Reviews

When I read the Plot Summary: "A young woman on the run allows grieving parents to believe she is their late son's wife." I immediately thought that they had taken the movie -"Mrs. Winterbourne" - and changed the title for TV. WRONG!!! The plot summaries could be used to describe both movies. It as at this point the resemblance ends. The movie is slow, predictable, and at times - down right boring. There are very strong actors in the movie, but apparently the director did not know how to utilize their talents. The blame should be shared equally by the screenwriter. The script is "sappy". Somehow I felt that I should connect with the lead character (played by Tracey Gold) but I could not decide whether she should be liked, disliked or even pitied. The character's motivation was revealed too late in the story to justify the ending. In "Mrs. Winterbourne" the last ten minutes were the best in the movie, the plot and subplots all came together based on good character development. In "She's No Angel" it felt like the writer and/or director (or possibly even the film editor) realized that the film was running long and they wrapped up the story line in the remaining allotted time. I believe that when watching a movie the viewer has a responsibility to suspend reality and that filmmakers are allowed to use poetic license. I think their license should be suspended for this one.

Definitely a chick flick, but since I'm a chick.... It's a twist on Cinderella for the 20th century - but does she get the shoe? It is fun trying to figure out when each character begins to realize what is going on. Who knew that Ricki Lake could act - at least in a comedy. Shirley MacLaine carries a lot of the movie - but we all know she can act. She is able to use body language, a partial grin or frown or even use a look that can only be described as having a twinkle in her eyes to give clues to the story line. There are a couple of subplots that also keep the viewer in their seat to discover if anything will come together or completely fall apart. The last 10 minutes of the film are the best. Pay close attention - if you miss a scene, now that we have DVD, you will find yourself going back to figure out what you missed.

It won't be on many peoples all time favorite movie list, but through all of the subterfuge many of the characters are involved in, plus a lot of smiles and laughter, make it a good DVD for girls to rent for a Saturday night when they don't have a date. Happily married women can enjoy it - letting them know that their life isn't really as crazy as it could be.