# What Planet Are You From? (2000)

### reviewed by
Jamey Hughton

    WHAT PLANET ARE YOU FROM?
    **1/2 (out of four stars)
    A review by Jamey Hughton

Starring-Garry Shandling, Annette Bening, Greg Kinnear, John Goodman, Ben Kingsley and Linda Fiorentino Director-Mike Nichols Canadian Rating-14A Released by Columbia Pictures - 03/00

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After a wearisome floating space disclaimer akin to the `Star Wars' movies, the alien sex comedy `What Planet Are You From?' changes its setting to an environment that many audience members will likely find disturbing. In a futuristic auditorium on a distant planet, there is row-upon-row of men. These men seem to be the sole inhabitants of a planet which has focused their highly advanced technology on a universal takeover. Their latest target is Earth. One chosen member of the alien colony is to travel to Earth, whereupon he will impregnate a single female with his extraterrestrial seed so that the hostile takeover may commence. The lucky guy is H1449-6 (Garry Shandling), who will adopt the name Harry Anderson and be given a special reproductive attachment to fulfill his mission. An unexpected side effect: when excited, Harry's genitalia hums.

And so marks the basis of this loosely amusing but scattershot and disorderly comedy from veteran director Mike Nichols, who previously pulled a comedic ace out of his sleeve with `The Birdcage' in 1996. `What Planet Are You From?' is a pet project that Shandling has been nursing for four years, and with such an array of versatile talent involved, the film itself is more than a trifle underwhelming. Although it boasts some hearty belly laughs and a generally sweet and warmhearted nature, `What Planet Are You From?' leaves the chalky residue of a movie that fails to meet its original promise. The film is mundane and watery, but once you're in the presence of its harmless approach of genial nonchalance, you'll find it agreeable just the same.

The cast certainly tweaks the curiosity. Once on Earth, Harry's sleazy co-worker Perry Gordon (Greg Kinnear) takes him to an AA meeting to scope the chicks. Susan Hart (Annette Bening), a free-spirited soul attempting to start again from square one in the relationship circle, is the woman he meets there. Now, back on his distant home planet, Harry was lectured in the proper methods to pick up an Earth woman (so that he may impregnate her later, of course). These methods include `telling the Earth female she smells nice' and `complimenting her on her stylish shoes.' Once he finds himself in the heat of the battle, Harry discovers that smooth-talking a lady isn't as elementary as perhaps anticipated. Watching side-splitting sequences such as Harry and Susan's first date are like rainbow sprinkles dispersed over this otherwise bland vanilla concoction, because Shandling's perfected sense of comic timing is given time to shine. It's unfortunate that there isn't more screen time dedicated to these bare essentials; instead, Nichols' and company sculpt the film into a feel-good drama. And multiple subplots weave through the central plot, including the infatuation of Federal Aviation Agent Roland Jones (John Goodman), who is very much onto Harry.

Even when it does shift gears into a light romantic comedy, featuring Harry developing human emotions, `What Planet Are You From?' is sweet and innocuous. But at the same time, it feels oddly detached and careless, like it was assembled by chimpanzees equipped with scotch tape. Numerous loose ends are never tied up, and the screenplay frequently declines the opportunity to chart further into the realm of comedic possibilities. Luckily, the enjoyable supporting cast is full of bright and enjoyable faces. Kinnear reverses personalities and is fun as the arrogant jerk, while Goodman and Ben Kingsley (as the leader of the alien race) offer reliable support. The only certified shame is the thorough waste of Linda Fiorentino (`Dogma'), who plays Perry's alluring wife in a mere window dressing role.

Believe it or not, Shandling and Bening actually make a cute couple. The lack of progress achieved with his character is neutralized by Bening's lively, lovable performance, and the pair together spark a sensation of innocent charm. They amplify the otherwise rickety second half of `What Planet Are You From?' to enjoyable romantic fluff. In certain spots, it's also laugh-out-loud funny... so collectively, why does `Planet' unhinge? It would be the overdose of humming penis jokes if that particular sight gag wasn't fresh and inspired. No, it's the fact that the film seems to be puttering along without a piece of its own anatomy... this one being closer to the heart. The only otherworldly aspect of `What Planet Are You From?' is that, with such a terrific cast and experienced director, the finished product isn't funnier.

    © 2000, Jamey Hughton

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