Review of The Man from Elysian Fields (2001) by Kent L — 26 Mar 2006

[size=2]I'm beginning the rather lengthy task of entering into the database every film I have seen, at least those I have a decent memory of. Some may have the briefest of reviews while many will just have a number. Those films that I consider personal favorites and/or those that have some historical signficance I will add later when I have time for more lengthy reviews.

[b]The Man From Elysian Fields[/b], directed by George Hickenlooper, stars Andy Garcia as a struggling writer who is approached by a man (Mick Jagger) that runs a male escort agency which caters to waelthy women. Desperate for money, Garcia takes the job, all the while keeping this a secret from his wife (Julianne Margulies). The cast also features James Coburn, Olivia Williams and Anjelica Huston. Although the film is uneven, the cast keeps things interesting.

[b]What Women Want[/b], directed by Nancy Myers, is a romantic comedy starring Mel Gibson as a successful ad executive who has always considered himself to be a ladies' man although he's never had a clue to what women really think. Suddenly he is given those powers and he tries to use them to his advantage. There is really nothing new here, nor was the film funny. The cast also includes Helen Hunt, Marisa Tomei, Layren Holly and Alan Alda.

[b]Bringing Down the House[/b], directed by Adam Shankman, stars Steve Martin as a divorcess trying to get his life back in order when convict Queen Latifah arrives. It's an odd couple comedy where Queen Latifah's character has to overcome how Steve Martin tries to stereotype her. For the most part the film fails, but it does have a few laughs. Eugene Levy co-stars.

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