TC Candler's Review A-

Are you a giraffe?

Nicole Kidman just keeps churning out good work. This quirky, dark & romantic thriller-comedy may not generate a substantial box office tally like her two big hits from 2000 (Moulin Rouge & The Others), but it is definitely worth a DVD rental if you skipped it during theatrical release.

Ben Chaplin gives a wonderful performance. He displays a not so subtle naiveté that is reminiscent of Dustin Hoffman's character in The Graduate. In fact, there are quite a few references to that 1967 classic... see how many you can point out. You'll have to wait until the last shot to get them all.

If you are a serious moviegoer, you will typically be sitting through the closing credits at the ends of good movies. If you do so here, you are in for a nice treat. The second song during those credits is a lovely duet remake, sung by Nicole Kidman and Robbie Williams, of the Sinatra classic 'Something Stupid'. Couple this effort with her singing in Moulin Rouge, and Nicole may have a burgeoning second career in the works. (LOL) Seriously though... she actually has a really nice singing voice.

There are French and American actors speaking in what appears to be a perfect Russian dialect, while filming a movie in Australia meant to look like it is set just outside London, England. How they made this quirky comedy work is quite admirable!

© Written by TC Candler

How We Rated This Film TC Candler - A- Richard Propes - B+ Jacob Hall -

Richard Propes' Comment

One aspect of Kidman's acting career that has always puzzled me is in the area of chemistry. I've seldom seen her have an authentic, romantic chemistry with any actor (including Cruise). Her recent big budget efforts with Broderick (ick, just ick) and Ferrell (awkward) are perfect examples. Yet, here we go in this smaller, indie flick and the chemistry between her and Chaplin works wonderfully. Kidman and Chaplin transform this chemistry into a somewhat quirky, involving film that doesn't quite gel as much as it should but is ultimately yet another in a long line of Kidman's satisfying indie flicks.

Jacob Hall's Comment

N/A