MOVIE REVIEW

Alex and Emma  (2003)

Starring: Kate Hudson, Luke Wilson, Sophie Marceau
Director: Rob Reiner

Rating: PG-13

Studio: Warner Bros.

Release Date: 6.20.03

Review Posted: 6.20.03

Spoilers: Minor

By Rachel Sexton

"Wilson and Hudson Are Good As Alex and Emma"

The Cuban mafia is on writer Alex Sheldon's (Luke Wilson) back for its money and to pay them he has thirty days to finish his yet-to-be-started novel. What is the problem? He can't type that fast, so he hires Emma Dinsmoore (Kate Hudson) for her stenographer skills. By creating the novel's love story, Alex and Emma begin to have one of their own.

Director Rob Reiner's romantic comedy begs comparison to a lot of things. If you've read anything about the film, you know it’s loosely based on an actual story in the life of Dostoyevsky. (The film was actually first titled Loosely Based on a True Love Story.) Large portions of Alex's novel are played out, similar to the structure of Reiner's excellent 1987 The Princess Bride. Finally, Reiner himself cameos as Alex's publisher, Marty. That's the same first name as Reiner's character in his classic mockumentary This is Spinal Tap.

Though romantic comedies of late have not been critical successes on the whole, I think Alex and Emma will turn out to be one of the more lauded ones. Plot wise, there's nothing terribly original here, but the execution of this story makes it genuinely interesting and effective.

The film's opening credits play to a '20s tune that sets up the era of the novel Alex is writing. One of the best things about this script is the way real life influences the novel. Emma comments constantly on the book, unintentionally shaping it. Plus, each actor plays their novel counterpart. The novel's story of a love triangle between Adam, Anna, and Paulina becomes interesting in its own right, too, though the modern part keeps center stage.

The comedy here hits the mark more than it misses. The character of Anna in the novel is always changing names and nationalities and some of the situations in Alex's novel bring about laughter. The comedy mostly comes from the two leads in their performances. Luke Wilson is funny, charming, and appealing here, proving that he can be a classic romantic leading man. He's even willing to make a fool of himself "flamenco dancing." (Don't ask.) Kate Hudson is also solid, intelligent, and carries off the accents of her characters in the novel with surprising skill. Sophie Marceau provides reliable support as the other woman. Also, look for a Cloris Leachman cameo. It's priceless.

A romantic comedy is only as good as the chemistry between its leads, and this film luckily has that. Wilson and Hudson make their connection equal parts attraction and eccentricity. They work really well together. Toward the end of the film, there is some really affecting dramatic material and the actors and Reiner handle it pretty well. The production values here are worth mentioning, too. Alex's apartment, where most of the action occurs, is a great set. Norah Jones is featured heavily on the soundtrack, too, which is perfect.

Alex and Emma proves again, I think, that a romantic comedy in the hands of Rob Reiner is a wonderful thing. It’s not groundbreaking but it is very entertaining, and that's saying a lot.

Rating: 4 out of 5

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