# Someone Like You... (2001)

### reviewed by
Ross Anthony

    "Animal Husbandry"
    Someone Like You

    By Ross Anthony

Ashley Judd, dejected, rejected, and neglected by men in general, seeks some commiseratory theory with which to explain away the enigmatic query, "Why can't men commit?" She finds her comforting hypothesis in cows ... bulls, more accurately. Bulls, tired of old cows, scan greener pastures for greener heifers - so she discovers. "Monogamy isn't in their genes!"

Greg Kinnear is the gentle, expressive, touchy-feely love-interest, while the actor (Jackman) who played Wolverine from the X-Men movie appropriately personifies the animal-man theory. He's absolutely shameless about his sexuality, yet subtly sweet; a well-drawn character brought to life by a strong actor.

Speaking of acting and writing, "Someone Like You" employs professionals. The dialogue and relationships move the production warmly, confidently, and entertainingly from beginning to end, where, surprisingly the picture's prowess wanes.

Though definitely predictable, this climax still could have soared. There would have been no avoiding the schmaltz - so splashing around in it a while ought to have been the prescription. Instead, the peak feels truncated with an unnecessarily cliche appendage. A respectable resolution follows, however.

Instead of just dabbling in obsessive psycho behavior, a more acutely de-stabilized Judd would have backed the fluff with muscle (perhaps exhibiting job-threatening surreal delusional episodes).

And those kisses! As a romantic-comedy, audiences expect kisses. Disappointingly, these tight-lipped pecks belie the chemistry built up between our big-screen lovers.

Ah, but high quality scenes populate most of the film, like the one in which an obsessive forlorn Judd petitions a surgeon to remove nasal glands that link her sense of smell with memories. She begins the consultation calm collected and civilized, but in just one short minute and what seems like one breath, explains her plight to tears. Finely directed.

The star power and direction iron out the wrinkles. If you're up for a light romantic-comedy, you'll have a fine time.

Someone Like You. Copyright © 2001. Rated PG-13. * Starring Ashley Judd, Greg Kinnear, Hugh Jackman, Marisa Tomei, Ellen Barkin. * Directed by Tony Goldwyn. * Screenplay by Elizabeth Chandler. Based on the novel "Animal Husbandry" by Laura Zigman. * Produced by Lynda Obst at 20th Century Fox.

Grade..........................A-

-- Copyright © 2000. Ross Anthony, currently based in Los Angeles, has scripted and shot documentaries, music videos, and shorts in 35 countries across North America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

For more reviews visit: http://www.RossAnthony.com

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