Smart People (2008) and Life Without Dick (2002)

Smart People
Director: Noam Murro
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Dennis Quaid, Thomas Haden Church, Ellen Page

Life Without Dick
Director: Bix Skahill
Cast: Sarah Jessica Parker, Harry Connick Jr., Johnny Knoxville


Ms. Parker is someone I like for no apparent reason. She can act really well in just one role: the ultra-urban girl. I guess its her looks that might be the reason, though people would disagree mentioning her horse-like face. Anyway, the point is, I watched these two movies for her, and I am totally disappointed to say the least. In "Life Without Dick" she is accompanied by Harry Connick Jr. and Johnny Knoxville. The country singer should stick to his music and never should act in comedies, he just does not have the comic timing. Knoxville is more likable in stupid comedies like Jackass, and he could have done well here if he had a bigger role. "Smart People" on the other hand is marginally better, thanks to Thomas Haden Church and Ellen Page (love this girl from "Juno", hope she does not get typecasted). Mr. Church is usually good, just like in "Sideways", and I wouldn't complain if he is seen more in movies. Dennis Quaid tried hard, but after Jack Nicholson in "As Good As It Gets", one would fall short doing such roles.

Rhinestone (1984)

Director: Bob Clark
Cast: Dolly Parton, Sylvester Stallone

Is it my disgust about Ms. Parton building Dollywood (in real life) in the middle of one of the most beautiful scenic area of the country, that made me dislike the film? Or is it just a mediocre movie? Either way, I would not recommend this one: its nearly outdated unless you are neck-dip into country music, or love the diva so much that you can watch anything for her (am guessing there's no Stallone fan left). If I were someone who sang country all his life, I would not be a part of the script that claimed that anyone could sing country in front of an audience with a two-week crash course. But that's exactly what she does in here, and teaches the "lifestyle" of country music to this cabbie, our Mr. Rambo, who could be summarized as Mr. Cacophony. Of course there's a dialogue to prove how great the music is, claiming he has become a robot who could sing it well but could not create it. Well, then singing is a creative thing too that cannot be taught in two weeks time, and if it could be, then that's no music. The movie tried to be humorous as it is a "comedy", but not so successfully.

Anyway, an ending note to Ms. Parton, act if you must in movies that show no respect to your art form, that's stupidity but no crime. But please, don't spoil the nature with theme parks, the way you did in Gatlinburg. That hurts.