The Shrink Is In
The Shrink Is In
R | 01 August 2001 (USA)
The Shrink Is In Trailers

A young woman impersonates a shrink to win over her Prince Charming.

Reviews
Amy Adler

Samantha (Courteney Cox) is a Los Angeles travel writer that jets off to faraway places a good deal of the time. One day, as her fiancé taxies her to the airport, he also informs her that he is unhappy with their relationship and is taking a job in New York City. Samantha boards the plane but breaks the law when she makes an emergency exit from the near-takeoff ready aircraft. Understandably, she ends up in therapy with a kind counselor (Carol Kane). Yet, one day the legitimate shrink has a breakdown and Samantha is the only one who can take her to the hospital and, subsequently, cancel the doctor's appointments for the next few weeks. Lo and behold, Samantha's attractive, new, and decidedly married neighbor, Michael, arrives for his first session and Sam decides to "pose" as the counselor. She does this to get to closer to him, having witnessed problems between him and his French, Victoria's Secret-model wife. Also arriving in the building is a magazine salesman named Henry (David Arquette) whose business caters to physicians. He strikes up a friendship with Sam, also. But, will it be a case of Henry likes Samantha, Samantha likes Michael, and Michael cares only for himself? And, when will the truth surface? This is a fun-filled film with charming performers and a clever plot. Cox and Arquette, married in real life, make the most of their sly roles and Kane is terrific as the on-the-edge counselor. The other cast mates are gorgeous and talented, too. All of a movie's assets, from sets to costumes to direction, are quite fine as well. If you love your romcoms, don't miss out on a showing of this film! Instead, shrink your daily to-do list, run to the video store or library, and get your mitts around this comic tale of love.

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Michael (Barnabasat45)

It is amazing to me how many higher budget films are released with such an amount of hoopla, about nothing. It seems that critics have their favorite actors and whatever they are in, somehow makes the project they are reviewing great. The Shrink is in is a funny and sweet fantasy in which Courteney and David play parts which sum up their relationship. That is: Different, funny and loving. The plot, although not altogether plausible, works well because of the chemistry between the actors and the fast paced directing. Film budgets do not break or make a film. The Shrink is in is proof of that. "You've Got Mail" did not have anything over this film except a large studio budget. God bless the Indies.

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GaleWeathersRiley

I was flipping through channels one night and caught Courteney Cox and David Arquette in a movie together. Naturally since I love both of them (totally fell in love with them both in Scream but have been a fan of Courteney's since Ace Ventura) I decided to watch it. It was halfway over and I hate watching movies in the middle but I was compelled to watch it. I loved it! I immediately went out and bought myself a copy and watch it all the time. I watch it with friends who need a good laugh. This movie is so funny and cute and yes, predictable, but most romantic comedies are. I thought it was great and wish this at least would've gotten released in theaters. Oh well, rent or buy your own copy today and enjoy it at home!!!

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Kelv-1

To me, 'The Shrink Is In' represented everything a flop had to offer. A newly wed couple doing a film together, a film that sits on the shelf for a couple of years then finding a copy of it at my local blockbuster. Surprisingly, it's a really great film worthy of repeat viewings. Everyone works hard in their roles and bring their all to it and it works! If it was released in cinemas, it could be a hugely succesful romantic comedy, I think. It has all the right ingredients too: A succesful TV star giving a great performance, her less known husband exceeding in his excellent role in every scene he's in, a strong suppoerting cast of unkown names but recognisable faces including Carol Kane, David James Elliot, Kimberley Davies and Viola Davis. The script and direction are impressive also, although both could have been improved on a little. I also felt that a lot was cut out of the script leaving a lot of loose ends to be tied. To be honest, I don't think you need a plot when the film itself is so much fun but, for those who care, the film is about Samantha (Courteney Cox), a good hearted girl who's been afraid of everything from elevators to crowded places after she was dumped by her boyfriend. When her shrink collapses, she privately takes up her jobonly to find herself getting romantically involved with a shy magazine salesman, Henry (David Arquette) while at the sametime being wooed by her neighbor who's in a relationship with french stoner bimbo who likes to be taken behind "like a farm animal". Not only that, but she's also illegally impersonating her shrink, something she knows won't end up good. Even more so when the real shrink, Dr. Rosenberg (Carol Kane) is starting to rehabilitate. This film is nothing but a good natured fun romp through this woman's romantic life and whileit may be predictable at times, it's just fun! All the actors seem to be having fun which keeps the film on a good tone throughout, excellent for repeat viewings. One great blink ands you miss it performance is Carol Kane as the shrink, especially in her breakdown scenes. The directing by Richard Benjamin works quite well even if he makes the occasional blunder here and there. The script is very enjoyable, but like I said I definitely think the film had a lot of stuff cut. Hopefully, when the filmmakers and public realise that a really great film is stuck nowhere, they will give it a special edition, with the deleted scenes.

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