Review of Maid in Manhattan (2002) by Jessica H — 02 Apr 2013

I liked the premise of the movie, in that a man seemingly out of Marisa's league would want to be with her (an underdog type move). But that is the extent of my liking this movie. Let me begin...

First off, and this is my preference, is that Jennifer Lopez isn't much of an actress and her acting distracts me greatly. I see Jen, I dont see Marisa or the character she is suppose to play. She is just way too Jen.

Secondly Ralph F, who plays the politician who falls in love with her just seems devoid of any emotion. He can not portray what he is feeling all too well, I think. That distracted me also, how bland he seemed.

Thirdly, they didn't seem to mesh well, the love interests. They did not have much chemistry.

Lastly, the way they met seemed way too forced and unnatural. I know she is a maid, I know she cleans rooms, I know I know, but she giving into to peer pressure and wearing a guest's coat in their own room? I wasn't feeling that at all. She is a grown, responsible, working woman in a prestigious hotel, and she listens to her coworker/friend (who is greatly annoying I think) to wear and touch people's things. It seems out of line and not realistic. Ay other way I think would have made her meeting the politician more affective.

A bright spot in the movie is Marisa's son Ty. The child who plays him is very adorable and memorable, though I don't think he is an amazing actor either. But he has great potential I think and has years ahead of him to refine his raw talent.

Also, I feel the world they were in was way too small, like it was only Marisa and Chris, and whatever they did seemed of no affect to the outside world. If there was more outside scenes, more extras who pointed them out, more outside world interaction, the secret relationship would seem more scandalous, more important, more affective. But, it seemed, small and introverted.

The supporting cast I think filled the roles pretty well. I would not really watch this movie again, although I wish I did, especially if they reworked it with the things I pointed out and perhaps different actors and actresses to fit the roles (no Jen or Ralph, sorry.).