The delight is in the unexpected

Rating: 9/10 (22 June 2003)

To me this film comes as close to perfection as it gets for a modern film.
It has all the great elements that could make a movie both entertaining and thought-provoking - sex, love, morality, questioning reality, hip soundtrack, great scenes and twist after twist.
Cruise and Cruz are just wonderful together - and their on-screen chemistry is palpable, perhaps because of how it is off-screen. Diaz is excellently despicable, while Russell puts on a remarkably composed and competent performance for him.
Great direction, cinematography and location work (an autumn NY looks just great) add a further dimension to a film that could already stand up on plot alone.
I can see why this film created a divergence in opinion. If you're expecting a simple love story or a contemporary fashion film, you will be shocked and confused. Go into it with a completely open mind and you will be thrilled and awed - it doesn't get better than this.