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 - Quirky and Often Heartfelt Look at a Manhattan Divorcee's Survival TacticsScreenwriter Richard LaGravenese was able to make something substantive from the hoary novella that was Robert James Waller's "The Bridges of Madison County" aided by Clint Eastwood's assured direction. In his own directorial debut, LaGravenese again shows dexterity with unexpected character development in this self-penned 1998 dramedy. On the surface, the plot is straightforward. Judith, a wealthy, middle-aged Manhattan woman, is reeling from a divorce from her smug doctor husband for whom she gave up her own promising medical career to become a nurse. Pat, the doorman in her building, is also suffering from a bad marriage, has increasing gambling debts, and just lost his daughter. After months of indifference, they finally speak to each other, and he becomes smitten even though she only wants to be friends. Providing sharp, unpredictable dialogue, LaGravenese does not rely on clichés to formulate the characters, and it's the quirky sense of revelation he provides to Judith and Pat that keeps the story consistently engaging. He also effectively inserts fantasy scenes to reflect Judith's wavering state of mind - a technique I haven't seen used as well since Irvin Kershner's "Up the Sandbox" a quarter century earlier. Casting helps considerably as Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito play Judith and Pat with consummate skill and poignancy. Looking taut, often apoplectic and sometimes quite sexy, Hunter makes Judith a refreshingly multi-dimensional figure, a wounded bird one minute and a cutting harpy the next. I particularly like her curt response to her ex-husband's conciliatory new wife, as well as the effortlessly seductive dance moves she exhibits at a lesbian nightclub. In a surprising display of warmth, DeVito makes Pat a sympathetic character without resorting to either self-pity or smarminess. Vocalizing in a confident, languorous manner, Queen Latifah gives a nicely assured performance as Liz, a nightclub jazz singer with whom Judith bonds. The 1999 DVD includes a thoughtful commentary track from LaGravenese, a strong extra in itself, though it seems a shame in hindsight that they were not able to secure the principal actors to participate. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, there are also five deleted scenes including Queen Latifah's full performance of the standard "Lush Life". Rating:  - I didn't know Queen Latifah could singShe is terrific, what a voice. She should do a nice jazzy type album. I really liked this movie. Holly and DeVito are always good. Of course DeVito can really bring out the pathos in his character. But, Queen keeps getting better and better. I hope to see her in more of these types of movies. Rating: - Great flick!This movie did not get the audience it deserved. Holly Hunter shines like never before. Danny DeVito is a pleasant surprise as the guy who finally gets it right and Queen Lahtifa's role and her singing are magical. Do not miss this movie, the jazzy/blues mix of music alone is worth it. Rating: - A wonderful character studyThis is one of the best character movies I've seen. It's billed as a "chick flick", but Danny DeVito's character broadens the story beyond merely a womens' story. The dialogue is intelligent and real. Best of all, it doesn't have a stock "they lived happily ever after" ending. No, that's not what's best of all...Queen Latifah's singing is incredible, and provides an extra level of enjoyment to an already greatly enjoyable movie. I highly recommend the soundtrack! P.S. Another character in the movie also does a singing turn, and not a bad job! Rating: - Existential tale disguised as a chix flix... ...forget the kiss, forget the Hot Fun symbolic scene, forget the 'love and lost love' thing. This and the more recent 'Lost in Translation' has a person searching for the reason we live. This one more or less gives the solution. 'Lost'leaves it up to you. See both side by side to see what I mean.
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