"America's Sweethearts "

The first thing I can say is that if movie stars are really as weird as they are portrayed in America's Sweethearts, then no one would care about them or who they are. Billy Crystal has written a very funny, witty film that pokes fun at the hand that feeds him.

Lee (Crystal) is a publicist whom at one time in his career handled the hottest Hollywood couple around. Eddie Thomas (John Cusack) and Gwen Harrison (Katherine Zeta-Jones) are America's favorite couple. Every film they do they do together and they make a mint. Well like every Hollywood couple, all good things must come to an end; Gwen and Eddie split up. As a result Gwen's last two films tanked, Eddie ends up in a "wellness" center and Lee is being fired from the studio. As Lee is packing up his desk it is discovered that there is one last film Eddie and Gwen did together, directed by one of Hollywood's most eccentric, reclusive directors (brilliantly played by Christopher Walken). In order for Lee to get his job back he must get Eddie and Gwen back together again, for one last public appearance at the press junket for this lost film. Lee incorporates the help of Kiki (Julia Roberts), Gwen's sister and personal assistant.

Joe Roth who has produced 35 films since 1976 takes the director's chair for America's Sweethearts, given the cast he has to work with he does a nice job. I think the reason this film works is because the creative team has lived the lives, in some form or another, that the film's characters are living. A key point in writing a good script is, write what you know. There are a lot of jabs made at the expense of the truly ludicrous business that is Hollywood and movie making. The best part of the film is the fact that the focus was not directly on Julia Roberts, all of the main characters had equal screen time. Everyone had room to do what they do best. Katherine Zeta-Jones was great as the prima donna actress. The minor roles really made the film, Hank Azaria was entertaining as Gwen's Spanish boyfriend, Seth Green was great as Lee's protégé and the cameo by Christopher Walken as the eccentric director was a great surprise. Everything was so tongue-in-cheek, it just made America's Sweethearts that much more enjoyable. Crystal's script was right on the mark.

At times things became a bit predictable and the romance was a bit too sweet, but for the most part America's Sweethearts is a good healthy dose of fun.