America's Sweethearts (12)

Popcorn rating 4/5

Written by and starring Billy Crystal, this star-studded comedy turns the seemingly pervasive cult of celebrity in on itself with all the knowingness of an industry insider and all the humorous observations of a well-versed comedian.

Press agent Lee Phillips (Crystal), has been compelled to get self-obsessed starlett Gwen Harrison (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and emotional wreck Eddie Thomas (John Cusack) to appear together for a week's tour to promote their latest film. The trouble is, the on and off screen couple are going through a very messy break-up.

Meanwhile, Gwen's recently slimmed down sister/assistant Kiki (Julia Roberts) develops under her sister's shadow. She acts as a foil against her sister's selfishness which Eddie gradually wakes up to.

Aside from the melting love story, it's delightful to watch the enormous stars being able to laugh at themselves. It's equally fun to watch all the hilarious minor characters.

The way too keen production assistant; Gwen's new boyfriend Hector, the Hispanic himbo, is laughably vain and despite appearing in only one scene, Eddie's therapist or "wellness guide" makes a mockery of Hollywood's penchant for alternative healing.

What gives the film its satisfying structure is that all the events inexorably lead up to the grand finale in the form of the press junket. The audience knows that the strands of the plot will have to come together here. And they do, but with a fantastic twist.

Billy Crystal has effectively penned a classic romantic comedy that laughs at the very industry which created it. Just like in Robert Altman's The Player, this is Hollywood doing what it knows best.

October 17, 2001 17:28