She's So Lovely (1997)
A movie review by Michael J. Legeros
Copyright 1997 by Michael J. Legeros
(Mirimax) Directed by Nick Cassavetes Written by John Cassavetes Cast Sean Penn, Robin Wright Penn, John Travolta, Harry Dean Stanton, Debi Mazar, James Gandolfini, Gena Rowlands MPAA Rating "R" (presumably for language) Running Time 100 minutes Reviewed at The Garner Towne Square 10, Garner, NC (31AUG97)
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Sean and Robin Wright Penn star as Mr. and Mrs. Soused, a pair of substance-abusing, a-few-shots-short-of-a-full-bottle barflies who are so very much in love that neither an extended stay in a mental hospital (for him) or divorce, remarriage, and kids (for her) can keep them apart for long. They're the most memorable characters in this engrossing (and ultimately absurd) actors showcase, the centerpiece of which is Mr. Penn's riveting, Cannes award-winning performance. Forrest Gump's girlfriend is quite good, as well, anchoring the film-- or the first hour, at least-- with a compelling study in skank. (And you thought the cast of CAREER GIRLS were strangers to shampoo!) Also on hand is John Travolta, who cusses and fusses through a late appearance as the exasperated second husband. (He's quite funny and gets off the best line in the film, telling his character's pre-teen daughter to "shut up and drink your beer.") As for the story, well, seeing is disbelieving. Sure, the film's first half is easy-going enough, but after ten years pass and loverboy returns to reclaim his wife, we're told nothing about her, or how she's doing, or what she's thinking, or why she's be-bopping out the door five seconds after attempting to slit her wrists. It's a baffling turn of events that rivals CONSPIRACY THEORY for sheer second- hour suckiness. Directed by Nick Cassavettes (UNHOOK THE STARS), from his late father's unproduced screenplay.
Grade: C+
-- Mike Legeros - Movie Hell http://www.nonvirtual.com/hell/
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