Lost & Found (1999/I)

reviewed by
Ross Anthony


The puppy-dog is Spade
Lost and Found
By Ross Anthony

"Lost and Found" is a laid back romantic comedy starring David Spade as the rather unassuming, unlikely lover. His restaurant partner and best bud tells him, "We thought you were kind of a jerk, until we got to know you." This line sums the movie. In fact, David Spade's persona sums the movie. At first look, you don't expect much, the second look is with narrowed eyes as you contemplate other options for the night, but Spade's low-key humor and resiliently idling charm eventually quietly worm into your heart.

Spade kidnaps the puppy-dog of his new neighbor (Marceau) in hopes of winning her heart (Sophie's, not the dog's). Marceau's rich, handsome and talented ex-fiancée flies over from France after her giving Spade a run for his money.

The film begins below ground zero, with no action and poor dialogue wrought with less than funny one-liners. Spade (who is perhaps more charm than actor) is unfortunately the strongest actor on film until the fair maiden, Sophie Marceau appears. Aside from the gratuitous French the filmmakers felt compelled to have her spew, she is perfectly lovely and an interesting contrast to Spade.

>From a hole, one can only crawl upwards. Surprisingly, this dud pulled itself up by the bootstraps and even ascended a few feet above sea-level -- giving it's title an unexpected ironic meaning. Eventually, "Lost and Found" becomes a mellow, romance-lite, comedy with a few good zingers and the heart of a puppy-dog.

Starring David Spade, Sophie Marceau, and Patrick Bruel. Directed by Jeff Pollack. Written by J.B. Cook, Mark Meeks and David Spade. Produced by Wayne Rice, Morrie Eisenman, Andrew Kosove, and Broderick Johnson at Warner Brothers/Alcon/Rice/Dimano. Rated PG-13.

Grade..........................B

-- Copyright © 1999 Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia. For more reviews visit: http://RossAnthony.com


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