The
title actually fits the theme of the movie. In Heartbreakers,
writers David Mirkin tell the story of Max
(Weaver) and Page (Hewitt), a mother and daughter con team based
in whatever city their con is.
Max seduces a wealthy man, Dean Cumanno (Ray Liotta), into marrying her, then
Page seduces him into infidelity so Max can rake him over the divorce court
coals. And then it's on to the next victim: William Tensy (Gene
Hackman). While Max works her con, Page unrepentantly falls for
Jack (Jason Lee), a bartender on the outskirts. And the
complications start.
Heartbreakers
is the type of movie that can't be taken all-too seriously. It's
an obvious piece of fiction (no really!?), because it isn't as
easy as this mother/daugher con team play it. Also, it isn't at
all believable that a 20-year-old daughter is so into the con
business. Enough with believability and such, this movie can
stand well on its legs. Sure, there are the usual cheesy chunks
of dialogue, but the action (not what you think) is able to make
them disappear, if only for some parts. "I dropped the
con," is the most revealing line putting off some cheese?
As
far as performances go, they are pretty solid. Gene Hackman, as
the chain-smoking and sometimes annoying Tensy, does a really
cool job. Weaver isn't bad either. She's perfect for the role as
she really hit the nail with her Russian accent while pretending
to be Olga. JLH has never been hotter, let me tell you. For most
of the first half, her character is a real spoiled bitch, but
changes facades in the second half. Her entire wardrobe, cut
extremely short and revealing, is sure to be of some major
influence of how guys will like this movie. Though, that's
debatable (or is it?).
The
last 30 minutes didn't follow through. First, there's the death
of a character. It's very harsh to see Max and Page deal with
the issue as if it was plain "everyday matter." What
happens next is best to be viewed upon oneself. However, I can
say that most of it seemed too contrived. Director David Mirkin
did a good job, although somehow, he didn't catch some small plot
holes and the over-the-top 'happy ending.'
Overall,
Heartbreakers was fun. It isn't that bad. I just wished
they would've pushed the rating a bit more? But I guess it was
pushed as far as possible. This reminds me that again T&A
was announced and presented, but going any further ended up
cutting to another scene, fading out, or tilting up. If you can
look beyond the obvious faults, you're in for a good time. If
you can't, it will bother you some and ultimately affect your
enjoyment.
