View From The Top

April 7, 2003

Starring: Gwyneth Paltrow, Christina Applegate, Mark Ruffalo, Candice Bergen, Joshua Malina, Kelly Preston, Rob Lowe, Mike Myers

Director: Bruno Barreto

Official Website: http://www.miramax.com/viewfromthetop/

Perhaps the best unadvertized movie I`ve seen since One Hour Photo, this is one of those odd PG movies without a single child in the actual movie. But it works with the help of comical acting and smart directing.

At first, I went to see it for lack of choice and good old Mike Myers. Maybe it had to do with the fact I had no expectations for this, or maybe Myers' genius as flight attendant instructor lifted this movie beyond average, maybe it was Paltrow and Applegate`s wit and charm, or maybe just how delicious both looked in those outfits... But I was surprised how good this was. The plot is really simple; woman from small town becomes flight attendant to go to big city. But this movie just shows that when you have a great cast, you can pull off anything (or almost).

I really wish they would have left out any romance sub-plot thing with some guy. I realize the main story wasn`t enough for a full movie and Gwyneth Paltrow is more of a drama actress anyways, but like most comedies that try, the attempt of balancing the funny with the romantic just wasn`t successful. It wasn`t terrible, I just didn`t care much for it, and it didn`t seem like two really had any chemistry.

As a whole, this is a nice little movie that takes you on a fun ride with few dull moments. Though potential for more was there, maybe it`s best to keep it simple. Give it a try!

In short:
Comedy: Plenty of witty humor
Violence/language: Very little of either
Nudity/sex: None explicitly, but Paltrow and Applegate plenty of eye candy to make you wish there was.
High Points: Overall good acting, innocently funny
Low Points: Predictable romance sub-plot, didn`t exploit full potential

Rating: B