Product: The Bachelor (1999)
Rating: 4.0
The Reluctant Groom
When "The Bachelor" was released in the theatres, it was a feel-good favorite; so when I saw the DVD in the $4 budget bin, I decided to have walk down Cinematic Memory Lane. Chris O'Donnell has been inThe Sisters,Kinsey& received a Golden Globe supporting actor nomination forScent of a Woman. As Jimmy Shannon who is given a day to get married before he turns 30 or lose a huge inheritance, he's delightful as the reluctant groom. His grandfather is played as a cranky hard-of-hearing geezer by Peter Ustinov who would later pass away in 2004. Ustinov won two supporting actor Oscars forSpartacusin 1960 &Topkapiin 1965. Renee Zellweger who won her supporting actress Oscar forCold Mountain (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)plays Ann, Jimmy's girlfriend. When Jimmy botches his proposal to Ann, he sets on a wild goose chase to secure a bride. James Cromwell, from TV's "24" & "Six Feet Under" who also has a supporting Oscar nomination for "Babe" in 1995, plays the long-faced priest who follows Jimmy's every move. Hal Holbrook plays O'Dell who tries to assist Jimmy. Holbrook had his first Oscar nomination forInto the Wildin 2007. Among the ill-fated fiancees is Maria Carey as the operatic Ilana who barely remembers Jimmy. Brooke Shields plays Buckley for laughs as the superficial society-climbing golddigger. Shields would also play in director Gary Sinyor's next film "Bob the Butler." Jennifer Esposito who was in the Oscar winnerCrash (Widescreen Edition)plays policewoman Daphne. Also memorable is Maree Cheatham as the enamored Aunt of Ann, Mona Arden, who has a hard time keeping her hands off her aging spouse. The scene with O'Donnell chased by a stampede of brides is hilarious. It builds to the wonderfully romantic conclusion. Enjoy!