Mixed Feelings

Rating: 6/10 (29 August 2002)

WARNING: MILD SPOILERS
I have mixed feelings about this movie. I'll say that I liked it and was disappointed at the same time.
On one hand, there is a very touching tale about the high cost of fame. As cool as it may seem to be a movie star, I can't help but strongly believe that Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts long for a simple walk in the park. Maybe not, but having every move monitored by the world must grow tiresome. This side of the story, told through Julia Roberts autobiographical character Ana Scott is told well and poignantly.
The love story is mishandled at every step. This film exists in that annoying parallel universe that Roger Ebert describes as the world "where Julia Roberts can't get a date." When Hugh Grant turns down Julia Roberts, I did not admire his integrity, I questioned his sanity.
The love story portion of this film plays out exactly as you expect and takes forever to get there.
That said, Hugh's friends and family provide some good chuckles, Alec Baldwin's cameo is wonderful and the movie gets a mild recommendation from me. Good date flick. **1/2 out of ****.