Taa daa! One of the best films of the year? A hilarious and wonderfully romantic film? Eh ehhhh! ( that’s the wrong buzzer noise by the way…)
I heard about America’s Sweethearts when it first came out in 2001, but never actually saw it. And so when the Julia Roberts season kicked off on channel ... Read review
A comedy about celebrity family and other forms of insanity. Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones) ... more
and Eddie (John Cusack) are America's Sweethearts two wildly popular celebrities who share their love on and off the screen in this farcical romantic comedy. ...
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Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Eddie (John Cusack) are AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS - the ... more
country's favourite couple, on-screen and off. But when their very public romance turns into a very private breakup, only veteran press agent Lee (Billy Crystal) and Gw...
Comedy - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: Tessa Peake-Jones, Buster Merryfield, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst
Comedy - Director: Tony Dow - Original Language: English - Classification: 12 years and over - Starring: John Challis, David Jason, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Tessa Peake-Jones, Gwyneth Strong
Comedy - Director: Richard Boden, Mandie Fletcher, Martin Shardlow - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Hugh Laurie, Miranda Richardson, Stephen Fry, Brian Blessed, Tim McInnerny, Tony Robinson, Rowan Atkinson
Advantages: Great actors Disadvantages: weak & slightly boring plot
Taa daa! One of the best films of the year? A hilarious and wonderfully romantic film? Eh ehhhh! ( that’s the wrong buzzer noise by the way…)
I heard about America’s Sweethearts when it first came out in 2001, but never actually saw it. And so when the Julia Roberts season kicked off on channel 4 and included America’s Sweethearts, I thought I might give this romantic comedy a try.
And the results? I was disappointed. Very ... ...was a total let down, because the actors and actresses who were starring in the film, were amazing people who I’d love to watch in any other film. But with America’s Sweethearts, I just found the plot really weak and the ending was just so predictable! I could have told you what happened from the beginning! There was nothing to grab interest, no big twists or turns, and I thought the whole thing just flew by too fast. The way I see it the stars themselves ... more
Taa daa! One of the best films of the year? A hilarious and wonderfully romantic film? Eh ehhhh! ( that’s the wrong buzzer noise by the way…) I heard about America’s Sweethearts when it first came out in 2001, but never actually saw it. And so when the Julia Roberts season kicked off on channel 4 and included America’s Sweethearts, I thought I might give this romantic comedy a try.
And the results? I was disappointed. Very disappointed. OK I’m not saying the whole 102 minute film was a total let down, because the actors and actresses who were starring in the film, were amazing people who I’d love to watch in any other film. But with America’s Sweethearts, I just found the plot really weak and the ending was just so predictable! I could have told you what happened from the beginning! There was nothing to grab interest, no big twists or turns, and I thought the whole thing just flew by too fast. The way I see it the stars themselves are great, they just haven’t been put in the right film together. So enough of my ranting, how does the plot go?
The famous Hollywood couple, Gwen Harrison and Eddie Thomas (Catherine Zeta Jones and John Cusack) were a firm favourite amongst film stars, both on and off the screen, until Gwen succumbed to the charms of her hilariously funny Latin lover, Hector (Hank Azaria). Eddie fell apart, and the two ex’s went their separate ways after finishing their latest film as the on screen couple. Now cut to publicist, Lee Philips (Billy Crystal), the quick talking, peace maker guy who knows exactly what to do to get publicity, regardless of whether it’s good or bad! Now it’s up to him to re-unite Gwen and Eddie at the junket of their latest film in the Nevada desert and to get as much publicity on them as possible…failing to let any one know that the film is currently being held hostage by the producer! Lee is at the bidding of the studio boss, Dave Kingman (Stanley Tucci) who has basically been reduced to a nervous wreck worrying about his film and whether it will fly, or flop. Gwen travels to the junket with her sweet and meek sister, Kiki (Julia Roberts), and let’s just say Eddie kissed her once during a moment of being absolutely rat-arsed, and was a moment she holds close 24/7… So you better prepare for a film consisting of a medley of misunderstandings The plot itself is incredibly light-hearted and casual- I wish I could have explained the plot line better, but I found that when watching, the plot jumped around and didn’t really flow as well as it could have done. However there are some rather funny moments that did make me giggle, but weren’t side splittingly rib ticklingly hilarious. The funny moments pretty much occurred with Billy Crystal and Hank Azaria.
The film was directed by John Roth, who is usually an executive producer of many well known and award winning films such as Mona Lisa Smile, and others such as Daddy Day Care and the Exorcist 3. A little bit of trivia I found was that this was Roth’s first picture in 11 years (as director), because he read the script and enjoyed it so much that he wanted to direct. Billy Crystal was originally going to direct, but he was happy so just be a producer.
Billy Crystal, I feel, helped keep the film moving, especially with his humour and up beat pace, and I just love his funny mannerisms, and the way he is in different situations. He suited his role well and I think he blended well with Zeta Jones and Cusack. I don’t really remember seeing him in many other films, only When Harry Met Sally, and there I thought he was a funny guy I think he was a vital guy in this film, otherwise the whole thing would have just bored me to death and I wouldn’t have reached the end of it! And Billy helped write this, go him! What else have I seen him in? Analyse That (2002)- Dr Ben Sobel Monsters, Inc ( 2001) – voice of Mike Wazowski Analyse This (1999) – Dr Ben Sobel
I don’t think this really was one of Julia Roberts’ best films, but I think I think this because I don’t really like her character. Kiki was pretty much a sheep who followed Gwen around and did whatever she told her, despite them being sisters! But then Roberts didn’t have a vital role in this film, and I think the role of Kiki would have been affected much if it wasn’t played by Roberts. Having said that, I love Julia Roberts in every other film she’s been in!!! Not sure what, but there’s something about her of a very high quality that brings a lovely sparkle to any film she stars in, it’s just a shame America’s Sweethearts couldn’t do that for her. What else have I seen her in? (Ok so these are my favourites!) Ocean’s 11 (2001) – Tess Ocean Runaway Bride (1999) – Maggie Carpenter Pretty Woman (1990) – Vivian Ward << that’s my favourite!
Now to be honest, I can’t remember seeing John Cusack in other films when I heard his name, I only recognised him when I saw his face. I thought again, the role of Eddie Thomas was a bit bland and boring, he didn’t really show much emotion, but maybe that was because he was playing a guy who’d had his heart broken and was in a mental home to try and recover, so I really can’t pass comment! He wasn’t really a very recognisable actor, and his other film credits are mainly films I have never heard of, or never wanted to see. What else have I seen him in? Runaway Jury (2003) – Nicholas Easter Max (2002) Max Rothman Serendipity (2001) Jonathan Trager
Like I said before, I felt that Hank Azaria was one of the funniest characters in this film, boasting a rather amusing Latino accent, plus lisp! It’s a shame he couldn’t be shown more in this picture. I bet many of you don’t know that Hank is a regular member of The Simpsons crew, doing many extraordinary voices such as Apu, Chief Wiggum, Comic Book Guy, Moe and Cletus!
Like I said before, this film wasn’t all bad for me, and that was thanks to the actors and the comedy they managed to bring in, for there are some hilarious scenes in the film. Don’t think I hated it, I just think the script of the film wasn’t able to do justice to the quality of the actors who were acting it, if you get what I mean. Maybe it was just me and I’m the only person who wasn’t bowled over by this film!
Advantages: Top notch cast Disadvantages: Very weak script and plot
America's Sweethearts is a 'satire' on the overhyped 'Hollywood machine' and the emptiness, egotism and selfishness of its stars. The cast is led by Catherine Zeta Jones, John Cusack, Julia Roberts and Billy Crystal. It's a brilliant premise with a top-notch cast, but sadly it's a great disappointment. The plot: Zeta Jones and Cusack are a separated couple who have made a string of highly successful films together. Since their split at the end of ... ...clinic trying to come to terms with losing her, while she's been shacked up with a muscled but empty-headed Spanish wannabe. Crystal is the studio publicist who has to get them both together at a media junket to resurrect their careers and get the film from the director (Christopher Walken) who's been holding it back. Julia Roberts is CZJ's sister and personal assistant, a former fatty who's lost a lot of weight and still harbours a massive crush ...
sandrabarber 11.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of America's Sweethearts (DVD)
As soon as I heard that John Cusack was starring in a new movie, I knew I just had to see it. I don’t know what it is about him, I mean, he’s not that attractive, definitely not Brad Pitt in the looks department. I think it’s more a presence he has, his almost self-deprecating manner and dry wit. Sorry, I digress... I then saw the trailer for this movie and it wasn’t quite what I was expecting from a John Cusack film and I ... ...been. It seemed much more of a Hollywood blockbuster type of movie than the kind he usually does – I wondered whether, in fact, Mr. Cusack had perhaps sold out. However, I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and went along (the film came out in Germany last week BTW). I was expecting this to be a sugar sweet romantic comedy and to some extent it is:
The story, as you’ve probably derived from the trailers, centres around a married ...
Snow_White 23.10.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of America's Sweethearts (DVD)
Advantages: Amazing casting, great acting, original story line Disadvantages: not romantic, and hardly ever funny
Probably the most impressive feature of ‘America’s Sweethearts’ is the casting. Billy Crystal, who co-starred, co-produced and co-wrote the film. Gwen “Catherine-Zeta-Jones” and attempted murderer boyfriend Eddie “John Cusack” star as two insecure movie stars, whose recent movies have collapsed since they split up in real life. Its up to publicist “Billie Crystal” and Kiki “Julia Roberts” ... ...order to sell the latest film by an eccentric director Kubrick “Christopher Walken”. Kiki, Gwens personal assistant/sister slowly realises her relationship with Eddie is more than just friendship.
Categorized as a romantic comedy, it’s hardly ever romantic and only occasionally funny. The jokes comprise of one liners written by and for Billie Crystal’s character. So if you are looking for any side-splitting humour it really ...
nanoblade 02.11.2001
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of America's Sweethearts (DVD)
Advantages: Billy Crystal on top form!! Disadvantages: Weak plot!
...you another film review on America's Sweethearts!
Well you guys know what I'm like so I'll start off with a quote from somebody else!
"... terrific fun and it gives the ensemble cast plenty of clowning opportunities." NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Not entirely sure I'd say that about this film!
I will be talking about the DVD version of this film...a rare occurence for me as I'm usually up for doing a VHS review of a film! Although there is lots more boring ... ...from
THEATRICAL TRAILERS - America's Sweethearts, Stepmom, My Best Friend's Wedding and Sleepless in Seattle
FILMOGRAPHIES - Joe Roth (Director), Julia Roberts, Catherine Zeta Jones, Billy Crystal, John Cusack and Hank Azaria
DELETED SCENES - Either with or without the Director's commentary, there are 5 deleted scenes entitiled:
1) Hector takes a bath
2) Eddie calls his Wellness guide
3) Leaf surprises Eddie
4) Hal gets towed
5) Danny shmoozes ...
LR_17 12.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of America's Sweethearts (DVD)
Advantages: Easy to watch, Good Cast Disadvantages: Not overly interesting plot
I had seen this film a few years ago, but could not remember anything about it, so when my boyfriend suggested watching it last night, after picking it up in Tesco for 3 pounds, we gave it another go.
It was made in 2001 and co-written by Billy Crystal
The Story
-------------
The story is based around 2 famous actors (Zeta-Jones and Cusack) Named Eddie and Gwen, they have been an on screen as well as real life couple for many years, and while ... ...and famous. There lives crumble as Gwen leaves Eddie for a young Spanish man (Hank Azaria). Leaving Eddie emotionally unstable and Gwen being hated by millions. Their last film they made together is due o be released soon and will be shown at a press junket. Its the job of film publicist Lee (Crystal) to get the separated couple together at the junket and playing nicely in front of the press. In the hope the press will focus on the couples personal ...
chugglebunny 06.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of America's Sweethearts (DVD)
A celebrity Hollywood couple reach breaking point in their marriage, but with the onset of a premiere for a movie in which they both star, it's down to a press agent and a family member to keep the lid on a messy breakup...
Deleted Scenes, Trailer - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer, Scene Access, Interactive Animated Menus, Filmographies
Aspect Ratio
2.40 Wide Screen
Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1
Dubbing Sound
Dolby Digital 5.1 English Spanish
Professional reviews
Review
"...There's a lot to like about AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS....It's well cast, with an excellent premise and a wicked sense of humor..." (Los Angeles Times, p.1, 20/07/2001)
"...Catherine Zeta-Jones is gorgeously bitchy..." (Rolling Stone, p.111-14, 16/08/2001)
"...[Roth] exercises skilled control here, keeping the pace brisk and unforced..." (Sight and Sound, p.38, 01/11/2001)
DVD Description
Gwen (Catherine Zeta-Jones) and Eddie (John Cusack) are AMERICA'S SWEETHEARTS, two wildly popular celebrities who share their love on and off the screen in this farcical romantic comedy. But a messy breakup sends Eddie to a New Age Hollywood healing center and Gwen into the arms of her current affair, a Spanish bohunk short on charm (Hank Azaria). When their relationship troubles begin to threaten their superstar celebrity status and the release of their final film together the studio heads call in legendary press agent Lee Phillips (Billy Crystal) to helm the troubled film's press junket. Julia Roberts costars as Kiki, Gwen's personal assistant and sister who has always lived to please her demanding diva sister. Once overweight and severely self-conscious, Kiki's life revolves around her sister's ridiculous demands in this send up of ego-driven movie star vanity, penned cleverly with cynical insider wit by Crystal and Peter Tolan. Phillips manages to gather the warring superstars and gaggles of press together at a remote desert location for the all important press junket where his best laid plans begin to unravel in this hysterical parody of the movie industry replete with neurotic actors, eccentric crazed directors (Christopher Walken in a gem of a cameo), maniacal studio heads, and gossip-starved press who will do anything or anyone for the next big story.
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