It Had to Be You (2000)

Two strangers meet and fall in love during the weekend that they are planning their respective weddings.

Director:

Steven Feder

Writer:

Steven Feder

Stars:

Natasha Henstridge, Michael Vartan, Michael Rispoli

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Natasha Henstridge	...	Anna Penn
Michael Vartan	...	Charlie Hudson
Michael Rispoli	...	Henry Taylor
Olivia d'Abo	...	Tracy Meltempi
Faith Prince	...	Madelaine
George DiCenzo	...	Mel
Phyllis Newman	...	Judith Penn
Joelle Carter	...	Claire Parker
Lorraine Mazzola	...	Mindy
Tony Sirico	...	Ricky Valentino
George Ede	...	Father Fitzpatrick
Hillary B. Smith	...	Jewelry Saleswoman (as Hilary B. Smith)
Phil Stein	...	Bobby Love
Tod Engle	...	Mickey
Jennifer Bassey	...	Mrs. Allen

Storyline

Charlie Hudson, a retired crisis negotiator for the NYPD, is engaged to Claire Parker, a beautiful and successful business woman. Claire has planned a weekend in New York registering at Bergdorf Goodman, staying at The Plaza Hotel, etc., laying the foreground for the ensuing wedding. Due to an unexpected business opportunity, Claire is called away. Anna Penn, a school teacher, is scheduled to register for her wedding with fiancée' David Allen, an advertising executive, who is unable to partake in the weekend. Consequently, Charlie and Anna end up spending the next three days planning their respective weddings together. Over the course of the weekend they consult with an embittered cast of wedding advisers who, while helping them plan, simultaneously deconstruct the institution of marriage as a whole. Henry Taylor, Charlie's old partner and best friend, drowns himself in his police work and embraces an addiction with alcohol to escape his personal loneliness. Tracey Meltempi, Anna's ...

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Plot Keywords:

wedding | hotel | title based on song | central park manhattan new york city | carriage ride | 

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Taglines:

Love is what happens when you're busy making other plans.

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Genres:

Comedy | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for a scene of sensuality and some language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

11 February 2000 (USA)

Also Known As:

Aklim sende

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Black Sheep Entertainment (I), It Had to Be You Productions Inc., Kaplan/Feder Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

This movie was produced in 1998 as displayed in the end credits but due to contractual problems it was not released for distribution until 2000.

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Quotes

[Henry and Charlie in the hotel bar. Henry sees Anna, Charlie looks and catches her eye. She waves, he smiles]
Henry: What's that about?
Charlie: Oh, we took the elevator up together...
Henry: That's it? That's the big juice?
Charlie: What do you want me to say? Okay...She's a spy and we're both planning on making love before we're assassinated by the CIA.

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Connections

References The Jerry Springer Show (1991)

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Soundtracks

"Going Bananas"
Written by Sirsa Shekim
Performed by Sirsa Shekim

User Reviews

This film is great...what did everyone expect?

I just can't understand the negative comments about this film. Yes it is a typical boy-meets-girl romance but it is done with such flair and polish that the time just flies by. Henstridge (talk about winning the gene-pool lottery!) is as magnetic and alluring as ever (who says the golden age of cinema is dead?) and Vartan holds his own.

There is simmering chemistry between the two leads; the film is most alive when they share a scene - lots! It is done so well that you find yourself willing them to get together...

Ignore the negative comments - if you are feeling a bit blue, watch this flick, you will feel so much better. If you are already happy, then you will be euphoric.

(PS: I am 33, Male, from the UK and a hopeless romantic still searching for his Princess...)