Review of The Next Best Thing (2000) by Christopher J — 25 Feb 2008
Who hasn't out there heard a version of American Pie? Either by Don McLean or Madonna? For this movie, Madonna did her own version of American Pie, with Rupert Everett appearing in the video, and also doing backing vocals.
The Next Best Thing teamed up Madonna & Rupert, the latter playing the exact same role he played in My Best Friend's Wedding, just more toned down. Yes, I know, Madonna is never going to be a terrific, despite her frequent attempts, but she's bearable at least. Although her accent is very dodgy in this, it's like she can't decide what the Atlantic she wants to be from.
The storyline is basically, Abbie (Madonna) is a yoga instructor, who is desperately broody. Her boyfriend, Kevin (played by Michael Vartan), is a commitment-phobe, and moves out. After a drunken night out with her gay best friend, Robert (played by Rupert), she discovers she's pregnant.
That's pretty much the storyline, the rest is really predictable. When the son turns 6, Abbie meets a new man, Benjamin Bratt, and wants to get married to him. Robert flips out, demands custody, only to discover that the son he adored isn't his. Shock horror, court case.
Pretty predictable. Rupert is brilliant, although not as OTT as he was in My Best Friend's Wedding, but it's his film. Never mind some woman who sometimes sings. Who cares? Rupert is perfect in this kinda role.
There are no extras on this DVD. Not a trailer, not even the video to American Pie. What a shame. Thankfully, it was only cheap. Not memorable. But a slice of fun anyway.
This review of The Next Best Thing (2000) was written by Christopher J on 25 Feb 2008.
The Next Best Thing has generally received mixed reviews.
Was this review helpful?
