Three to Tango (1999)

The Worst Film Ever

Fresh and Exciting

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

Fun premise, good actors, bad writing. This film seemed to have potential at the beginning but it quickly devolves into a trite action film. Ultimately it's very boring.

One of the several new movies opening this weekend is the comedy farce Three to Tango. In this ultralight vehicle Matthew Perry plays a partner in architectural firm. His partner is played by the ubiquitous Oliver Platt (A Time to Kill, Indecent Proposal, The Three Musketeers). To make a thin story short, Perry and Platt really need the multi-million dollar project they are bidding on. The millionaire who will fund the contract (played by Dermot Mulroney) needs someone safe to keep an eye on his mistress. Due to a misunderstanding, Mulroney thinks Perry is gay (actually Platt is gay). Perry is commissioned to be the chaperone who must avoid falling in love with his charge (Neve Campbell). He does. So does she. What a mess!And what a mess just about says it all. The only stroke of genius here is in the casting. The two main characters are one-dimensional caricatures. Fortunately, the casting director was able to find two actors who have become real-life one-dimensional caricatures (Perry and Campbell). The real tragedy here is that there are some great supporting actors relegated to mindless supporting roles. I usually divide movies into categories: see it at the theater, wait for the video, or wait for it to come on television. This film deserves a whole new category--wait until you find someone that needs to be tortured.The good news is that there is another film playing that, while a bit light and predictable, is also charming and witty with some great performances. The Story of Us is directed by Rob Reiner (When Harry Met Sally, A Few Good Men, Princess Bride). Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer play a middle-aged couple who have lost that lovin' feeling and don't know what to do about it. The plot line is predictable, but there are some great scenes along the way, and some witty lines scattered throughout. Rita Wilson has one of the more memorable scenes as she skewers thoughtless males everywhere. There are some wonderful montage sequences with great accompaniment by Eric Clapton.The Story of Us is not great art, but it is a timely story told with a wonderfully wry sense of humor and some excellent pacing throughout. Willis and Pfeiffer are at their charming best, and it is worth sitting through the entire movie just to see Michelle Pfeiffer's speech at the end of the film. If you are trying to choose between these two films, the choice is clear. Reiner's The Story of Us is a solid triple while Three to Tango strikes out with just three pitches.

I didn't see this movie for years because I heard it was terrible. I happened to catch it on cable today, and they couldn't be more incorrect! Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell absolutely SPARKLE! Matthew is so sweet and funny it reminded me why I loved him so much on friends before the shrew Monica took his balls. Their chemistry seems so real, it's either the best acting job they've both ever done, or they were really into each other, hee! There are a lot of funny moments, some cliché, but its a romantic comedy, you expect a certain amount of formula. But Matthew and Neve keep it real and cute and funny, and I was overwhelmed by how touching it was. Matthew really hit the mark on this one, and Neve is adorable! I missed the scathing and usually-hilarious Oliver Platt, his role seemed a mere supporting throw-away, it could have been played by anyone, but it was nice to see him do something different.Dylan McDermott does what he does best: irritating slime ball. I never quite believe him when he plays a good guy, and its much more fun to love to hate him anyway.Yes the film has a message too, but they don't hit you over the head with it. The entire film is nicely sweet and subtle. Everyone (except maybe homophobes) should give it a shot!

The only way you could like this movie is if you're a heterosexual who has remained completely oblivious to the political development of gay people over the last fifty years. You might recall plotlines like this from the Rock Hudson/Doris Day era, because it's the last time they were acceptable. Every conceivable scenario is viewed through the anticipated discomfort of some token oblivious straight viewer. You know, gay people are merely amusing side dishes in the lives of heteros. Every gag reinforces that distaste is the unquestionable, correct response to gay people. I fast-forwarded through much of it, but something tells me that even the assinine "drop the soap" joke that straight guys have been laughing at for 4 decades (!), makes an appearance. Check the expiration date on these jokes, guys!I guess the only conceivable worse way for an overexposed sitcom star to step into movies might be to star opposite a monkey (Matt LeBlanc). This movie is also an insult to Chicago which is infinitely more modern/accepting of gay people than this tripe suggests. Everyone associated with this project should be sent by rocket into the sun.Laugh, giggle & stay completely mired in your subjective, mindless understanding of human sexuality. You'll probably really enjoy Amos 'n' Andy too.

I must admit that I did laugh a few times while watching this otherwise clichéd attempt at comedy. Matthew Perry has yet to establish a big screen presence; his acting abilities seem to be anchored in television. The transition between generating believability between television and motion pictures is possible, however, few actors are able to accomplish the leap without losing their edge along the way. Case in point: Near the end of the film, we are asked to accept Perry's conviction to the female lead, however, there is little or nothing to exemplify true love or chemistry between the characters. In addition, I didn't buy Neve Campbell's Woody Allen-esque neurosis. (Was her character bipolar or what?) It threw the picture off significantly. The best part of the picture was Dylan McDermott, a solid character actor who brings honesty to an otherwise unjustified and boorish script. Still, there is little or nothing to recommend here--I'd suggest renting "Chasing Amy" instead. Similar premise, but far more depth and better character development.