Steve Brooks is a ladies' man who has not endeared himself to the women he has been dating. When three of them decide to surprise him and make him pay for his own nastiness, little do they realize that he is allowed to stay on earth, but only as a woman! When the switch is done, the condition that he is sent back is to have him atone for his sins and be kind to a woman.
When we next meet Steve, he has been transformed into Amanda. In one of the most hysterically funny scenes in any the movies, Amanda, whose face we don't see, is going to perform a body function, in the bathroom, but can't find the right apparatus to do it.
Thus begins the new life for Amanda Brooks, who tells everyone she is Steve's sister. The only problem is that as a woman, Amanda must learn how to walk in high heels and even control the way she crosses her legs not to reveal any of her newly acquired charms. Her scene with her boss, Arnold Friedkin, is another highlight of this movie.
Amanda must begin to learn how to adapt to the new situation. She enlists her old pal, Walter Stone, to guide her through the corporate world of advertising and the rat race in trying to stay a step ahead of the other people in the office. Walter falls for Amanda; it's easy to see why.
The best thing in "Switch" is Ellen Barkin. She gives a fantastic performance as Amanda. Ms. Barkin plays Amanda with style, yet, she makes us see how this woman reacts to the new situation in her own way. Jimmy Smits, an otherwise nice actor, is not as effective here with his take on Walter. In fact, he seems rather uncomfortable playing opposite Ms. Barkin. Jobeth Williams, Tony Roberts, Lorraine Bracco, Perry King are seen in supporting roles. Also, in smaller roles, we see Catherine Keener, Tea Leoni, and Michael Badalucco, who have gone to bigger things.
Blake Edwards' comedy is a joy to watch.
When we next meet Steve, he has been transformed into Amanda. In one of the most hysterically funny scenes in any the movies, Amanda, whose face we don't see, is going to perform a body function, in the bathroom, but can't find the right apparatus to do it.
Thus begins the new life for Amanda Brooks, who tells everyone she is Steve's sister. The only problem is that as a woman, Amanda must learn how to walk in high heels and even control the way she crosses her legs not to reveal any of her newly acquired charms. Her scene with her boss, Arnold Friedkin, is another highlight of this movie.
Amanda must begin to learn how to adapt to the new situation. She enlists her old pal, Walter Stone, to guide her through the corporate world of advertising and the rat race in trying to stay a step ahead of the other people in the office. Walter falls for Amanda; it's easy to see why.
The best thing in "Switch" is Ellen Barkin. She gives a fantastic performance as Amanda. Ms. Barkin plays Amanda with style, yet, she makes us see how this woman reacts to the new situation in her own way. Jimmy Smits, an otherwise nice actor, is not as effective here with his take on Walter. In fact, he seems rather uncomfortable playing opposite Ms. Barkin. Jobeth Williams, Tony Roberts, Lorraine Bracco, Perry King are seen in supporting roles. Also, in smaller roles, we see Catherine Keener, Tea Leoni, and Michael Badalucco, who have gone to bigger things.
Blake Edwards' comedy is a joy to watch.