The Oh in Ohio (2006) User Reviews

A surprisingly sincere and refreshing sex comedy

[kcnorris · 7/10 · 10 November 2005]

When I first heard about this film, I have to admit I was a bit skeptical. Sex and the movies have always had a bit of a rocky history, with some good results (Last Tango in Paris springs to mind) and quite a few bad ones (Anybody remember Casual Sex?). To be honest, I wasn't expecting the Oh in Ohio to be anything other than more of the same Hollywood piffle, featuring low-brow penis jokes (or, in this case I guess, vagina jokes) that predictably avoid any real thought into what fascinates us as a society about sex: The joys, the painful vulnerability, the almost magical awkwardness of it.

Well, I was pleasantly surprised. The Oh in Ohio has its share of both penis and vagina jokes, but they're all offered with a refreshingly non-puerile frankness. Very rarely has a film dealt with such a touchy subject with such aplomb, all the while avoiding the pitfalls that would make a film like this preachy, or exploitive, or boring. This is a film that's not afraid to say a lot of "dirty" words and put forth a lot of ideas that may make people uncomfortable. But the nice part is, it doesn't seem to care that it's doing it. It doesn't wave sex in the audience's face, saying "look how shocking this is," it just says what it has to say and leaves the audience to laugh, or squirm, or whatever.

The performances are probably the best thing about this film. Parker Posey, who we're used to seeing as the over-the-top characters in films like Best in Show, works well as the tentative "woman on a journey of self discovery". Paul Rudd plays his character lightly and likably, avoiding a lot of the pitfalls that plague men in this kind of film. Miranda Bailey's screechy, fun loving gal pal offers some of the funnier moments in the film, and Mischa Barton is sexily unassuming in her role (which could have, in my opinion, done with a little more meat).

But it's the chemistry between Posey and Danny Devito that really gets this film going. An unlikely pairing on the surface, they really do well together, with Devito offering a performance that is somewhat low-key, but utterly charming. There's a sincerity that comes through that made me want to smile, and frankly, to see more of him on screen.

There were a few moments where the comedy falls flat (at least for me), and some wondering where the characters are going during the course of the film. The direction seemed a little detached at times, particularly when dealing with a subject as intimate as it does.

All in all, The Oh in Ohio is what it is. It's not going to change the world of cinema... but then again, maybe it could: if more films were able to be as un-self conscious this one seems to be, maybe we could all start having fun with sex again, rather than layering it in fart jokes or squirreling it away in soulless pornography.

I enjoyed the film

[gsm1224-1 · 7/10 · 16 November 2005]

I too saw the film at an AFM screening in Santa Monica, and quite enjoyed it, being a female. I thought the performances were charming, found myself chuckling at several points throughout - and found the "plot twist" at the end spectacular.

Parker Posey was darling, although the woman who played her assistant (Miranda Bailey) received the most laughs overall. And Danny DeVito is always great. Paul Rudd and Mischa Barton round out the cast quite well.

While the film is primarily going to find its following with women, this is a flick that men will enjoy as well. I'll go see it again with my friends once it hits cinemas in the UK.

How to make orgasms boring

[tritisan · 6/10 · 20 February 2007]

I like it when movies don't treat sex too seriously. It's OK to laugh during love scenes. I applaud any attempt to bring truly "adult-themed" movies to the American audience. But, for some reason, I really wasn't amused by OH! In fact, I found myself frequently glancing at the clock; I barely made it through to the end of the DVD.

OH! was trying so hard (too hard) to be like Sex in the City, what with its jazz-lite music and an improbably sunny depiction of a big city (Cleveland instead of NY). But where Sex in the City was truly adult material treated in an adult manner, OH! seemed childish.

It felt like maybe it had a great original script that attracted talented actors, but then ended up watered down by the executives so that "it will play well to middle America." So instead of a true indie production that pushes boundaries, you get a watered-down, corporate friendly flick that's neither mainstream nor "edgy." Worst of both worlds.

Not sexy. Not funny. Not believable.

The Eh in Ohio

[szellner4 · 4/10 · 20 April 2012]

There are few redeeming aspects in this showcase of irresponsible, unmotivated filmmaking. The characters, dialog, and situations were nearly as uncomfortable and awkward as the premise of a woman trying to have an orgasm. I don't understand how a film mainly about sex can be so boring, slow, uninteresting and UN-sexy. The pacing is far too slow for what is supposed to be a fun, quirky film, and the editing is loose with some confusing cuts. The entire film felt unnatural, uncomfortable, and bored. A few plot points and lines of dialog were entirely confusing and unclear, and by the end of the film I felt lost. The student and Sherri characters were poorly written and poorly executed – they felt like characters in a book I was reading. They weren't dynamic and didn't feel truly alive and present. Their comments were unnatural and strange, and didn't fit in with the rest of the film. Also, a very confusing aspect of the film was the relationship between Priscilla and Wayne – I won't give everything away, but throughout the whole film I was confused about their past, present, and until the end, future.

So now you might be wondering about those redeeming qualities I mentioned earlier. Paul Rudd is an excellent actor, which somehow manages to show through in this film. However, his skill is weighed down, limited, and ultimately trapped and killed by the poor writing, directing, and overall execution of this story. Danny DeVito is the only thing that manages to rise above this snooze-fest to make it somewhat enjoyable. His character is developed, complex, motivated and real in a world of fake, tired, hollow shells of people. Overall though, this film is slow, barely able to capture and hold attention, and left no impact on my view of the world. I believe that each film is worth watching once – to watch this film again would be a waste of time.

'Oh' no....

[kelvinho84 · 6/10 · 11 December 2012]

"The Oh in Ohio" had a lot of the ingredients to make it a successful film but it didn't quite do it for me. I enjoy the premise of the film as it centers on the Priscilla's sexual awakening. I enjoy Paul Rudd's performance. He is always likable. I commend the film for pairing an unlikely couple together, even though it is not within the norms of Hollywood. However, I found the film to be oddly hollow. While I appreciated the trajectory and character arc of Priscilla and Jack, I also found it difficult to pinpoint the point of the story. Priscilla's narrative felt confident. It knew where it wanted to go. However, Paul Rudd's storyline seems muddied. I wasn't sure how his narrative fit into the grand scheme of the movie. The ending seemed abrupt and unconvincing. It left us a void that the movie should have filled. That said, it is still an enjoyable film. Paul Rudd and Parker Posey are great enough actors to keep us captivated, even if the story doesn't do them justice.

A dramatic sex comedy doesn't work

[napierslogs · 4/10 · 27 June 2010]

I would have assumed that "The Oh! in Ohio" was trying to be the Judd Apatow sex comedies for females, but this was released in 2006 just before the Apatow craze began. So now I'm not sure what they were trying to go for.

It's marketed as a comedy but it's more of a drama. The plot line is that Priscilla Chase (Parker Posey) and her husband (Paul Rudd) are in an unhappy marriage because she isn't able to climax. Along with "50 million other women who suffer from orgasmic dysfunction" as the film tells us.

The film moves forward with Posey trying to have an orgasm. I'm assuming these scenes were supposed to provide us laughs but they weren't very funny. The other half of the movie is Rudd living his depressed life as a biology teacher. Finally the film industry has figured out that occasionally there are teachers for subjects other than English, but unfortunately it's in this movie just so we can have him spout the names of some sex organ muscles. Paul Rudd is one of my favourite actors, but the story for his character is extremely poorly done. The humour is so low-key, that I view it more as a drama, so there is no pay-off for his poor character. I might even have to blame this film for Rudd being relegated to buddy comedies now.

There is a lot to not like in this film, but Posey does shine, and some of the "50 million women who suffer from orgasmic dysfunction" might enjoy "The Oh! in Ohio" but probably not many other people will.

High libido

[jotix100 · 7/10 · 22 December 2007]

Imagine a married woman who hasn't had an orgasm with her own husband! No wonder the marriage is falling apart. Pity poor Priscilla Chase who hasn't known the pleasures of the bedroom in her time with husband Jack, who obviously knows how to please himself, but hasn't been able to find those enjoyable parts within the wife he has married. No wonder Priscilla is a basket case!!

Well, relief comes in the shape of vibrator that brings, not only pleasure, but the sensations that have been denied to Priscilla. Since her discovery, she can't do without her "toy" whenever she can. Watch how relaxed and nice she becomes right after she begins to explore parts she never knew existed. How about that "garment malfunction" during an ad campaign presentation where she is the victim in front of executives that have no clue of what is going on.

Billy Kent, the director of this film, goes for the sure laughs and succeeds along the way. He was lucky in employing that irrepressible Parker Posey, who steals the show with her take on Priscilla. The best thing in the movie though, is Liza Minnelli, as a sex instructor, who is seen guiding a group of women that obviously have the same problem that has brought Priscilla to seek her guidance. Danny DeVito is enormously funny as the pool builder who finds a kindred spirit in Priscilla. Paul Rudd doesn't have much to do.

This movie is great for watching with a group of friends. The fun will not stop because it will elicit a lot of funny comments from all the people present. We guarantee it.

A Flop (With a Few Laughs)

[b-gaist · 3/10 · 27 December 2006]

I may sound a bit harsh, but this flop of a movie doesn't really deserve a comment. It was like a series of unrelated scenes created from a joke compendium. Admittedly, I did laugh, and if that was the film's only purpose, then it was reasonably successful in achieving it. However, the actors in it are obviously more talented than the weak script warrants, and the issue of sexual dysfunction could indeed have been treated in a way that is both humorous and at the same time enlightening - something the film failed completely at. Instead, the motivations of the characters were initially presented and then left unexplored. I am still wondering why the husband left so abruptly, and then why Priscilla didn't give it a second shot. Danny De Vito was possibly in his worst role ever as "Wayne the Pool Guy", and what was really mysterious, and in my opinion the weakest point of the movie: why did Priscilla fall in love with him (or did she, or was she just using him, like all the other men in her recent escapades?), what did Wayne the Pool Guy have that her husband didn't? A comedy doesn't have to answer all our questions, but it should at least cohere a bit. If I hadn't seen this film, my life would not be any the poorer for it. As to a vibrator addiction, I would advise prospective consumers to tell this movie to "buzz off". But of course now I've aroused their curiosity instead...

Power up your Svadhisthana chakra for a night of buzzing light comedy

[Chris_Docker · 7/10 · 27 July 2006]

You are married to the best looking girl in Cleveland, she's clever, beautiful and successful, fulfils her marital duties as often as you like - what more could you want? Jack and Priscilla get on brilliantly but he's concerned about one small problem. If you ask Priscilla if she enjoys their frequent sex she will smile and say she doesn't not enjoy it and then search for a nicer way to say that. The big O evades her, whatever they try. Eventually Jack moves out to rediscover himself and Priscilla makes a visit to the local sex boutique.

The Oh in Ohio is a gloriously enjoyable light comedy, mainstream to the core and not a hint explicit nudity. It's more a case of smiles than belly laughs, and it threatens to lose momentum half way through, but it still represents a solid debut for this director's first feature film. Parker Posey (Kitty from Superman Returns) carries herself well in the lead, transforming herself from ice queen executive to flamboyant, sexually fulfilled woman whose battery-assisted underwear nearly causes her to lose a sales pitch. What could be a difficult role she pulls off with charm and finesse. Her husband Jack (Paul Rudd) goes from being a very depressed teacher back to his almost legendary status for inspiring pupils (including a rather sexually active 18yr old). Pool-guy Danny DeVito, 'caught in a love triangle where the competition is younger and fitter,' is at his most mellow and charming. Somehow this is a film that should have been more than its parts, and although it avoids the usual pitfalls (including a neat sidestep from the expected cheesy ending) it falls short of being the year's comic masterpiece.

I doubt if the Oh in Ohio will do much for women's liberation, sexual or otherwise, but it does manage to be risqué without ever being offensive and will have a certain broad appeal for a good night out (with the girls, or the boys, or just your other half if you are feeling brave!) Possibly a bit tame by non-U.S. standards (given the plot), but nevertheless a scatty bit of fun which should be enjoyed for what it is.

disappointing (warning: contains spoiler)

[vixenviewer · 2/10 · 29 December 2006]

I waited for the DVD to rent it, and am glad I did! The storyline was interesting but there were too many holes in the plot.

For example, why did this couple stay married for ten years without going to a couples therapist? Then, once Priscilla was able to experience orgasm with the vibrator, why didn't she try having sex with her husband again? Also, why didn't the husband ever have any regrets about his affair? Why didn't he get into trouble for having an affair with his student? And so on....

Anyway, the most difficult part to believe was that Parker Posey would EVER end up with Danny DeVito!!! Yeeessshhh! If the studio HAD to have her fooling around with an older man, why didn't they use one of the Quaids? Or Robin Williams? Or someone attractive? Danny wasn't even convincing as the pool salesman, in fact!!

Hot, Funny and definitely something new

[brucetheflyer · 9/10 · 20 June 2006]

The Oh in Ohio zigs where others zag. It knows the value of not giving the audience what they have come to expect. I saw it at the Provincetown film Festival in their largest venue filled to the brim and steaming like a Bombay sweatshop. But even with all the heat the audience did not twitch. They laughed heartily and some were brought to cackling applause. I was surprised to find myself and my date, my wife of 61 years laughing at a subject that we would dare talk about even in our own bedroom. Without giving anything away by the end we were holding hands a subconscious act brought on by the strong and meaningful romantic quality of the films finale. I am not someone accustomed to the internet, or public commenting on films, but I felt this film deserved to have the support of an old timer like myself. I hope people from all walks of life will find 90 minutes to leave their lives and laugh at the performances of these fine actors. -- My god Liza Minnelli's in it! I can remember when her mother was a child. Go see the Oh in Ohio you won't regret it. It's great.

Almost, But Not Quite...

[JonB-2 · 6/10 · 3 August 2006]

While entertaining and truly funny, "The Oh in Ohio" never quite hit the mark for me. It was as if the filmmakers came up with a great premise -- sexual dysfunction in women and how it effects those around them -- but then didn't develop it beyond the "a vibrator changed everything" premise.

There are lots of moments in this film to love, and I have to credit the filmmakers for not going for the sappy happy ending we'd normally expect, and instead having Parker Posey's character find fulfillment somewhere that we'd never expect it at all. Still, the ending seemed abrupt, as if the writer said, "Oh. Page 109. Time to type 'the end'," rather than truly working to an earned place. And, through it all, I couldn't help but think that John Waters could have had a field day with this material. In fact, his "A Dirty Shame" sort of trod these waters already, but with a lot more character development and comedy thrown in.

Side note: while casting Danny DeVito may have been a budgeting coup, and while he was quite good in the role, I think having a star name in his part actually hurt the film, because it telegraphed certain things automatically. And I couldn't help but think, "You know, this would have been really interesting with Ron Jeremy in that part..." It'll make for a good DVD rental although, warning -- if you're in a relationship with any kind of sexual problems, avoid this one like the plague, 'cause it'll just stir the pot. Otherwise, it's good for a few laughs but no great insights, because the filmmakers just didn't go far enough once they'd established their premise.

avoid this movie!

[smpalmer722 · 2/10 · 8 January 2007]

I see why this movie went straight to video. Who in their right mind would choose Danny DeVito over Paul Rudd? Did the director see them without shirts? Anyway, this movie is a poor excuse of film making. It tries to be something it is not (mainly funny and aimed at adults). The ending comes out of nowhere and makes Paul Rudd's character seem like the antagonist when it is the wife who jacking up on her vibrator and sleeping with every guy who walks around. Also, is that the only thing this woman has going for her - an orgasm? And sticking a pager inside herself, why is that funny? It was a bad ripoff of Absolutely Fabulous. If this is what passes for adult comedies in Hollywood, no wonder Indie films are getting awards.

Plot less movie

[chanlone · 1/10 · 27 December 2006]

I am not going to tell you about the plot because there's no plot at all. After the movie ended quite awkwardly, I couldn't help to ask: what the heck is this movie trying to say? It appears like a sex comedy, but the dildo thing is not funny at all, and the cum during the meeting is so old that it becomes quite embarrassing. The affairs between the husband and the student, the wife becomes a slut, and the huge swimming pool of DeVito, all have nothing to do with the main story - wait, actually there's no story at all! Fortunately it runs less than 80 mins.

This is a definitely NOT a SEX COMEDY, don't be deceived by the tag lines.

"I Want You To Discover Your Vaginas!" --- Alyssa Donahue (Liza Minnelli)

[Robert_Hearth · 6/10 · 3 March 2007]

"The OH in Ohio" (2006)

Directed By: Billy Kent

Starring: Parker Posey, Danny DeVito, Paul Rudd, Mischa Barton, Miranda Bailey, Keith David, & Liza Minnelli

MPAA Rating: "R" (for sexual content, language and some drug use)

Parker Posey is considered by many people to be the queen of independent films. She is one of the very few actresses who have become famous just by doing these types of movies. But, lately, she has taken to starring in more big-budget films, i.e. "Superman Returns" and "Blade: Trinity". Now, Posey is a great actress and I always enjoy watching her work, but I prefer to see her in simpler movies. "The OH in Ohio" seemed like the movie I had been waiting for since 2003's "A Mighty Wind". It was a low-budget film that was more focused on its plot and its characters than special effects and mainstream Hollywood ideas. I was very excited for this movie and had been anticipating it for quite some time, but it did not come to any of my local theaters so I had to wait for DVD. After plenty of anticipation, I finally got the chance to see "The OH in Ohio" and my reaction…well, it was "Hmm, it was okay." Wait! What? How could this be? "The OH in Ohio" is ultimately a fun, yet awkward sex comedy that fails to click as well as it should, but still works because of its talented cast and its intriguing premise.

Priscilla Chase (Posey) is a woman who has led a rather dull, uneventful life. She is married to Jack (Rudd) who seems to be the perfect husband. In fact, from the outside, every aspect of Priscilla's life is perfect. She has the perfect career and the perfect house. But, there is one thing that isn't so perfect: her sex life. Priscilla has never had an orgasm…ever. She ends up visiting a sex therapist named Alyssa Donahue (Minnelli) and a whole new door is opened. Soon, Priscilla begins to experiment with countless forms of sex, even going so far as to having sex with the female cashier at a sex store. But, Priscilla is not the only person having a sexual awakening. Jack, a high school teacher, begins an affair with his beautiful, young student, Kristen (Barton), who wants to help him to live his life to the fullest. As the couple begins to spiral away from each other in directions they never saw coming, they come to understand that, if they want to be truly happy, there marriage may never last.

The cast in "The OH in Ohio" is filled with very competent actors and actresses and it definitely shows. Parker Posey owns the screen, winning us other with her genuine naivety. She comes off as naive without sounding silly and unintelligent. Paul Rudd gives a dreary, flat performance. This sounds like an insult, but it is not. Rudd's character was dreary and flat and his performance easily encompassed that. It worked. Mischa Barton, from "The O.C." fame, surprised me. I expected her to rebound from being killed off of the popular television series by doing some flirty, clichéd romantic comedy or some brainless slasher flick (where she would, of course, play the lead who manages to survive some brutal killer while all of her dumb friends become fodder). But, she took a different route, starring in this little sex comedy in a supporting role. In my opinion, she proved that she could act in "The O.C." so it didn't surprise me that she did well here. Danny DeVito plays…Wayne the Pool Guy, a part that I never saw working. DeVito, however, adds layers to the part, allowing it to transcend the clichéd stereotype it could have been.

First and foremost, let me say that the idea of Parker Posey and Danny DeVito being romantically involved (especially on an intimate level) makes me want to vomit. The romance, which is unexpected, is awkward and strange. When they kissed, I winced. When they spoke about having sex, I was repulsed. It just didn't work for me. I understand what the movie was going for--that she could only find true happiness with the person that wasn't her "perfect companion", thus allowing her to be happy and content but, at the same time, eliminating her perfect facade. I respected the message…but Danny DeVito? The man who got drunk and was cradled by Rosie O'Donnell on "The View"? It was just weird. But, in all fairness, "The OH in Ohio" does a very nice job in creating interesting characters that all seem realistic and placing them in intriguing situations that are certainly comical. Overall, it's a fun movie that, though it kept me entertained and kept me laughing, was slightly disappointing. I expected this to be a great comedy. What I got was…well, it was just an average comedy.

Final Thought: Though merely an average comedy, "The OH in Ohio" is effective in being a fun sex comedy with a nice cast.

Overall Rating: 6/10 (B)

Headed for Oblivion

[strain6 · 2/10 · 3 September 2006]

The nice thing about this movie is that I will forget that I ever saw it in about a month. It is so dull that it sent me to the concession stand once and to the bathroom once. I really had to go to the bathroom badly. I am glad that I was overpowered by gastrointestinal exigency during this movie, which was another little Indy waste of time. I keep thinking of that producer who explained that if it is not in the script it isn't there. Parker Posey, Heather Graham, and Danny DeVito were all good in this movie;in fact, Heather Graham was better than she has ever been. I felt that if you jettisoned the rest of the characters and started over with these three, you'd might be able work out a plot that would not send you to the lobby to check out the posters of what is coming to the theater next week.

strange movie

[dhlawrence · 24 December 2006]

I love every last one of the actors in this film...and I come from Northeast Ohio...but I just don't understand what happened with this film. It was all over the place...the dialog was realistic in the sense that people don't really speak so eloquently in real life, yet it was so mundane that it simply became uninteresting...in my opinion...there was such good character development that occurred in the first part of the film, but nothing happened story wise...it was like a slice of life picture...for people with really boring lives. Kept waiting for them to camp it up and make fun of Cleveland or something...instead it was like one of those commercials to vacation in such and such state...they must have named dropped that they were in Cleveland 20 times...

Believe it or not...I still enjoyed the movie for the most part...just used to so much more from all the talent in the film.

A Nutshell Review: The OH in Ohio

[DICK STEEL · 6/10 · 21 October 2006]

The OH here refers to the female orgasm, and while some like to tout this as the female version of last year's hit comedy The 40-Year Old Virgin, I would beg to differ. Written and directed by Billy Kent, the only probably reason for the link between the two films is that both starred Paul Rudd, but of course, playing different characters.

Appealing to obviously different groups, The Oh in Ohio, while it has its rib tickling moments, is nowhere as hilariously insane as The 40 Year Old Virgin. Parker Posey is no Steve Carrell, even though their characters have their lack of sex being something in common. Posey's character Priscilla Chase is one of the most gorgeous woman of her time, but unfortunately for her as she finds out, she had never had an orgasm, even though her husband, Jack (Paul Rudd) has one of the more impressive guns around town, as ascertained by his student Kristen (Mischa Barton, from the OC).

While Virgin had its focus trained on that one man who hasn't got laid, OH in Ohio sets its sights on how the Chase husband and wife settle their differences. To her, her frigidity was identified as a cause for her lack of the big-O, but for him, it's a different story altogether as it's a direct impact on his big fat male ego in being unable to satisfy his wife. From then on, the story tangents off in two separate directions, with Priscilla and her quest to cum, and Jack on his journey of self-assurance.

Part of the fun here belonged to the expanded cast, like Heather Graham has the lesbian sex shop owner, and Liza Minnelli as a sex guru, in what could probably be one of the most hilarious scenes in the movie. Danny DeVito, I thought he uttered one line from Batman Returns, was probably the most underdeveloped character as Wayne the Pool Guy, though he played an important role as adviser and confidante. However, the rest are pretty much throw away characters. Mischa Barton's role too was nothing more than a cock-tease.

To bring on more laughs, there were senseless scenes on the (ove)reliance on devices, sexual and otherwise, though that was counter-balanced with some pretty raunchy-witty dialogue.

My only gripe is that The OH In Ohio ended in an anti-climax. Just as you thought the lead characters had built up and developed, and are expecting some fireworks between them, it ended off with quite a limp, leaving you just as unsatisfied as Priscilla was prior to her transformation.

The OH is just OKAY

[hanksank · 3/10 · 3 April 2006]

I wanted to like this movie more than I did, but I just didn't. Some of the people at the SXSW fest really enjoyed it, but there was a large majority- such as myself- that almost walked out.

Parker Posey is, well- Parker Posey again. Sometimes I find her funny, but a lot of the time I find her shtick a little tedious, and where I really like her as a supporting player, when she's the lead I start to get a headache. Perhaps that's just me, but if you ever thought she may be a little over the top, this is not the film for you.

Paul Rudd is okay, but he has scenes with Micha Barton, who is to acting what wood is to forests, so there was no hope for those scenes.

The standout for me, surprisingly, was Danny DeVito. He brings a warmth and reality to a supporting role (clearly based on Wallace Shawns character in Annie Hall) that took me by surprise and made me remember why I love him so.

The film itself tries very hard to get noticed, sometimes in that puerile Farrely Brothers HEY LOOK AT ME! kind of way, which I'm sure my 14 year old nephew would enjoy. ("Hey, they're talking about SEX!! Wheeee!") but after a while it made me long for a comedy like, say, Annie Hall or Manhattan (am I dating myself?) where the people are adult and smart and interesting and attractive and don't try so hard to be funny, but just ARE funny.

I'd be interested to see this director/writers next film, hopefully they'll have a little more faith in themselves and a little less need to keep the volume so loud.

Started well, ended badly

[siderite · 6/10 · 1 July 2007]

This had the hallmarks of a perfect chick flick: woman having no orgasms finds "the way". Then a lot of situational humour about the reactions of the husband, the friend of the husband, the friend of the wife, the husband's girlfriend, the wife's boyfriend... etc.

Yet, after describing what seemed to be a spicy, yet ordinary story, the movie ended abruptly as if saying "ok, this is how it goes, learn what you will from it, that's it".

As a comedy I've had some good laughs, but very few. As a romantic comedy, there is almost no romance, just sexual rediscoveries. As a drama, well, there is a lot of drama, but the film passes through it like it is a bit meaningless.

Bottom line: great premise, some interesting actors, sexy actresses, but not enough spunk. This should have been more.

More like "the Uh-Huh in Ohio"

[bribabylk · 4/10 · 26 January 2011]

The movie does try something a little interesting, hopefully intentional, perhaps accidental, at the beginning: it presents the audience with two main characters who aren't all that likable, in a marriage it doesn't really ask us to care about. You don't get any back story with their relationship, whether it started off 10 yrs ago as happy and fun--presumably so--and therefore you don't really know why they let themselves trudge along so miserably for so long, especially since they don't have kids. He (Paul Rudd) is depressed and defeated and retreats behind a screen of semi-hostile humor; she (Parker Posey) won't confront the big (pardon the pun) hole in their marriage. It's to the credit of those two performers that they give their characters the modicum of charm they do possess. Then they go their separate ways, each finding a little bit of happiness here and there, and finally Posey meets someone who just might be really good for her. People balk at Devito's lack of, uh, conventional good looks, but I can kind of see why she prefers him: he's upbeat, energetic, he likes to talk to her; he's not sullen and hostile like Rudd. Their scene in the restaurant exudes some real warmth, I thought. But there's not really enough of that or enough dramatic tension or engaging humor for me to really recommend the movie.

A Charming Funny Movie with a Great Cast

[FilmNews4 · 9/10 · 18 November 2005]

I recently saw a screening of "The Oh In Ohio" - it is a charming, original, well crafted film. The humor is dished up in the right amounts and in all the right places.

This movie artfully deals with sexuality in a light and refreshing way. It is easy to see why such great talent was attracted to this project. Paul Rudd, Danny Devito, and Parker Posey each gave fantastic and thoughtful performances. Mischa Barton brings a certain ease and freshness to her role that may hint at even greater things to come. The cameo by Liza Minelli was icing on the cake.

There were many funny moments but the scene that still makes me laugh days later features Parker Posey in the boardroom - it was brilliantly acted and directed. All in all this is a very refreshing and original film.

Enjoyable and light, Parker is delightful!

[PeachHamBeach · 7/10 · 12 July 2008]

PROBABLY MAJOR SPOILERS!!!!!!!!!!!! Although a bit on the strange side writing wise (Why would a group of Chinese Beer businessmen want to visit a boring high school anyway) it's not beyond forgivable. THE OH! IN OHIO is a cute little romp of a sex comedy that adults can enjoy and get a good snicker or 2 out of.

Parker Posey plays Pricilla Chase, a PR career woman who married her handsome high school sweetheart Jack (Paul Rudd) and should have the perfect rounded life any woman would aspire to.

The one thing she has not had yet wouldn't bug her so much if Jack wasn't constantly harping about wanting to give this to her. No, not kids. Nobody's talking about kids. The one things that her husband wants her to have that he hasn't been able to give her is an orgasm.

A sort of reverse THE 40 YEAR OLD VIRGIN, this film THE OH! IN OHIO is about a successful woman who just happens to have never had that pleasure in her life, not even by her own hand shall we say? Why? Was she brought up by a pair of ice sculptures instead of parents? Was she taught that self pleasure is dirty sinful shameful? Has it ever been a big deal to her? If not for hubby's obsessiveness, would it ever have become a big deal? Well it's certainly a big deal to Jack. And this, for anyone who keeps asking, "What did Jack do wrong?" "What was his mistake?" "Why all the Jack-bashing?" Well, this is what and why: Jack's obsession over not giving his wife pleasure was all about him, not her. Instead of caring enough to ask, "Pricilla, what could be wrong? Were you molested? Did you parents teach you it was dirty? Is there a physiological dysfunction? Nerve damage? Is intercourse painful for you?" and so on. There are a million ways Jack could have handled this dilemma, and typically, he turns the entire focus onto himself. He feels like less of a man because his wife doesn't come. Then he goes on to actually blame her and slowly begins to resent her and even hate her to the point where he leaves the marriage. He reveals himself to be shallow, self-centered and completely unconcerned about Pricilla. To his credit, he does attend at least one therapy session with his wife, but it seems he's made up his mind: he wants out of the marriage.

He goes on to find himself a young nubile girlfriend (Mischa Barton plays an underaged college student who is supposed to be really smart his biology class) and it's not long before they are writhing in bed and she is raving about his sexual prowess. Whether or not Kristin is doing this to stroke Jack's ego or not is kind of hard to say.

Meanwhile, Pricilla, feeling bad about herself (naturally) confides in her friend Sherri (Miranda Bailey) about her sexual problems and then finds herself in an adult toy store. Heather Graham has an unbilled role as the clerk who works therein. Pricilla brings home one of those standard white twist-top vibrators and begins to discover parts of her body she never knew existed, let alone how they function. I thought these scenes were hilarious very time she reached for that thing and I heard that loud HUMMMMMMMMMMM!! After becoming somewhat addicted to orgasm, Pricilla decides to get out there and explore and live a little. After a succession of would be lovers, even a tryst with Justine, the adult store clerk. Pricilla still cannot have an orgasm with a living person. Needless to say, most or all of these lovers either blame her or focus the whole thing onto themselves.

Then Pricilla bumps into a famous acquaintance in her neighborhood, Wayne the Pool Guy (Danny DeVito) and after spending some time with him, they abruptly fall into a sexual relationship, and then everything seems to come together (pardon the pun) for her. Love, a good relationship without selfishness, and pleasure to round it out.

The one huge thing I thought was lacking was an explanation why Pricilla was anorgasmic (I HATE the term "frigid"), but maybe it was because until Wayne came along, she hadn't found a lover to make her feel truly special, wanted, loved, etc? There are some uneven spots in the story and some scenes don't really go anywhere. The end didn't bother me as much as it did others. It's a pretty cute sex comedy.

Parker Posey...you deserve better!

[mrtnn · 3/10 · 14 January 2007]

What gives with the talented Parker Posey? She can make great films with incredible comic timing (example: her great work in Christopher Guest's films) and then barely make a dent with crappy roles in crappy films like "The Oh in Ohio". This movie, which is about a young woman's quest for the elusive orgasm, is pretty much the same territory explored in "ShortBus" this year, right down to the same joke involving accidental triggering of a vibrator. I bought this film used, and should have suspected that it was a turkey if it was being sold at rental stores a mere four weeks after its DVD release. Indeed it is a turkey. Whyt Liza Minnelli, Paul Rudd, and Heather Graham would even want to be part of this escapes me. Parker? Get a better agent...fast!

WEAK and Mediocre attempt at sex comedy

[mirvingfan · 1/10 · 19 March 2006]

I too saw this at SXSW and while the film did get some laughs I attributed it more to a typical "friendly" festival screening. This is in no way a good movie. How they got this cast for a screenplay like this is surprising. Fist-time Director Billy Kent lives up to his first time billing by doing nothing to liven up the limp dialog and sitcom storyline either. My girlfriend and I couldn't figure out why we are supposed to care about Parker Posey's character. Save for Paul Rudd's nice performance there is little to recommend about this weak attempt. It all feels so much a rehash of other, better (and equally bad) films. Lame dick / dildo jokes and using a pager as a vibrator all seem pretty tired.