# Fools Rush In (1997)

### reviewed by
Dan Kim

    Fools Rush In

    Alex Whitman                Matthew Perry
    Isabel  Fuentes        Salma Hayek
    Jeff                         Jon Tenney
    Lanie                        Siobhan Fallon
    Tomas Fuentes                Tomas Milian
    John Bennet Perry        Richard Whitman
    Jill Clayburgh        Nan Whitman

    Director                Andy Tennant

Doug Draizin and Anna Marie Davis, co-producers of "Fools Rush In" manage to put together a spirited and beguiling romantic comedy based on a true story; apparently their own.

Whether their meeting happened exactly as the movie shows is probably the least of the concerns of the average moviegoer, who probably won't even know this little tidbit, which, incidentally might serve them well in the next movie trivia pursuit they partake in. What they will be aware of is the chemistry between the two leads, as well as the lively banter between their best friends, and the overall sweetness and fluid direction of "Fools."

"Friends" fanatic will immediately recognize Alex Whitman as Matthew Perry, though the more devout Perry fan will no doubt see him as "Chandler Bing" on on the big screen. That's not a bad thing, since He often has the funniest moments in the sit-com. Perry's character is little more than Chandler on the big screen but the antics and dry sarcasm that make him the most popular male on the TV show works well in this movie. He is well supported by the sensual Salma Hayek, whose presence bellies her otherwise petite frame (she's 5'2").

The fun starts in New York where we're introduced to a career-driven Whitman, who works for a NY-based night club construction firm, who ends up with a gig to oversee construction of a ritzy night club right on the Vegas Strip. The viewer gets an inital taste of his quick wit which is the source of much of the entertainment throughout the movie. It's this style of verbal humor that allows Perry to pull off seemingly innocuous lines into amusing zingers. The film is riddled with lines like "gee that sounded so much prettier in Spanish." Lines that would sound otherwise ordinary with any other actor.

During his first few nights in Vegas, while standing in line for a unisex bathroom is where he comes across the spunky Isabel Fuentes, a beautiful photographer of Mexican decent. After their initial encounter, the director cuts immediately to the morning after of their one-night stand where we see her wake up next to a dozing Alex and gets that all-too-familiar "Oh my God" look.

Therein lies the turning point. Three months later, she shows up and tells Alex she's pregnant, with his child. We're treated to a short yet amusing spiel from Alex about a condom's reason for being. Distraught, she leaves, he chases her wanting to help and ends up that same evening eating at her parent's place for a family dinner. Apparently her idea of "family" involves cousins, aunts, uncle and probably the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Alex on the other hand, visits his parents only during "holidays and stuff."

Alex manages to enjoy himself immensely, so much so that he decides he and Isabelle should get married. The proposal itself is a riot, with him proclaiming "you're everything I never knew I always wanted." Both poignant and hilarious, even Isabelle displays amusement, albeit a slight bewildered smile. In typical Vegas fashion, they get married in a chapel with Elvis as a witness.

More hilarity ensues when Alex's parents (played by Jill Clayburgh and John Bennet Perry, Matthew's real father) decide to make a surprise visit. Being the quintessential New York WASP-ish type, they initially mistake Isabel for a housekeeper. They do find out and she's actually a wife, and agree to a parent meeting. The cultural difference issues that seem to be so prevalent throughout the movie is shown here with a deft touch by Tennant, the most entertaining being the back and forth between the two fathers.

As with most marriages there will be conflicts, the fights and make-ups are also done in ways that are easily believable. And while all this is going on, we're treated to a bit of insight about the two leads from the goings on around them. Whether it's Alex's job, old crushes, construction difficulties, jealous ex-boyfriends, or being surrounded by snakes in the desert. Jon Tenney also provides some moments of humor as Alex's libidinous, recently divorced best friend.

"Fools Rush In" is clearly blessed by the expert casting of the romantic duo. You can almost feel the chemistry between Perry and Hayek throughout the entire movie. Their acting and charm is what makes the entire movie seem so real. Their relationship is well paced and developed in a manner that is plausible considering their near-shotgun wedding. Both are shown as real people having a real depth and substance.

Tennant deserves a bit of the credit for his skilled direction. We're treated to quite a few musical montages, as well several sweeping views of Vegas, the Hoover Dam, and especially stunning scenes of the desert. He does an especially good job of letting Hayek radiate through the lens. The slow-motion shots of Isabel looking lovingly at Alex is subtle yet but go so far in showing Hayek's sensuality. You can truly read what's on her mind just by looking at her face.

"Fools" is an immensely enjoyable film, perfect for those romantic evenings with a significant other. Its Valentine's Day release earlier this year could not have been more perfect. Few romantic comedies contain such a well-blended combination of humor, passion, and believability. Check it out.

The review above was posted to the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup (de.rec.film.kritiken for German reviews).
The Internet Movie Database accepts no responsibility for the contents of the review and has no editorial control. Unless stated otherwise, the copyright belongs to the author.
Please direct comments/criticisms of the review to relevant newsgroups.
Broken URLs inthe reviews are the responsibility of the author.
The formatting of the review is likely to differ from the original due to ASCII to HTML conversion.

Related links: index of all rec.arts.movies.reviews reviews