Lack of good storyline.

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

It's funny; I go to see quite a few movies, but rarely buy them. I made an exception for this one because it resonated with me at a number of different levels, and I gain insights into the story and plot each time I see it.The music is excellent (the soundtrack is a stand-alone work of art), and there are some wickedly funny scenes that actually made me laugh out loud (the other LOL). But then there is a sobering backdrop of reality that makes the lead characters more realistic.Unlike some other commentators, I think the fantasy scenes are crucial because they force you to slow down and take a closer look at things that would ordinarily go by in a blur.

Screenwriter Richard LaGravenese was able to make something substantive from the hoary novella that was Robert James Waller's "The Bridges of Madison County" aided by Clint Eastwood's assured direction. In his own directorial debut, LaGravenese again shows dexterity with unexpected character development in this self-penned 1998 dramedy. On the surface, the plot is straightforward. Judith, a wealthy, middle-aged Manhattan woman, is reeling from a divorce from her smug doctor husband for whom she gave up her own promising medical career to become a nurse. Pat, the doorman in her building, is also suffering from a bad marriage, has increasing gambling debts, and just lost his daughter. After months of indifference, they finally speak to each other, and he becomes smitten even though she only wants to be friends. Providing sharp, unpredictable dialogue, LaGravenese does not rely on clichés to formulate the characters, and it's the quirky sense of revelation he provides to Judith and Pat that keeps the story consistently engaging. He also effectively inserts fantasy scenes to reflect Judith's wavering state of mind - a technique I haven't seen used as well since Irvin Kershner's "Up the Sandbox" a quarter century earlier.Casting helps considerably as Holly Hunter and Danny DeVito play Judith and Pat with consummate skill and poignancy. Looking taut, often apoplectic and sometimes quite sexy, Hunter makes Judith a refreshingly multi-dimensional figure, a wounded bird one minute and a cutting harpy the next. I particularly like her curt response to her ex-husband's conciliatory new wife, as well as the effortlessly seductive dance moves she exhibits at a lesbian nightclub. In a surprising display of warmth, DeVito makes Pat a sympathetic character without resorting to either self-pity or smarminess. Vocalizing in a confident, languorous manner, Queen Latifah gives a nicely assured performance as Liz, a nightclub jazz singer with whom Judith bonds. The 1999 DVD includes a thoughtful commentary track from LaGravenese, a strong extra in itself, though it seems a shame in hindsight that they were not able to secure the principal actors to participate. In addition to the original theatrical trailer, there are also five deleted scenes including Queen Latifah's full performance of the standard "Lush Life".

If you are an avid moviegoer, you'll find this film to be one of the most vastly underrated films of the decade. Every performance, every line of dialogue, every note of a tremendous musical score ranks perfection. Holly Hunter, who is always excellent, excels in this difficult role. A film that can even make me like Danny Devito has to be super. This movie was not seen by a large audience as it has such deep dramatic undertones which don't appeal to mass audiences, but I was in awe of the entire production. Queen Latifah shows another side to her talent with a tremendously jazz vocal offering. The few scenes of Eddie Cibrian ("Third Watch") make him a superb candidate for People Magazine's 'Sexiest Man Alive'. Only if you're a lover of good drama and serious moviegoing can you appreciate the magnitude of this movie. I can't praise it enough!

The down-side of this picture is that Judy is a totally unlikely character. And, that Danny deVito plays, well, Danny deVito. Same guy that sold Aluminum siding. But Holly Hunter is absolutely right on. Every nuance of body language, facial expression, line inflection, everything, just about perfect. If you love good acting--playing the part of a warm but imperfect human being (albeit unlikely one)---this is Holly at her best.