Stephen Bird
What on earth was I watching? Did the producers of this movie find the script for "Pretty Woman" thrown out somewhere and suddenly decide to rehash the basic plot? "Maid in Manhattan" didn't exactly set the screen alight for me, something I would describe as a fall asleep movie, or in Lehman's terms, boring. Jennifer Lopez is highly regarded as an incredibly attractive woman, but even when she was dressed in the rich ladies clothes she really didn't look attractive at all to me.However, I was impressed with Ralph Fiennes performance as senatorial candidate, Chris Marshall; the actor possesses some real talent and this was one of the only high points of the movie for me. What I was intrigued about was the setting, or should I say the time period of the setting, as it was set in New York City and released only a year after the 9/11 attacks, this makes me assume that the movie was being filmed around the time that the attacks happened..., I was very interested in keeping my eye on the landscape and the background shots to see if any of the filming had been affected by the attacks. The real Caroline Lane, played by the late Natasha Richardson was a very annoying character that I truly despised, privileged, snooty, a chip on her shoulder, I was finally glad to see Caroline (the movie's antagonist) finally get her comeuppance towards the end. There was nothing special about "Maid in Manhattan" whatsoever and nothing that I hadn't seen before..., poor movie, not atrocious, just a boring same old Rom-com.
David_Brown
I am no fan of "Chick Flicks", and as a straight guy into action films, this movie was not exactly targeted at me. However, I decided to review this film, because they decided to remake it as a Mexican Telenovales, and my question is why?(Unless they think a cast of unknowns would work better than JLO & Finnes better (It might actually happen although 20 hours of this film would sicken me)). This movie is lame at best, and there is no drama, humor, suspense, and worse, no chemistry with JLO and Finnes (He even has more in common with the kid). It is basically a fairy tale along the lines of "Ever After" (Which is a better film, because there is some action (Drew Barrymore with a sword), and shockingly Barrymore is hotter in that film than Lopez is here which with the notable exception of "Bad Girls" is not true). Is this the worst film of its type? No it isn't "the Sweetest Thing" is, but it is still a 1 star film.
Imdbidia
A pseudo-Latino-Cinderella story. It is shocking that Jennifer Lopez and Ralph Fiennes were paired for this romantic comedy, because, really, they don't have any chemistry on camera. Fiennes is a good actor so one wonders why he accepted such a stupid role in a movie that doesn't require of his acting but just of his posing. Lopez keeps trying the same role over and over, nor giving a chance to movies or genres that would suit her better.The problem with any failed Cinderella story is that, the story being well known and part of our cultural baggage, needs of reinvention and talent to pass the test. That's why Maid in Manhattan is a failure , as there nothing new or original, just a different setting.The acting is dreadful, the movie is not funny or entertaining, actually it takes itself too seriously, and it is not engaging at all.It sounds shocking, but this is a Wayne Wang's movie! A waste of money.No talent wasted whatsoever, though! :D
wes-connors
Here is a movie that had to happen - a modern day "Cinderella" story starring Jennifer Lopez (as Marisa Ventura). How much you like "Maid in Manhattan" will depend on your "like Lopez" level. The variations aren't very clever, and many of the comedy's jokes are stale. Check out, for example, how the giggling maids insist that catching the hotel exhibitionist naked is no big deal. Get it? No BIG deal! Bwhahahahahahaha!! Traditionalists may want to note that Ms. Lopez' evening with "Prince Charming" Ralph Fiennes (as Christopher Marshall), a Republican playboy, ends at dawn instead of midnight. Hmmm. Times change. Divorcée Lopez also has a cute 10-year-old son, Tyler Posey (as Ty), who plays a nice role in the romance. Nasty Natasha Richardson (as Caroline Lane), a "Wicked Stepsister"-type, heads up an appealing supporting cast.**** Maid in Manhattan (12/13/02) Wayne Wang ~ Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Tyler Posey, Natasha Richardson
AD
