Perfect cast and a good story

A film of deceptively outspoken contemporary relevance, this is cinema at its most alert, alarming and alive.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

This is a really nice, warm, well-paced, well-acted film. Lost in the jumble of action films, car-chasers, gun-blast movies, this little gem was somewhat lost in distribution, but if you take the time for it, you will be well-rewarded.The story is simple: recent divorcée tries to regain her footing in the maze of regret, anger, and new friendships. She enters two notable friendships: with Latifah and DeVito, both of whom play their characters with subtle charm, disdaining the scene-chewing other actors might have brought to the party.Hunter is perfectly quiet, allowing the situations and small daydreams speak volumes for who she is at each moment. The direction is never intrusive, meshing with the acting to allow respect for the script and characters to take center stage.All in all, a film deserving of repeated viewing.

I'm a huge Queen Latifah fan and if it weren't for her being in this movie, I probably wouldn't have given this movie a second look at my local rental store.I'm so glad I decided to rent this movie...simply put this is ONE OF THE BEST FILMS I HAVE SEEN IN A LONG TIME! Its so warm, carefree, sassy and unique. Holly Hunter is great, Danny DeVito is a joy and Queen Latifah well she's as FABULOUS as ever.The story is wonderful, touching and inspiring. It's done in way that will take you in and not release you till the credits role and even then your left breath taken.SEE IT...SEE IT...SEE IT. If you feel down or depressed this movie will lift your spirits.

what a strange combination!. But it actually works in this non-pretentious film about failed marriage, disappointment and hope.Danny DeVito is his usual self, gambling and trying new ways to make quick money. Holly Hunter is the ex-wife of a narcissistic doctor(Martin Donovan), who leaves her for a younger woman.Basically there are some good scenes with Queen Latifah as jazz singer; the movie does not have too many surprises but is a decent romantic comedy which actually can be enjoyed by those of us over age 25.There are not too many surprises, but this is an enjoyable positive film, with some decent performances which do not insult the audience. 8/10.

I saw this film back in 1998 when it was released, and I must say that to this day, it remains the most resonant, most joyous and most uplifting film I've ever seen. The fact that the vastly thick movie-going public didn't embrace this film is just a mere testament to how great it was. (I guess they all loved "Armaggedon"!) The complaint about a weak storyline is completely unfounded. Who hasn't had obstacles to overcome in life and love and yes, divorce is a huge obstacle! Writer/director Richard LaGravenese understood this and actually fashioned his film out of real life, not fabrication. His character Judith (Holly Hunter) is a real flesh-and-blood woman going through the painful trial of divorce from an insensitive, callous jerk and struggles with loneliness and sorrow. She is also a woman of wants and desires and a certain unfortunate taste in bad men and also prone to fantasy. Who doesn't know anyone like that? Enter Pat (superbly played by Danny DeVito), an elevator man in an upscale building who is largely ignored and mistreated by the snobs in that building, until Judith (who also lives there) takes the time to get to know him. He has marital problems and gambling problems. Who doesn't? Then there's Liz, (the sultry Queen Latifah) the nightclub jazz singer who puts up a front on stage and off, until she learns to be a little more human to her fan base. Talented people are often misunderstood or lopped in with the nasty snobs. Who hasn't had a similar negative encounter with a person you admire? ****SPOILER ALERT**** One of the biggest and trickiest risks that LaGravenese took was not to make Hunter and DeVito's characters obvious targets for romance and that they didn't fall in love with each other. I'm actually glad that he took a strong realistic approach to the material as opposed to the glossed-over Hollywood treatment. These were real people in real situations, not cardboard cutouts in search of a plot.All in all, LaGravenese (who's work such as "THE FISHER KING", "THE REF" and "A LITTLE PRINCESS" I've admired) tells his story with plenty of humor, sadness, wit, anger, sass, and plenty of music. Latifah's powerful voice was a sign of things to come for this talented artist. Though she didn't receive a nomination for this film, it's clear she was noticed. In fact, all involved moved on to bigger and better things since, so no sense crying about it.I like the fact that it's in my DVD collection to enjoy over and over again. Hopefully you will too.