WiseGirls (2002)

Such a frustrating disappointment

So much average

As Good As It Gets

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

A great movie needs the writer, director and actors all to be very, very good. Wise Girls has all three.Acting is much more than just saying the words in the script. There is tone, there is timing, and sometimes a silence can say more than a whole lot of words. Great actors can show in their facial expression just the emotion and meaning that fits the scene perfectly. All, yes all these actors do this all through the movie. Of course, the actors need a great writer and director to get the best out of themselves. Here they have all met, and delivered. The story is straightforward and easy to follow, there are elements that we see connect to give meaning to what is happening now and what is about to happen. The characters are well defined, the events are realistic, and gripping. It was good at the start, and I kept worrying that it would get disappointing, but that never happened, it kept getting better and better. Three beautiful young women are waitresses is an up-market restaurant where the owners are involved in some shady but unspecified side businesses. The women, each with secrets which we eventually learn about, are dragged into events and really need to get themselves clear. They combine, they support, they do what needs to be done.At one point, Meg ( Mira Sorvino) who normally speaks so sweetly - like the girl next door, but in this moment of stress, her voice changes, and sounds so menacing. Brilliant, you'll know when you hear it. The grandmother, with perhaps dementia just sits there, says only a few words, but she too is brilliant and her inclusion adds so much to the reality of Meg's situation both in the first scene, and the last. Brilliant writing.

I saw this well made thriller when it first came out, and have seen it many times since. A character driven and dark crime thriller with a an excellent cast all around, particularly Mariah Carey ( and yes I think 'Glitter ' is her best work, and my favorite film of all time). This film along with other films such as ' Tennessee' and "Precious' are my close second favorites. The film's script is well crafted with interesting twists. The plot moves along with some stylish visuals. It is truly a shame that this did not get a wider release. The uk DVD contains a behind the scenes segment , which for some reason was not included on the us DVD release. The uk DVD is worth seeking out for this extra, although the us DVD is the best print of the film. I say get both releases. Highly Recommend.

OK this movie revolves around Sorvino- starts out really, really slow. Shes an ex-med student that is looking to start over and decides to move in with gma and get a watering job at a Italian restaurant. There she meets two other waitress (Carey and Walters) but, soon realizes that not only food is on the menu. You may also get your fix on drugs and even some murder :) From there it shows her inside struggles knowing what shes dealing with and what she should do about it. This movie is really great. This definitely proves that Mariah Carey can hold down a role- maybe not a headlining role but she can definitely act. The worse acting comes from Walters who shows no emotion in her face when she says anything.. Surprising that Carey can pull off acting over Walters who has been in th game for many years. Definitely try this movie out- its even worth the purchase. You wont be disappointed.

I watched this movie very late at night and was very surprised as to how good it really was. Mira Sorvino was very good and very believable in her part. When she told the other two women why she couldn't get interested in anybody, the plot changed to something more than just a "gangster movie". Mariah Carey did a good job as well and didn't seem to try and "take over" the film. Melora Walters role did a change as well and the outcome had more action than expected. Making Mira do something with the body of the man that the gangster had killed was unexplainable but she was truly believable in her reaction to what she was expected to do with the body. This movie is worth watching more than once. Maybe you'll be surprised as to how good the actors do in the film and how GREAT Mira Sorvino was in it as well.