Roger (Campbell Scott) is a great talker. Being an intelligent, modern guy, he has opinions on everything and anything, usually garnering an audience when he is speaking. Yet, he is a pain in the bottom quite often. He knows when to push buttons and offend people, even among his circle of friends and co-workers. One evening, the older woman he has been seeing (Isabella Rosselini) breaks things off. As she is also his supervisor at an advertising firm, this makes the situation difficult. Roger is in disbelief. Isn't he the greatest thing since sliced bread? How dare she dump him? Just at this moment, his shy nephew turns up for a visit. He is in town, checking out Columbia as a possible college, and hoping Roger can give him some tips on women. Roger agrees to take his young relative out on the town, teaching him the ways men can pick up females. But, is his advice truly helpful? All one can say is, mamas don't let your babies grow up to be jerks, like Roger. Yes, he is a handsome, rich, and intelligent, making him attractive to women. But, he is a rotter, through and through, one who has no respect for women in the final analysis. For Roger, to score with a lady is the most important thing, and what happens next of smaller consequence. As such, he can hardly give any advice worth hearing. Scott is very fine in his portrayal of Roger, making him a pretty loathsome figure, despite his great looks. Rosselini also shines in a lesser but very important role. The rest of the cast, including Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth Berkley, is likewise very nice, especially the young man playing the nephew. Sets, costumes, and production values are high. Be aware, however, that this is not a romantic comedy. Rather, it is an exploration of a ladies man and hustler who thinks the world is his oyster, much to the detriment of himself and those around him. In this light, it is an interesting psychological study, indeed. But, for those who like their movies all sweetness and light, steer clear of this one.
Review of Roger Dodger
