Film Review of Maid in Manhattan
Year: 2002 Reviewer: Chris Docker
In a preposterously unlikely story, Jennifer Lopez, a chambermaid at a top New York hotel, tries on a guest's outfit while cleaning a room, and is surprised by senatorial candidate Ralph Fiennes who promptly falls in love with her. It's a comedy, so storylines are allowed to be preposterous, but be warned, although I loved every minute of it, most people seem to have found it trite. I found the script great - but maybe I just laugh easily. Lopez acts well, so much better in this role than the stereotype Bullock (who was also considered for the part) might have brought to it, and Bob Hoskins and Ralph Fiennes - two actors I usually can't abide - gave great performances. Hoskins has a few great speeches and Ralph Fiennes has lost much of the simpering edginess he's had in so many films that I've found annoying. If nothing else, those of you who like to see beautiful clothes worn well can do no better than admire real-life Bronx-girl-made good Lopez, though we don't unfortunately get to see her dance very much or sing - two other things she also does rather well.
Rating: 7/10
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