Man it's been years since I properly seen Jennifer Lopez in a movie. I know she's currently doing a TV show series called "Shades of Blue" but other than that, she doesn't seem to be getting involved with other cheesy romantic-comedy movies recently!Anyways concentrating on the movie, I honestly didn't expect Ralph Fiennes (AKA Lord Voldermort in the Harry Potter Films) to be a love interest for Jennifer Lopez' character. He honestly had the charm but in my opinion, he's not that handsome really..I was even surprised that Tyler Posley as the wee boy was on this. He was so cute as a child, why did he have to get involved in ruining the original "Teen Wolf". He should be doing better projects than this, he has so much potential than being the main character in Teen Wolf...I think this is a good film, not cute or 110% excellent but it's grand to watch if you don't know which movie you're watching tonight haha.
... View MoreI can't believe I didn't get to watch this until 2016, but there it is! So I am waaaay after the event, which is good, because I had no preconceptions and hype to go upon before viewing. As such, I started watching not expecting that much and was happily surprised. I initially only knew the leading lady was J Lo, so to find Ralph Fiennes as leading man, Natasha Richardson as the (beautiful) ugly sister and Bob Hoskins as the (male) fairy godmother, let alone Stanley Tucci running interference and a cute Tyler Posey acting their butts off was a great joy.So many viewers will watch this film, regard it superficially as a chick flick type of film and therefore will be unlikely to ever bother watching it a second time or appreciate the amazing talent that went into making it - it is there to see if you bother to look, but so many are blind to much... and just want a quick watch, in which case this film will get a lower rating from them which is undeserved.OK, the script could have been less predictable, but, as I said above, it IS Cinderella so you know what is coming anyway, whatever twists there are going to be... if any. As we all know the general plot so well and so many before me have already cited it ad nauseam, I'm going to pass right over that side of things and concentrate on what to me in this film really shines out - what to me makes it a very good film, rather than a nondescript one as with other cast choices would have so easily been the result... THE ACTING.J Lo doesn't do her best performance ever, but is fine. However, Ralph Fiennes brings loads of little nuances to a pretty straightforward and what could very easily be a boring and one-dimensional part. Keep your eagle eyes on his facial expressions and his eyes, oh those eyes, those eyes.... the sign of a truly great actor is to act with their eyes. Considering it is a genre in which we rarely see him perform, all I can say is, what a shame it doesn't happen more often. All those male actors out there wanting to be a romantic lead, you would do well to watch Ralph's subtle performance and learn! Natasha Richardson is brilliant, shamelessly hamming it up as the confused blonde. Heck, she reminds me in this film SO much of her mother. What a tragedy her loss is to all. And Bob Hoskins at his best - superb! Sadly, another huge loss.Stanley Tucci, where would we be without you? I adore your contribution to this film and so many others! That scene with Rufus (the dog) outside the hotel is priceless! LOL! Watch his face, too... Many films otherwise without Stanley Tucci would be like bread without enough salt - you can eat it, but there is something missing... And a tiny Tyler Posey! He must have been about ten when this was filmed and did a great job with some pretty difficult lines at times. Very engaging and a great cast choice.So, yes, if you just like straight up chick flicks, go and watch a chick flick. If you want to watch a (mostly) really well acted sweet romance and enjoy and want to watch it again, then watch Maid in Manhattan - I shall.
... View MoreCan a wealthy Republican politician find happiness with a chambermaid from the Bronx? The viewer is about to find out in the romantic comedy featuring Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes entitled,Maid In Manhattan.This film directed by Wayne Wang and written by John Hughes tells a story of Marisa,a single mother that works as a housekeeper at the exclusive Beresford Hotel in Manhattan.Things get complicated when one day for Marisa while cleaning the room of noted socialite Caroline Lane.A fellow maid dares her to try on a beautiful designer gown.When she does,she gets to bump into Christopher Marshall,a wealthy and well-bred bachelor who is a running for the Senate.Immediately charmed, Chris asks Marisa to join him for a walk in Central Park, assuming she's the blue-blooded Caroline. Then things get out of hand when they started to develop romance for one another.This is a typical romcom convention that does not provide much entertainment to the viewer.Too bad that even Lopez and Fiennes lack chemistry that they simply look bored doing this film and they belong into two different projects.Also,nothing much goes on in it and there is nothing surprising as the events are just taken from the clichés of the other movies made.Overall,this Cinderella romantic story provides another version of Pretty Woman without the laughs and entertainment.
... View MoreA pseudo-Latino-Cinderella story. It is shocking that Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes were paired for this romantic comedy, because, really, they don't have any chemistry on camera. Fiennes is a good actor so one wonders why he accepted such a stupid role in a movie that doesn't require of his acting but just of his posing. Lopez keeps trying the same role over and over, nor giving a chance to movies or genres that would suit her better.The problem with any failed Cinderella story is that, the story being well known and part of our cultural baggage, needs of reinvention and talent to pass the test. That's why Maid in Manhattan is a failure , as there nothing new or original, just a different setting.The acting is dreadful, the movie is not funny or entertaining, actually it takes itself too seriously, and it is not engaging at all.It sounds shocking, but this is a Wayne Wang's movie! A waste of money.No talent wasted whatsoever, though! :D
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