Leftbanker
Without the song and dance numbers this would have been a fairly tedious attempt at a romantic comedy. The musical numbers really pulled the entire film together while salvaging what would have been some stupid scenes. The two leading women were gorgeous and did a great job while the two men I just found to be mostly annoying. I loved the fact that all the actors did their own singing. The musical numbers weren't very polished but their cuteness brought the film to life in parts where it was dying. Had these scenes been slicker in their execution and with two better males leads this film would have been a ten.Paz Vega is the hottest woman in the history of cinema.
jpschapira
Welcome to the world of love in its perfect way, in a perfect movie. When I say love in a perfect way, I say it ironically because the love is not perfect in the film, but at least it is the way it should be. Emilio Martínez Lázaro invites you to bed and David Serrano puts the words in everyone's mouth; it's the perfect team.To make a movie work, the people involved must be sure and confident enough to say: "I want to do this". Here, we presence a harmonious piece of cinema, with all its parts fitting correctly for the final product. I'm messing with harmony because there's music here; and mixing two amazing things like love and music, in this special way, requires courage.The team succeeds in every objective planned. The songs chosen for each moment, sang by the original cast, with spectacular choreographing in any part of the city, that show us girls dancing alongside the character who's singing the songs. These songs go from happiness to sadness, and sometimes they are incredibly depressing.The film is not excellent because it is not flawless; it has some obvious faults, compensated by the other wonders the movie offers. I was drinking tea when the movie started, so I turned on the light, planning to turn it off once I finished the tea, but I couldn't get my eyes off the screen.The wonders of the film come with their characters and their way of being and talking to each other. Talking is how they hide the truth; because even best friends betray themselves. Groups of friends get together to comment about women, but they all have something hidden. Anyway, they say things like: "The people in this country are not happy because it is not having sex"; and: "There are studies that say that we are all bisexual".Going back to the perfect way of love
As I say, I prefer reality, although I like unreal situations because they make me feel like impossible things can really occur. Now forget about "Nothing Hill", "Maid in Manhattan", "Love Actually" and all those beautiful but clichéd romantic comedies or dramas ("The story of us"); when you watch "El otro lado de la cama" you'll face the truth about romantic situations. The film also has a great comedic rhythm, and as love, humor comes from reality. It was not faked; I laughed out loud, more than when I watched any of the previous comedies.The cast is another of the wonders the movie has; full of naturally gifted Spanish recognized actors which make their characters human enough. It would have probably been the same with any actors, but I loved to see this dream cast. Ernesto Alterio (Javier), son of the incredible Héctor, Argentinean as him but living in Spain, seemed at first a little forced to me, but ultimately came as the most natural actor of the cast, with great dancing skills and comedic touches, funny faces. The natural Guillermo Toledo (Pedro) is outstanding only with his way of talking, but then he has many more details included in his performance. Respected and recognized, also Argentinean Natalia Verbeke (Paula) shows her big amount of talent again in another fine performance. Then Paz Vega (God, she's gorgeous)
An extremely measured and calculated performance, with sensuality and charm as the complex Sonia. Alberto San Juan (Rafa) steals every scene with his simplistic view of life and, above all, sex. María Esteve (Pilar), Nathalie Poza (Lucia), Ramón Barea (Antonio Sagaz, a detective; and "sagaz" means sagacious)
A unique gem in Spanish cinema.
gazineo-1
Lightheaded romantic comedy about two couples who changes partners and find their own way to happiness and understanding. The movie has the charm, witty and vitality of Latin movies (especially movies produced in Argentina and Spanish) but is far from be a great achievement on the genre or even a memorable piece of work. Mixture of love story, comedy and musical, 'Otro lado de la cama,El' give us a good work from the director, some ingenious scenes (like the scene in the theather, where Pedro(played by Guillermo Del Toro)appear as the 'Melon Kid') and a sympathetic cast, where you cand find the beauty of Paz Vega and Natalia Verbecke. In fact, the movie is a good amusement but don't expect to find the same intensity and impressive ideas thay you can fin in movies directed by Almodovar (at least, some of them) or Alejandro Almenábar.I give this a 6 (six).
Yorsh
The plot is simple, but effective. The humor is just brilliant. A musical comedy (or a comical musical) with six excellent actors.I really enjoyed the film from the very first line to the great final with Calamaro's song.I was in a good mood, and this film pull it even higher, even though I have to admit this always happens when Paz Vega is in a film.It will not change your life, but it will certainly give you a good moment to remember.