "Down with Love," a book with an early feminist taint that argues for the disconnection between love from sex, and is driving all men crazy. Mr Block swears to do an expose on Miss Novak, and make her fall in love with him. But, in the way of the Cary Grant and Doris Day comedies of the 50's and 60's, nothing quite goes as planned. There are several convolutions, some telegraphed far in advance, and at least one zinger that comes out of left field.

This is light romantic fluff, a period piece set in the beginning of the 1960's. As comedy, it has its moments, but beware: it is consistently campy and way over-the-top much of the time, so you have to be in the mood. But that lends some charm and defuses any remnant of seriousness that might have crept into the script. Wait patiently for Zellweger's monolog -- you'll recognize it immediately -- and just try to imagine how many times they must have had to film it, to get through it intact without the entire cast falling over in giggles. (For this stretch alone, it might be worth waiting for the DVD, to listen to the commentary track.)

The opening credits are quite clever and effectively set the tone and date the piece; the Cinemascope logo appears in perfect 60's hue and placement. The closing credits are accompanied by a song and dance segment that is so bizarre as to come from a nascent musical.

Tony Randall has a small role as the publisher of the book, and David Hyde Pierce is excellent as Block's editor, friend and confidant. And if you only know Ewan McGregor from his portrayal of the bratty Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars II, then you will be quite surprised.

(11-Jun-03)

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