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Visitors Review

Castor-6 2012-05-23 16:31:14

She Still Can't Act!!

I think The Next Best Thing had a good storyline, but fell short in thefollowing areas:1. Madonna's acting.2. Cheesy dialogue.3. Undeveloped characters (Benjamin Bratt's etc ....)But it had the premise of a very promising movie, with its subject of whatconstitutes a family and whether a gay man can act as a father to achild.Madonna still needs some polishing on her acting skillsthough.

michalis damianou 2012-05-23 06:59:51

father loves his kid

A happy-merry-go-round comedy with Madonna willingto have a kid at any political cost(erase the word 'political').The ignorant father will love that child and will fightto keep him by his side.Touching moments,motherly careanda bright kid that can conquer any sympathy.Excellentact by Rupert Everett.Without him,the movie would go for a big flop because Madonna is not so convincing.Good plot and effectual philosophy on human relations,onthe gay issue and the theoretical ground of 'father'.

2012-05-22 12:58:58

THIS IS THE BEST MADONNA VIDEO!!1

THE STORY IS WELL-WRITTEN. ABBY(MADONNA) IS A YOGA TEACHER AND ROBERT(RUPERT EVERETT)IS A LANDSCAPER AND IS GAY. ONE NIGHT THEY HAVE A WILD ROMP AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW ABBY IS CARRYING A BABY. THEN IT GETS CONFUSING. ROBERT AND ABBY DO NOT GET MARRIED BUT LIVE TOGETHER AND RAISE THE CHID AS TOGETHER. ABBY THEN DATES A INVESTMENT BANKER(BENJAMIN BRATT). THEY WANT TO GET MARRIED AND TAKE CUSTODY OF THE CHID AND ENDS UP IN A UGLY COURT CASE.

2012-05-21 16:06:57

Quite possibly the worst movie I have ever seen

I had heard bad reviews about this movie. However, I tossed them aside as I seem to generally enjoy movies that get panned by critics. I don't necessarily think a movie always should be "deep", if it's entertaining, then that's enough for me. So I went into this with an open mind. For once, I think I should have listened to the critics. This movie was just awful. About ten minutes into watching it, my husband and I debated turning it off, but the frugal side of us won over. I am a Madonna fan. The only movie I have watched with her has been "Desperately Seeking Susan", which I don't think was much of a stretch for her. In "The Next Best Thing", she comes across very stiff and uncomfortable to the camera. She even looks well past her 40 years of age due to harsh light. But that's beside the point. The point is she was not comfortable in this role and it shows. It seems as though she was dubbed as lot as well. And the fake English accent was horrendous. My husband and I agreed that she was awful in the beginning and end, however, she seemed to relax in the middle. Maybe they shot the beginning and ending scenes first? That might explain it.Rupert Everett is typically charming, yet I still had trouble caring about his character. His relationship with Madonna seemed forced, not natural. And his behavior at the end, although some people may find it justified, made me dislike his character even more. Benjamin Bratt seemed to be the only natural actor in this movie - too bad he couldn't save it.I cannot fathom that while making this the director, producer, etc. thought that this movie was worthwhile. Perhaps with another actress it could have been better? We'll never know. All I do know is that I never want to watch this movie again. As my husband so eloquently put, "That's an hour and a half I'll never get back."

2012-05-21 02:33:24

Madonna as a Yoga Instructor Sporting a British Accent = BAD

Now you'd think that by putting director John Schlesinger and Rupert Everett together something interesting would transpire--that is until you realize that Madonna's been added to the mix and therefore completely sinks an already vapid storyline even further. Unfortunately, it's not so bad that it's good (like "Showgirls")--it's just bad. Avoid this boring homophobic mess at all costs.

nycpapito 2012-05-20 06:53:18

SHE CAN ACT

Forget what the critics have to say about this gem of amovie.....its not as superficial as some critics deemed it to beand Madonna finally acquits herself nicely....The movie standsfor rights of gay people without trashing any straightones....the writing was a little soapy but you could tell whereRupert injected some of his wit.....This is a gr8 family movietoo....for the new american

Wayne Malin 2012-05-12 03:42:30

Next WORST Thing!

Gay Robert Whittaker (Rupert Everett) gets best friend Abbie Reynolds(Madonna) pregnant after one drunken night. She has the baby and theyagree to live together and raise the child. Everything is fine untilshe falls in love with handsome Ben Cooper (Benjamin Bratt)...and wantsfull custody of their child. Yawn. This has been done before, but never this badly. The script islousy (some of the lines were beyond belief), Madonna's acting wasterrible (no shock there), the direction off (I could direct betterthan this!), badly edited and it's just plain dull! The "comedy" wasn'tfunny, the "drama" has been done before in countless Lifetime movies onTV and it gets annoying that Hollywood thinks that a gay man getting alittle drunk could automatically sleep with a woman. Speaking as a gayman myself, I can tell you, that isn't the case! Also Madoona looksterrible here. She's supposed to be 34! She was 42 when she madethis--and looks it.SPOILER AHEAD. Also at the end, Madonna is happily married, but Everettis still alone. I guess it's OK for the straight woman to find the manof her dreams, but not the gay guy. SPOILER ENDThere are a few good things about the movie--Lynn Redgrave shines in asupporting role and Everett was as good as was humanly possible. Alsoit's fun to see Michael Vartan in an early role and Neil Patrick Harrisplaying gay six years before he came out! But, all in all, this is atotal mess--not worth anyone's time. Sadly, great director JohnSchlesinger's last film. Avoid.

Embley 2012-05-11 15:55:27

wow was that ever awful

i can't name anything good about this movie. it sucked. madonna wasterrible (and i think she can be good, but this was a bad role for her), thescript was awful - extremely bad dialogue, the ending was a farce, and thecinematography was annoying. even rupert everett was not good and that ishard to believe. he was a semi-annoying cliche character doing annoyingthings.. what a colossal waste of time and money.don't bother.

2012-05-07 20:02:50

Madonna is an embarrassment...

This movie is So very bad on so many different levels, that it is almost beneath any serious movie lover or critic to waste time viewing it. Madonna is at her all time low, and it is a low that few stars ever reach. She is a terribly bad actress and this time out, she made even her die-hard fans cringe in embarassment for her. Simply put, there is no guesswork here...there is not a redeaming quality in this movie. The acting, script, direction, tone, pace, etc., are all at an extremely shoddy level, and DAMN is she getting painful to look at. The only comfort comes in the knowledge of the FACT that this movie was completely shunned by not only critics but by the public as well. Even Madonna's legion of fans couldn't get her out of this one. It bombed on every level.

2012-05-07 10:38:01

Don't Read The Reviews!

i am not actually a fan of madge although i do hear about her.Anyways, i went into this movie without any exceptation and i was blown away. The movie is awesome. it was stuck in my memory long after i watched it. The emotion and the laughs it brings is real. Madge may not be the best actress in the world but she really hit this movie hard and i prefer to watch it any day than Evita. Pls, don't read the reviews just buy or rent it and you will be surprised.

georgesh3 2012-05-04 18:45:53

An enjoyable, very original movie

This movie has been on cable TV for months and I just got around toviewingit. It had a very original story, was beautifully photographed with otherexcellent production values, well acted, and well written. I don'tunderstand why it was so poorly received. Perhaps it is more of anold-fashioned movie (I'm 66) with a modern plot situation. Even with thegayman conceiving a child story it could be a family film. I highly recommendit.

Patrick Brogan 2012-05-04 10:56:24

The Next WORST Thing.

Only Madonna and her real life buddy Rupert Everett could have come upwith the idea for their new film NEXT BEST THING.Since this film does with Madonna's character of being asingleparent, and having a best friend who is a homosexual.Hhmmmmm,this sounds too real? So since Madonna has enough power to make a musicianlike Alantis Morrissette become big, why can'tshe make a movie like this?NEXT BEST THING tells the story of Abbie (Madonna) whohasjust broken up with her long time serious boyfriend. Abbiethenseeks comfort from her friend, who happens to be gay, Robert (RupertEverett). Then one 4th of July evening after fooling around, Abbie andRobert both get drunk silly, and find each other attractive (I guess ittakes that many drinks to find Madonna attractive). A few weeks later,Abbie tells Robert that she is pregnant with Robert's baby. So instead ofgetting married, remember Robert is gay, so they move in together and raisethe child together (fair enough). Then years have passed, and the child isall grown up, Kevin (Michael Vartan).Now Abbie meets and falls in love with Ben (Benjamin Bratt),andAbbie wants to move to New York with Ben, and taking Kevin with her. Thisleaves Robert the pain and pressure of trying to wincustody of Kevin.This is a mess of a movie, it's trying to be too many things withinit's two hours length. First it wants to be a buddy/buddy romantic comedysimilar to Everett's MY BEST FRIEND'S WEDDING. Then it wants to be afamilycomedy of a single mom and a homosexual man rasing a child. And then itwants to be a movie about child custody. Plus not to mention that thisfilmpretty much has the lifestyles and beliefs that Madonna lives with: yoga,AIDS, single parenting, and homosexuals.The acting in this film is also bad, Everett comes off annoying most ofthe time, and Madonna (when she's not showing off her looks and body)whinesand cries. Even vereran actors Joesf Somer and Lynn Redgrave are wasted inthis film. OnlyBenjamin Bratt comes out ahead, as the films only savinggrace.And what's with director John Schlesinger? He directeda excellent movie back in 1969 called MIDNIGHT COWBOY, why is he directingapiece of trash like this? It appears that he just sat in his chair asMadonna and Everett took control of the film. And why does every scenewithMadonna have her glowing, and the light is just focused on her eyes. Ihaven't seen such vanity since Barbara Streinsand's MIRROR HAS TWO FACES.But I guess being a mega pop star does that to a person.This film is a waste of time for everyone involved, some movies justsound good on paper, this is one of them. But I'm sure Madonna wanted tomake this film, since it seems that shehad complete control over it. And also, how many times does one have tolisten to Don McLean's "American Pie" being playedthroughout the film? I counted at least 10, then there'stheending credits with the star's own version. This film is just plain bad,and only Madonna fans will walk out enjoying it, since they watched her fortwo hours. Others will feel cheated,and I don't blame them. *1/2 (out of five)

Tim Hunter 2012-05-02 07:09:36

A true case of the next best thing not being the real thing

What seemed like a good idea at the time ends up being quite adisappointment on the big screen. Apart from a script that's heavy-ladenwith banal lines, too many ideas and moods, and a particularly woodenperformance from Madonna (she only really shines a few times, it's acontinuity-obsessed viewer's nightmare. At one time, Rupert tells us it'sthe 21st Century (how modern), yet a few scenes later, he's at a gravesiteof a recently departed person, and the headstone says 1953 - 1992! Then,there's no apparent ageing or fashion changes in six years, and Madonna'scomparing her breasts in 1999 to what they were in 1989! It's a dog'sbreakfast really. And the film does not satisfactorily address the wholegayparent issue. It tries to, but it keeps shying away from the more sensitiveissues (such as explaining to Sam the son that his dad is gay, and whyfaggot is not a good term to describe him). And as for the totallyunbelievable developments and the ridiculous supermarket scene, well, theless said the better.Abbie may have been looking for the next best thing, and she certainly gotit with this film, a less successful copy of The Object of My Affection,which was, while still cheesy, had at least some credibility.

expressyourself 2012-05-01 17:05:42

Very relevant and very entertaining

When I was on vacation in New York last week I got a chance tosee THE NEXT BEST THING one evening. And it was definitely worththe money despite some not-understandable critics.First of all I find the story very relevant. It was about timethat gay parenthood was the theme of a movie (if there was onebefore please correct me). It was a nice portrayal ofalternative lifestyles in the new millennium. And there was noputting up the index finger, no clichees used. It was just anormal and very human story that touched my heart.Now to the much critized acting. I think critics just like totrash Madonnas movies because they can't accept or don't want toaccept that someone can be very good and right on track invarious fields of the entertainment business. She is a goodactress and she has proven that before just take a look at Evitaor Dangerous Game. And she proves it again in this one. Younever see Madonna the superstar on screen. Instead you see anormal caring mother and friend that has too deal with realityin the year 2000. I found her performance funny and touching aswell. And no matter what movie she stars in and no matter howgood she really acts there will always be a bunch of critics outthere to trash it. Please you guys wake up and face reality!As for the others. Of course Rupert was great and so was theboy. And just wait until you see Benjamin Bratt performing yoga.It's hillarious!

Anya-fan 2012-04-27 18:33:40

Quite Good

My mom and I meant to go see Hanging Up, but it had left the theater the daybefore. So we skimmed the listings in our newspaper, and decided The NextBest Thing was our best bet. I'd seen previews on TV and thought that itmight be good.Unlike some movies, the previews didn't give the film away at all. I wassurprised at the subject matter and plot to the film, as it wasn't at allwhat I'd expected. But I laughed and cried through the whole thing, andthoroughly enjoyed it. Madonna was good, and Rupert Everett was wonderful.Although there were sad parts, it was never depressing, which was nice.Michael Vartan was miscast - he was better in Never BeenKissed.As long as you have an open mind and are willing to submerge yourself in afilm, I'd say go ahead and rent it! 9 out of 10.

ingrid-19 2012-04-27 00:39:32

Wow, this is a terrible movie

Wow, this is a terrible movie.Did everyone connected with this movie decide that - heck, Madonna's in it,so by gum it's got to make money?! Don't worry about acting! Script - nobother! Rupert - you need a break so sit back and cruise. Gay man +straight friend. It worked before so it has to work again!Her breathy voice is annoying before the opening credits are finished.Whatis up with the British accent? (As if that has never been brought upbefore- haven't any of her friends told her that she isn't fooling anyone?) Sheis a marketing genius with her music and deserves all the praise she hasreceived in that arena, but maybe she should be satisfied with that, andleave acting to the talented or even the mediocre.It's obvious that she put a lot of effort into this, and I almost feel badabout putting it down. Nice try Mads, but this is not your thing.The whole script just has no idea what direction it wants to follow. Pickatone and stick with it. How about the courtroom (a la The Practice) scene,or even worse, the pat and neat ending?Easily one of the worst movies I've seen in years.

2012-04-25 19:54:32

Disturbing

Am I the only one who was completely disturbed by the Madonna's character disgraceful deception? (Don't want to ruin it for the unwashed, but trust me, it doesn't matter.) To add insult to injury, we are subjected the the constant references to Madonna's beauty, considering that she looks well past 40 and tired thoughout the entire movie. We are treated to Madonna's moments of flexibility as a Yoga instructor. Be warned, Madonna is now sporting a British accent. The only bright light is Benjamin Bratt, who has absolutly nothing to work with. My suggestion is to gather some good friends and view it for the numerous yuks.

ricrisci 2012-04-25 10:11:53

Does being gay make you an unfit father?

People do not always fit into our neatly prearranged categories.Sometimeswe may be comfortably in a category when unforeseen circumstances take usout. This film deals with tough questions such as fatherhood, talking toyoung children about sexuality, and custody and places them in situationsinwhich real people might actually find themselves. The treatment isexcellent and recommended for anyone who might question theappropriatenessof gay fatherhood.

2012-04-22 20:31:30

Muddled and Confused accent , acting and movie. -5

OMG. This movie is a -5Madonnas ridiculous half British accent is beyond annoying.If the people working with her had any kind of balls they would of told her she sounds like an idiot. The director should of forced her to clean this up. Brit's everywhere cringe at it and as a yank who knows accents and has many British friends I was disgusted at the pompous mixed up cadence in her affected wannabe fake accent. Now that I got that out of my system, the acting in this movie is so bad, they should show it at acting schools on what not to do.So wooden, her timing is awful. My gosh her voice is so flat and monotone. She did seem to suddenly lose her accent in the scenes with just her and the kid and was not bad.She made sure she looked good in every scene, and like someone else said the lighting man must of been paid extra to give her soft golden light no matter what the scene was. Also rather gagging was the way everyone keeps telling her how beautiful and wonderful she is??? What was that all about?It rang hollow and contrived to say the least.Rupert did the best with what he had, the little boy was pretty good and Benjamin Bratt was the most believable thing in the whole movie. (except when he told her he loved her!)Then when she just moves out and takes the boy, it gets ugly.(ier) It is very cliched and gay bashing, like sterotype statements about being gay and from people who oppress the gays. It seems very 1980-early 90's, move on already. Lawyers and judges in NY would of never said that stuff. Then when Rupert makes his speech saying "It seems all I do is worry about blood, my whole life is about blood" What is that?Many people have already told the twist in here, but they really messed up by making the kid not really his.What a mess this movie is. It never seemed to decide what it was trying to say or be. Comedy? Drama? New family roles? Sell out at the end?It did keep my attention for a few hours on TV, where it seemed like it should of been in the first place, (total lifetime movie and a bad one)The ending is so abrupt I think the producers knew it was unfixable.Watching the actors muddle through this mess was entertaining in it's own sick way! Now I feel like watching a real movie to get rid of the taste of this one.

2012-04-22 15:17:12

I was Embarrassed!

I am a huge Madonna fan. I love her music...I think I own every CD she has ever done, along with virtually every movie.. including this one (unfortunately). I read that this movie was supossed to be a sequel to "My Best Friends Wedding," and that Julia Roberts was offered the part and dodged it. I can see why. This movie was thrown together, and many of the people in it are not even part of the story line. Although I could follow the story line (the plot is not that difficult to undertand) most of the movie carried no logic. It flowed like broken glass, and felt like it too! The characters are completely stupid, and their behavior is very odd. I was embarrassed, and almost didn't finish the movie. (That is saying a lot, considering how much I love Madonna.) Even the ending was bad, but I was glad it was over! If I ever watch it again, it will only be to see the "American Pie" video.