Right up front I should let you know that I’m not a huge fan of romantic comedies. Above all other genres they carry a high rate of formulaic and overdone plots and characters. But every once in a while a Gem pops out of the load of crap that is Hollywood romantic comedies. I’m shocked to tell you that Little Black Book is one such Gem.
It’s difficult to tell you about my favorite things in this film without giving away some major plot points, but let me say this‚Ķ the characters are interesting and more than single dimensional. The script is snappy and the director keeps the film moving along. Juxtapose these characteristics against most other romantic comedies which are uni-dimensional characters, predictable dialogue and sluggish pacing.
However, in most romantic comedies you can usually point to a strong lead actor/actress as being one of the strengths of the film‚Ķ not in this case. I have said it before and I shall say it again: “Brittney Murphy is not ready to be a legitimate Hollywood leading lady‚Ķ PERIOD“. The character she played was likeable, witty, endearing and emotional (what romantic comedy lead female character isn’t?)‚Ķ and Murphy just looked and felt like she was in way over her head trying to pull off an admittedly challenging role. Fortunately the character and the film itself carry themselves to the point that Murphy was able to give just enough of a performance as to not distract from or sink the movie.
Now that I’ve trashed Murphy‚Ķ let me add this. I’ve never liked Brittney. I think she’s a product of the MTVization of Hollywood where talent takes a back seat to “pop” and “buzz” and “trend”. Murphy is all about being hot and never about being talented. But in “Little Black Book”, while she was over her head‚Ķ there were glimpses of something‚Ķ almost fleeting, but definitely there. For the first time I could see something in her that perhaps others have seen all along‚Ķ or perhaps is just coming out now. POTENTIAL. Yes, for the first time I actually saw potential in Brittney Murphy. Maybe a peek at what she could be in a few years. I’ll keep my eye on her with a little more interest now. BUT SHE’S STILL NOT A LEADING LADY JUST YET.
Bottom line: Little Black Book is fun and entertaining, and is the first Romantic Comedy I’ve ever seen that has an unexpected ending (that’s all I’ll say). Go see it‚Ķ guys you’ll dig it too.
I think anyone who thinks Brittney Murphy isn’t talented is just jelous. She is very talented and has the ability to play more than one role. I mean you’ve seen her in a little bit of everything, comedies, drama’s etc. The only thing or kind of role you haven’t seen her in is an action. Think about it, her movies are blockbuster hits, and she has a very valuable fan base, anyone who thinks she is untalented is really just jelous. She’s got it all, looks, money and a brain and she can play virtually any character!!! Don’t be haters just respect and appreciate. If you don’t like her movies just don’t go see them instead of talking about her behind her back when she can’t defend herself. Afterall, you all have seen her movies if you can write about them and critisize them. Plus, if you think about she didn’t write the script, she just acted in it.
So bethaney… following your logic… ANYONE who gets cast in a movie is talented? I don’t believe you actually think that.
I think who ever critiqued this is frigign dumb because Brittany Is a very talanted artist and she should not be put down in such ways. If she wasn’t good at her job then she would have never been hired.
I think who ever critiqued this is frigign dumb because Brittany Is a very talanted artist and she should not be put down in such ways. If she wasn’t good at her job then she would have never been hired.
“Don’t Say A Word”?????? Should have named that one “Don’t Rent This Stupid Movie”…..I like Brittany Murphy but my reasons for liking her have NOTHING to do with her acting chops…
todd, I’ve only heard good things about garden state – and I watched a good 10 minute interview and discussion on real to reel last week and seems worthy to check out. John I think your crazy. But still a damn good bocce ball player.
brittany murphy this, brittany murphy that…
what about ron livingston? he’s the *only* reason I was gonna catch this one.
brittany murphy this, brittany murphy that…
what about ron silverman? he’s the *only* reason I was gonna catch this one.
Speaking of non-traditional romantic comedies, anybody seen Garden State? I really want to catch this sometime soon, but my schedule’s just stupid these days …
I liked the movie a lot… and Brittney Murphy’s performance – I found her charming …but I’m a girl. While it did drag for me in places, I personally loved the ending – not a typical “romantic comedy” ending, and I appreciated it.
Just in case you’re thinking John’s out of his mind on this one, you’re not alone:
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 20
Metacritic score: 36
I’ve seen worse ratings, but that’s a pretty clear indicator that most critics didn’t like it much at all …
did you all see her in Drive? I thought she was pretty good in that… and sexy.
Oh wow… I couldn’t disagree with you more. I thought she was just laughable in Don’t Say a Word (take that with a grain of salt since the material she had to work with was bad to start with).
I’m not a fan of Brittany Murphy either… but… don’t forget that she had a pretty darn good performance in Don’t Say a Word. And she also wasnt too bad in Girl, Interrupted.