I wonder how many people ignored this, expecting a frothy Hollywood romcom (or worse - watched it expecting the same)? Thankfully it is far from that.
It is a whip-smart adult comedy of manners, with elements of Candide's dawning grasp of reality, or Manon Lescaut's disparity between what is acceptable to committed partners.
Phileine is a deliberately annoying brat, inexcusable until we meet her mother and all becomes clear. She has a circle of equally spoilt friends. She falls for Max just as his work takes him overseas, but follows and plunges his blossoming career into chaos just as it is taking off in the worst Shakespeare adaptation ever.
But that is only the beginning. Phileine (and Max) break the fourth wall, make love, fight, mix with New York's artistic fringe and brash money men. Events spiral, Phileine spreads dysfunctionality, loses and regains friendships, earns an American fan base, and witnesses a revolution in daytime TV weather reporting.
Does she grow up? Watch it and see, but don't expect Sandra Bullock.
It is a whip-smart adult comedy of manners, with elements of Candide's dawning grasp of reality, or Manon Lescaut's disparity between what is acceptable to committed partners.
Phileine is a deliberately annoying brat, inexcusable until we meet her mother and all becomes clear. She has a circle of equally spoilt friends. She falls for Max just as his work takes him overseas, but follows and plunges his blossoming career into chaos just as it is taking off in the worst Shakespeare adaptation ever.
But that is only the beginning. Phileine (and Max) break the fourth wall, make love, fight, mix with New York's artistic fringe and brash money men. Events spiral, Phileine spreads dysfunctionality, loses and regains friendships, earns an American fan base, and witnesses a revolution in daytime TV weather reporting.
Does she grow up? Watch it and see, but don't expect Sandra Bullock.