What is up with product placements?

Rating: 7/10 (20 July 2002)

I wouldn't go into the main plot of the movie - there've been plenty of right-on commentary. Let me just say that I didn't particularly enjoy being spoon fed all the product placements that not only didn't contribute anything to the movie in ways that smarter placed products in other films can but were also horrifyingly and embarassingly obvious. GAP and Lexus were particularly outrageous. This movie desparately tries to be serious, especially in the beginning so some of the comic relief inserted towards the middle and end of the movie doesn't work with the main plot although the "oh-what-a-happy-ending" ending certainly must have satisfied the soccer moms and their kids in the crowd. Hey, is that why the movie was rated only PG-13? Forgive me for being so cynical... I am tired of movies with lots of eye candy and little or no substance. 7/10