THIS CHRISTMAS… LOVE CHECKS IN.
Chris Marshall (Ralph Fiennes), a Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate, falls in love with a shy socialite (Jennifer Lopez), who is actually just a hotel maid. Director Wayne Wang is not all that used to glossy Hollywood schmaltz and neither is Fiennes. They both seem ill at ease here, although they are ably supported by the performances of Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci and Bob Hoskins. Lopez is alright, but she could never look anything but a glamorous movie star. The sugar coating and sloppy writing are the main drawbacks to this OK comedy.
2002-U.S. 105 min. Color. Widescreen. Directed by Wayne Wang. Cast: Jennifer Lopez (Marisa Ventura), Ralph Fiennes (Chris Marshall), Natasha Richardson (Caroline Lane), Stanley Tucci, Bob Hoskins, Tyler Garcia Posey… Amy Sedaris.
Trivia: Sandra Bullock and Hilary Swank were allegedly considered for the part of Marisa; John Hughes considered directing the film.
