Down with Love (2003)

Downright Giddy Fun

When my sister, a Doris Day movie addict, told me I had to watch this with her, I didn't expect much. Once you've seen a Doris Day film, you've seen them all; couple this with the fact that I'm not a chick-flick kind of gal, and it's not surprising that I figured this was going to be a movie I would politely watch and then promptly forget.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

The world is a happy-go-lucky '60s joyride. Everything is a bright and colorful shade of "optimistic," from the characters to the sets to the outfits to the very plot itself. The comedy is refreshingly direct, clever, and sharp. Renee Zellweger pulls off the most perfect Doris Day impersonation I've ever seen -- down to the walk, the face, the mannerisms, and the tone of voice. Ewan McGregor is not a very good Rock Hudson (he's too skinny and not very manly), but he's a serviceable love interest and, to my shock, he's actually a good actor. (After the sucky Star Wars prequels and The Island, I didn't have any expectations for him at all. It was a pleasant surprise.)

The humor is fabulous. It plays off of the common tropes in Doris Day films and laughs at sexism (without being preachy -- a feat in itself). It has its basic Doris Day-esque character types -- characters who are downright adorable and hilarious in and of themselves. The script is quick-witted and is delivered excellently by all actors involved. The result is a story that never lags and laughs that never stop.

The story is your standard romantic fare; again, if you've seen Doris Day, you know how things will turn out. You won't see the giant plot twist, however. I know I didn't. I sat there with my mouth hanging open.

I think the best part of this movie is its self-knowledge. It's not trying to be better than the Doris Day films of yesteryear. It's trying to satirize it, pay homage to it, and update it for a new generation, all at the same time. It succeeds in a fantastic way and never falls flat. The only thing I didn't like was the escalated sexual innuendo, but that's more up to taste. Frankly, the way they worked the innuendo in, I didn't know whether to be shocked or amazed at how cleverly they did it (as awful as that sounds!).

You know, after watching tons of poor and mediocre movies, this one was a welcome watch. It was even more of a welcome experience after the depressing recent events of this year -- it's a pure intravenous shot of happiness.

At least watch this movie once -- especially if you're a Doris Day aficionado or love romantic comedy. You'll find this a wonderful diversion. November 11, 2008

Brilliant comedy

This amazingly intelligent send-up of the Doris Day/Rock Hudson flicks is such a refreshing change from the mindless Hollywood romantic comedies of recent past. I would recommend that before viewing, you see at least one of the DD/RH hits (Pillow Talk would probably be best if you only have time for one). Then the sheer genius of this work will really shine through. This is one of the few films that I can watch over and over again without ever growing tired or bored of it. The rapid-fire witty lines never fail to make me laugh out loud. And the talent-- it reminds me of the Fred Astaire generation when actors could sing, dance and act! So rare in our times. An absolute gem! September 28, 2008

entirely forgettable

This piece of fluff was so forgettable that my wife and I were about half an hour into it before we realized we'd actually seen it before.
I'm giving it two stars because there were a couple of moments of witty, well-written dialogue, because the retro-early sixties fashions were mildly amusing and because David Hyde Pierce gives a funny performance. I also liked the faux-Gershwin music.
Apart from that, not much to object to or admire either. The leads don't have much chemistry and McGregor especially seems very out of his element like a callow, immature version of Sean Connery.
This is apparently an "omage" to the Rock Hudson-Doris Day movies of the early sixties. Those weren't much good either so it's not surprising that this attempt to reproduce them also fails to make much of an impression. July 18, 2008

Stupid

Doris Day and Rock Hudson movies were no good the first time, with their split screen phone conversations and crossed wires. They never rose above a bad TV sitcom. So why would Hollywood producers do another one--not a spoof but a straight copy? Are there really no good new stripts available?

Renee Zellweger is a good actress and has done some good light comedy, as in "Nurse Betty." She's also done drama and musicals. Why she'd allow her talents to be wasted in a film like this is beyond me.

I watched as much of it as I could, hoping it would amount to something. It never did. July 6, 2008

hilarious

Totally hilarious and creative. I'm not a Rene Zelwegger fan (I am a big Ewan fan), but this was a great movie. Awesome ensemble cast. Very fun visually, very snappy dialogue. Definitely one you'll enjoy watching over again. June 18, 2008

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