First off, you'll notice that in the title of my review nothing about "great" is mentioned.
As to the good, Freddie Prinze, Jr., who is probably no great shakes as an actor, can pull of this type of movie and character pretty well. He's personable, he knew HOW to be "cute", and I'm sure that to many women he seemed very datable...which is perfect for what is, essentially, a "date movie". Julia Stiles was "okay" here, although -- and I know this is shallow -- her teeth bothered me when she smiled broadly.
As to the bad, most of the actors who played supporting roles, with one exception. The exceptions first -- nice to see Henry Winkler here as the father (my good, has it been that long since Fonzie?). But the rest of the supporting actors and their performances here...well, just flush.
As to the ugly, the characters that supported the main story line. Not a one to like. Deadbeats. And a movie with a lot of deadbeats doesn't go very far.
The story itself is pretty standard -- boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boys wins girl back. The twist here is that the boy is the good one, the girl gets bitchy.
The movie was "cute" enough to hold my attention...even though I'm 65...but I can hardly give it more than a substandard "6". Me thinks the director just just wasn't ready for prime time (and apparently still isn't, based on his credits).
As to the good, Freddie Prinze, Jr., who is probably no great shakes as an actor, can pull of this type of movie and character pretty well. He's personable, he knew HOW to be "cute", and I'm sure that to many women he seemed very datable...which is perfect for what is, essentially, a "date movie". Julia Stiles was "okay" here, although -- and I know this is shallow -- her teeth bothered me when she smiled broadly.
As to the bad, most of the actors who played supporting roles, with one exception. The exceptions first -- nice to see Henry Winkler here as the father (my good, has it been that long since Fonzie?). But the rest of the supporting actors and their performances here...well, just flush.
As to the ugly, the characters that supported the main story line. Not a one to like. Deadbeats. And a movie with a lot of deadbeats doesn't go very far.
The story itself is pretty standard -- boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boys wins girl back. The twist here is that the boy is the good one, the girl gets bitchy.
The movie was "cute" enough to hold my attention...even though I'm 65...but I can hardly give it more than a substandard "6". Me thinks the director just just wasn't ready for prime time (and apparently still isn't, based on his credits).