For those of you who were wondering whatever possessed Madonna to remake Don McLean's classic song, `American Pie,' see `The Next Best Thing.' If nothing else, the film certainly provided a newfound appreciation for Madonna's updated version of the song, which appears several times in the film. The single and the film share the same tone - modern and almost ominous at times.
`The Next Best Thing' stars Madonna (sporting that annoying British accent) as Abbie, a Yoga instructor who longs for a family, but feels she is way past her prime. Rupert Everett, in a role similar to his character in `My Best Friend's Wedding' co-stars as her gay best friend, Robert. After about twenty minutes of friendly banter reminiscent of `The Object of My Affection,' the film takes some unexpected twists and turns, leaving the audience exhausted by the end.
When one of Abbie and Robert's friends passes away, they spend the night drinking and trashing the house where Robert works as a gardener. After ending up in bed together, Robert learns that he has fathered a child whom Abbie is now pregnant with. Flash forward six years, and the three are a happy, picturesque American family. However, what lies underneath this seemingly happy family is a bubble waiting to burst, as Abbie and Robert never explain to their son, Sam, why they never sleep in the same room, or why is Robert is called a `faggot' by Sam's friends. Cue good looking investment banker, Ben, (played by Benjamin Bratt) who falls in love with Abbie, and the family is torn apart.
The film turns from witty family comedy to weighty drama when Abbie considers following Ben to New York and taking Sam with her. What ensues is a nasty court battle that while providing some moving moments, didn't seem to make sense. The entire storyline seemed as if transplanted from another movie. The characters departed so far from their personalities that it made the entire idea seem removed from the rest of the movie. Abbie and Robert, who once were each other's best friends, seem to care more about winning than saving their friendship. Although she raised Sam with him for six years, moving to New York and ditching Robert doesn't seem to be a problem for Abbie. Never mind the kid, the idea that their friendship has been destroyed was the most heart wrenching part of the film.
In `The Next Best Thing,' Madonna plays the character she does best - herself, and she does do it well. Her newfound confidence and image as loving mother translated well to screen, providing for some of the film's most moving moments. Everett and Madonna play off each other well, making their friendship believable. Everett was his usual charming self, adding a sarcastic comment whenever possible and providing all of the funny lines. Although this typecasting made the movie seem dull at times, the actors did what they do best. However, the most interesting characters were the supporting roles that left the audience wanting to know more about them at the end. Neil Patrick Harris was intriguing as Abbie and Robert's friend David who just lost his lover to AIDS; Malcolm Stumpf was equally charming as their son Sam, displaying much potential as an actor.
The film provided some very funny as well as moving moments, all the while posing some interesting questions about the meaning of family and friendship. That Abbie and Robert's friendship could take such a quick downward turn from the introduction of just one extra person made the audience wonder how easily a friendship can be destroyed, and how much it takes to keep it going. Although the film provoked many emotions, much of the plot seemed unnecessary or so out of character that it was unbelievable.
`The Next Best Thing' stars Madonna (sporting that annoying British accent) as Abbie, a Yoga instructor who longs for a family, but feels she is way past her prime. Rupert Everett, in a role similar to his character in `My Best Friend's Wedding' co-stars as her gay best friend, Robert. After about twenty minutes of friendly banter reminiscent of `The Object of My Affection,' the film takes some unexpected twists and turns, leaving the audience exhausted by the end.
When one of Abbie and Robert's friends passes away, they spend the night drinking and trashing the house where Robert works as a gardener. After ending up in bed together, Robert learns that he has fathered a child whom Abbie is now pregnant with. Flash forward six years, and the three are a happy, picturesque American family. However, what lies underneath this seemingly happy family is a bubble waiting to burst, as Abbie and Robert never explain to their son, Sam, why they never sleep in the same room, or why is Robert is called a `faggot' by Sam's friends. Cue good looking investment banker, Ben, (played by Benjamin Bratt) who falls in love with Abbie, and the family is torn apart.
The film turns from witty family comedy to weighty drama when Abbie considers following Ben to New York and taking Sam with her. What ensues is a nasty court battle that while providing some moving moments, didn't seem to make sense. The entire storyline seemed as if transplanted from another movie. The characters departed so far from their personalities that it made the entire idea seem removed from the rest of the movie. Abbie and Robert, who once were each other's best friends, seem to care more about winning than saving their friendship. Although she raised Sam with him for six years, moving to New York and ditching Robert doesn't seem to be a problem for Abbie. Never mind the kid, the idea that their friendship has been destroyed was the most heart wrenching part of the film.
In `The Next Best Thing,' Madonna plays the character she does best - herself, and she does do it well. Her newfound confidence and image as loving mother translated well to screen, providing for some of the film's most moving moments. Everett and Madonna play off each other well, making their friendship believable. Everett was his usual charming self, adding a sarcastic comment whenever possible and providing all of the funny lines. Although this typecasting made the movie seem dull at times, the actors did what they do best. However, the most interesting characters were the supporting roles that left the audience wanting to know more about them at the end. Neil Patrick Harris was intriguing as Abbie and Robert's friend David who just lost his lover to AIDS; Malcolm Stumpf was equally charming as their son Sam, displaying much potential as an actor.
The film provided some very funny as well as moving moments, all the while posing some interesting questions about the meaning of family and friendship. That Abbie and Robert's friendship could take such a quick downward turn from the introduction of just one extra person made the audience wonder how easily a friendship can be destroyed, and how much it takes to keep it going. Although the film provoked many emotions, much of the plot seemed unnecessary or so out of character that it was unbelievable.