Harold the Alien-Hearted What Planet are you from?
By Ross Anthony
Admittedly, I love Garry Shandling. For those of you who don't appreciate his wry sense of humor and constipation-faced guise; well, probably you're better off missing this one.
But for those to whom the name Garry Shandling means nothing, go see it. It's funny. It's light-hearted, and best of all you'll leave the theater feeling good.
Oh, one more warning: There's quite a bit of comedic play on not-necessarily-flattering male/female stereotypes. But remember this is a comedy. And of course, there's the sexual humor. But again, this is a film about an alien (Shandling) who comes to Earth with one mission and one mission only ... impregnate an earthling woman.
That said, one might expect a silly script of "Mel Brooks" quality starring unknowns or at best B-comics. The great thing about "What Planet are you from?" is that it stars high-powered actors like Bening and Kinnear. And Shandling's just as strong. Not only that, but the script is sharper, cleaner and oddly has a lot of heart: Bustin' your gut while still managing to tighten up your throat.
I liked it a lot.
What Planet are you from? Copyright © 2000. Rated R. Starring Garry Shandling, Annette Bening, Greg Kinnear, Ben Kingsley, Linda Fiorentino And John Goodman. Directed by Mike Nichols. Screenplay by Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson and Ed Solomon and Peter Tolan Story By Garry Shandling & Michael Leeson. Produced By Mike Nichols, Garry Shandling and Neil Machlis At Columbia.
Grade..........................A-
-- Copyright © 2000. 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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