 AMERICA'S
SWEETHEARTS
derives its inspiration from the 1952 movie musical 'Singing in
the Rain. 'There are tremendous truths in this film, which are difficult
to learn, and even more difficult to fully apply in to one's life.
Review by David Bruce |
AMERICA'S
SWEETHEARTS
(2001)
This
page was created on July 22, 2001
This page was last updated on
May 21, 2005
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Credits
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Directed
by Joe Roth
Written by Billy Crystal & Peter Tolan
Julia
Roberts .... Kiki
Billy Crystal .... Lee
Catherine Zeta-Jones .... Gwen Harrison
John Cusack .... Eddie Thomas
Hank Azaria .... Hector
Stanley Tucci .... Kingman
Christopher Walken .... Hal
Seth Green .... Danny
Alan Arkin
Keri Lynn Pratt .... Leaf
Michael A. Tessiero .... Film Critic#6
Rainn Wilson .... Kevin O'Hanlon
Produced
by Susan Arnold (producer), Allegra Clegg (co-producer), Billy Crystal
(producer), Charles Newirth (executive producer), Donna Roth (producer),
Peter Tolan (executive producer),
Original music by James Newton Howard
Cinematography by Phedon Papamichael
Film Editing by Stephen A. Rotter
MPAA
Rating PG-13 - for language, some crude and sexual humor
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The
Crew's Here. The Cameras Are Rolling.
And the Director's Got a Problem!
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STUDIO
SYNOPSIS:
For an awkward, self-conscious girl like Kiki (Julia Roberts), being
the personal assistant to a beautiful megastar like Gwen (Catherine
Zeta-Jones) isn?t easy. But when she dutifully accept the task of
helping Gwen and her estranged megastar husband Eddie (John Cusack)
make it through one last public appearance masterminded by legendary
press agent Lee Phillips (Billy Crystal), forever devoted Kiki finds
that her job is about to get even harder.
At
first it seems her biggest challenge is to keep the peace between
Eddie and Gwen and their public image intact, but soon Kiki is faced
with a more personal concern as her longtime friendship with Eddie
begins to take a romantic turn.
? 2001 Columbia Pictures
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REVIEW
THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE
By David Bruce
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America's
Sweethearts derives its inspiration from the 1952 movie musical
"Singing in the Rain." In many respects this remake lacks the conviction,
charm, and comedy of the original. But, the theater was full when
I saw the film and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I doubt that one
person in hundred realizes the connection to "Singing in the Rain."
There
are tremendous truths in this film, which are difficult to learn,
and even more difficult to fully apply in to one's life. More on
this later.
First,
here are the connections between the two films:
1. Julia Roberts = Debbie Renoylds (the plain wallflower that suddenly
blooms)
2. Catherine Zeta Jones = Jean Hagan (the self centered superstar)
3. John Cusak = Gene Kelly (the slow of heart superstar)
4. Billy Crystal = Donald O'Connor (studio agent)
5. Stanley Tucci = Millard Mitchell (the studio head)
6. A gossip columnist = A jillion columnists (times have changed)
New
roles include:
1. Gwen's Spanish lover, Hector (Hank Azaria -comedy relief)
2. Hal, the auteur
director (Christopher Walken -a delight, as usual)
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 MEET
EGOCENTRIC GWEN HARRISON
The superstar who has not had a moneymaking film since her breakup
with her husband and usual costar Eddie Thomas. She represents that
part of us that is set on self-centered pursuits that in reality promote
self-destruction. |
| ?Me?
is always at the bottom of all sin. It may spell drink, lust, pride,
covetousness, self-will; but it is some form of ?me.? |
 MEET
CONTEMPLATIVE EDDIE THOMAS
The superstar who has been in therapy ever since the breakup with
Gwen. He represents our inner spiritual pursuit in the midst of deep
pain. He has been inner focused ever since he realized his capacity
for outer violence. -In a fit of rage he tried to kill Hector, his
wife's lover, by running him over with his motorcycle. |
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Dear
Heavenly Father: I?m working on a puzzle, pure and simple. It is
I.
Dear
Searching Child: Here?s the answer to your puzzle, pure and simple.
It is I.
- ETHELYN A. SHATTUCK
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 MEET
BALL JUGGLER LEE
His assignment is to give the public the perception that Gwen and
Eddie, America's favorite sweetheart team, are back together again.
$86 million of the studio's money is at risk. Their latest motion
picture must be a box office hit. Lee represents that part of us that
endeavors to be all things to all people -making sure everyone is
okay. |
| "I
seem to have an awful lot of people inside me." - EDITH EVANS
(1888?1976) |
 FACIAL
FACADES
Both Gwen and Eddie know that it is in their best interest to give
the public the appearance that all is well. Outer smiles often cover
for inner turmoil, confusion and lack of confidence. Out of necessity,
we can give the appearance of strength and confidence when, in fact,
we have neither. |
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People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person's
thoughts and intentions." -1 Samuel 16:7 NLT |
 MANIPULATORS
It is a true thing in life; manipulators can be masters at human nature.
They have keen insights. They know how to manage people. It is also
true that they can be the least informed about themselves. They run
other peoples lives, but cannot manage their own lives. This film
derives much humor from this simple little truth. |
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"Man
is the only animal that can remain on friendly terms with the victims
he intends to eat until he eats them." -SAMUEL BUTLER (1612?1680)
"Many
men know how to flatter, few men know how to praise." -WENDELL
PHILLIPS (1811?1884)
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 DOUBLE
TALK
Much of what is really said is found between the lines. As the press
interviews Gwen and Eddie, much of what is really being communicated
is found in the non-verbal communications. The scene is fun to watch.
The scene is a reminder that the best communication comes directly
from the heart, and not from cleverly crafted words. |
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"Do
not judge men by mere appearances; for the light laughter that bubbles
on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious
look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy."
-EDWIN HUBBELL (1814?1880)
"The
image of myself which I try to create in my own mind in order that
I may love myself is very different from the image which I try to
create in the minds of others in order that they may love me."
- W. H. AUDEN (1907?1973)
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 MEET
THE HUMBLE KIKI
Kiki is Gwen's sister. They are exact opposites. Gwen is pridefull
and Kiki is humble. Humility always prevails over conceit. Writer
Estelle Smith correctly observed, "Humility is strong -not bold; quiet
-not speechless; sure -not arrogant." And this is exactly how Kiki
is. There is a spiritual truth that states, "The way up is the way
down." |
| "Pride
ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor." -Proverbs
29:23 |
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 KIKI
KNOWS, EDDIE KNOWS, GWEN AS NO CLUE
Rules
for Self Discovery:
1. What we want most;
2. What we think about most;
3. How we use our money;
4. What we do with our leisure time;
5. The company we enjoy;
6. Who and what we admire;
7. What we laugh at.
-- A.
W. TOZER (1897?1963)
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| "There?s
only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and
that?s your own self." -ALDOUS HUXLEY (1894?1963) |
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 THE
TREASURE UNDER ONE'S NOSE.
Although Kiki knew of the love between her and Eddie -it took Eddie
time to admit to it. He was slow of heart. But having discovered
it, he gave up all he didn't have in Gwen for the priceless treasure
that was there the whole time.
"God's
kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then
accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic?what a
find!?and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and
buy that field. -Matthew 13:44 MSG
"Again,
the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for
choice pearls. [46] When he discovered a pearl of great value, he
sold everything he owned and bought it! -Matthew 13:45-46 NLT
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| "In
submission we are free to value other people. Their dreams and plans
become important to us. We have entered into a new, wonderful, glorious
freedom, the freedom to give up our own rights for the good of others.
For the first time we can love people unconditionally. We have given
up the right for them to return our love. No longer do we feel that
we have to be treated in a certain way. We can rejoice with their
successes. We feel genuine sorrow at their failures. It is of little
consequence that our plans are frustrated if their plans succeed.
We discover that it is far better to serve our neighbor than to have
our own way." -RICHARD J. FOSTER (1942? ) |
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OFFICIAL
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America's Sweethearts ? 2001 Columbia Pictures.
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