Is this movie about Max, or is it about Elizabeth, or is it about Lena? I suppose it is about each of them, almost equally, but not really in a "love triangle" kind of way, although it seems headed in that direction at times, in this comedy set in New York.
James LeGros is Max, wants to be a writer but works as a projectionist in an obscure theater showing old B&W movies. Max is mixed up, he has a good heart, but is pretty focused on himself. He rescues a dog being abused, steals it away and finds a vet clinic, and is chased down and beaten by the owner, now angry at Max.
But some good fortune does come his way, as Jennifer Beals playing Elizabeth works at the clinic and admires what Max did. They meet, date, and soon are living together. Elizabeth eventually brings up the "M-word" but Max hesitates. Elizabeth is disappointed.
Meanwhile Drew Barrymore as Lena, who sells tickets at the B&W theater has her eye on Max for herself. Lena isn't so scrupulous, she is willing to force the issue, even if it entails making up stories to drive a wedge in there and pry Max loose for herself.
Today we know him mainly for his TV show, but Jon Stewart has a key role as Henry, someone who comes along when Elizabeth is turning sour at Max's selfishness then jealousy, constantly asking her if she is starting to see others. Henry has a fresh perspective, he knows how to live and laugh and have fun, things Max seems to have lost.
So, while Max thinks Eric Thal as Jack is the guy Elizabeth has her eye on, and Lena is helping that perception along, Henry really is the one sneaking in and gaining Elizabeth's favor. But in the end, Lena and Max seem pretty good for each other, both flawed but in ways that they both can relate to.
Saw it via Netflix streaming movies, my wife and I were entertained, although it is not a great movie.
James LeGros is Max, wants to be a writer but works as a projectionist in an obscure theater showing old B&W movies. Max is mixed up, he has a good heart, but is pretty focused on himself. He rescues a dog being abused, steals it away and finds a vet clinic, and is chased down and beaten by the owner, now angry at Max.
But some good fortune does come his way, as Jennifer Beals playing Elizabeth works at the clinic and admires what Max did. They meet, date, and soon are living together. Elizabeth eventually brings up the "M-word" but Max hesitates. Elizabeth is disappointed.
Meanwhile Drew Barrymore as Lena, who sells tickets at the B&W theater has her eye on Max for herself. Lena isn't so scrupulous, she is willing to force the issue, even if it entails making up stories to drive a wedge in there and pry Max loose for herself.
Today we know him mainly for his TV show, but Jon Stewart has a key role as Henry, someone who comes along when Elizabeth is turning sour at Max's selfishness then jealousy, constantly asking her if she is starting to see others. Henry has a fresh perspective, he knows how to live and laugh and have fun, things Max seems to have lost.
So, while Max thinks Eric Thal as Jack is the guy Elizabeth has her eye on, and Lena is helping that perception along, Henry really is the one sneaking in and gaining Elizabeth's favor. But in the end, Lena and Max seem pretty good for each other, both flawed but in ways that they both can relate to.
Saw it via Netflix streaming movies, my wife and I were entertained, although it is not a great movie.