I think the best gag of the movie is Trey's line "Is it my birthday?" when he sees Jane and Roxy in just towels, having just come out of the shower. New York Minute isn't perfect, none of the Mary Kate and Ashley movies are, but 3.9 is way too low. I thought it was fun and entertaining, though very predictable. The subplot about the micro chip inside the dog was a little clumsy, but that's me being picky. I must say the music choices are great, with "War" being played very loudly, and then the talented Eugene Levy singing badly (intentionally) "Bad girl what are you going to do when I come for you?" in reference to Roxy. People say it is just an excuse for Mary Kate and Ashley to show off their fashion tips, but it is much more than that. It set out to entertain, and I personally think it mostly succeeded, putting aside the predictable plot and superficial scripting. 7/10 Bethany Cox.
123 Reviews
It Wasn't That Bad For a Teen Flick
eric26200327 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Make no question about it, the Olsen twins of Ashley and Mary-Kate have literally come a long way. They were stars before they were able to talk as they shared the role of Michelle Tanner on the long-running series "Full House" to starring in tv specials and direct-to-video movies, speading joy and happiness to children with their misadventures only for them to emerge triumphant in the end. Now all grown up (sort of) the Olsens have now brought their energy to the big screen as they journey to New York in their latest adventure "New York Minute". As the leading stars Ashley and Mary-Kate play twins Jane and Roxy Ryan each venturing through Manhattan for different purposes, but one thing that remains the same, they each run into all sorts of chaotic mischief.
The film's pacing truly is apropos to the title as it breezes by in a New York minute providing the right amout of energy and comedy for a light-weight family oriented movie that will not leave its younger audience restless. The older generation might find the pacing to be tedious and illogical, but this film is not set for the older audience. If you have teens around the ages of 12-17 years old-they will have the time of their lives.
All happening on a single solidary day, the twins carry a lot of baggage in their hands. They are seen traveling in a wide variety of vehicles while being chased around by desperate people who are after them. They attend a rock concert, trek through the sewer pipes, take down a group who's pirating videos, delivering an important speech to get into an Ivy League university in Great Britain, fall in love and try to rectify the fall-out relationship between the sibling. For a 90 minute film, that's a lot to cover.
Jane is the serious twin, it is her mission to be in Manhattan to deliver a speech which would recommend her a scholarship to a highly ranked University in Great Britain. She may be an overachiever and very smart beyond her years, she's also very neurotic and insecure. Meanwhile Roxy is the more laid-back wayward twin. Her reason for this trip to Manhattan is to attend a Simple Plan rock concert and to hand in a video demo to. All the while they are being chased by a video pirating ring who placed a chip in one of their bags and an obsessed truant officer who wants to pursue Roxy who's been missing too many school days.
The younger audience might be in shock that the twins use some vulgar language in their dialogue which might not surprise some being that they're teenagers. However, it will surprise others being that it's hard to settle in to hear them speak like that knowing that there was a time they couldn't or can barely talk at all during their "Full House" years. Sure the twins are pretty comfortable sharing screen time together as they are comfortable together in real life. The sad thing is that the pairing up together can be problematic for their careers. There's not many scripts that's out there for twins, plus with the enhancement of CGI that can make duplicates of perforners, it might be simpler and less profitable to hire a single performer and make a computer enhanced duplicate of said performer. I also feared at the competitiveness that comes with starring in big pictures. One sibling might compete for the same role and that they won't be able to pull off with what they did in the 1980's and 1990's when they starred as Michelle Tanner on "Full House". Fortunately that didn't happen as they pulled away from their acting days to concentrate more on their fasion careers.
The Olsen twins aren't the only performers who are in on the comedy factor of this movie. Veteran performers Andy Richter and Eugene Levy steal every scene they are in. Richter is wonderful as Bennie Bang a subservient deviant behind a corrupt piracy ring led by a Chinese proprietress. He remains loyal to her by passing himself as Chinese (even though he's Caucasian). Though he might be riding a slippery slope in terms of cultural appropriation, Richter succeeds be keeping his character funny without trying to make his character offensive.
Levy, who has been a comic legend for over 5 decades, shows great depth of comedy by playing truant officer Max Lomax who's hot in pursuit of Roxy. His determination is at a similar level to Tommy Lee Jones' character U. S. Marshal Sam Gerard in the 1993 thriller "The Fugitive". Every time you think he caught Roxy, she always seems to slip by him. There's a lot of cat and mouse chases in this movie.
Under the direction of Dennie Gordon who directed the cult classic "What a Girl Wants", the way she plays off Manhattan really pays off (though the filming was actually in Toronto). The adventures through the sleepless urban settings is put to good use and takes these cat and mouse chases to great effect. Gordon seems to have a great connection to these young teenaged twins being that she was a teen herself. And though the romantic scenes with their lovers. Trey and Jim (Jared Padalecki and Riley Smith) may not be the focal point of this movie, it still passes off as belieavable being that it feels like typical teenage crushes.
Under the script from Emily Fox, Adam Cooper and Bill Collage, they seem to pay homage to 1930's fine line of motherless daughters. With the death of their mother, the sister-sister relationship has fallen apart. We get the feeling of sympathy from the twins as they try to move forward from the grief and anxiety and that the loss of parent at a young age can be quite stressful to both of them as they look for an escape to get away from it (Jane enrolling in Great Britain and Roxy starting a music career).
In spite of some material that might seem illogical and predictable, "New York Minute" stands alone as long-time coming for the Olsen twins to transition themselves to the big screen and they did quite well. The chases were fun and exciting, and shows that even as later teens, the Olsens can still have a mass appeal towards its younger audience. The issues they face can equally balance what is real and what is surreal. Brace youself kids out there don't miss a second of this movie because it'll all be over in a New York minute.
The film's pacing truly is apropos to the title as it breezes by in a New York minute providing the right amout of energy and comedy for a light-weight family oriented movie that will not leave its younger audience restless. The older generation might find the pacing to be tedious and illogical, but this film is not set for the older audience. If you have teens around the ages of 12-17 years old-they will have the time of their lives.
All happening on a single solidary day, the twins carry a lot of baggage in their hands. They are seen traveling in a wide variety of vehicles while being chased around by desperate people who are after them. They attend a rock concert, trek through the sewer pipes, take down a group who's pirating videos, delivering an important speech to get into an Ivy League university in Great Britain, fall in love and try to rectify the fall-out relationship between the sibling. For a 90 minute film, that's a lot to cover.
Jane is the serious twin, it is her mission to be in Manhattan to deliver a speech which would recommend her a scholarship to a highly ranked University in Great Britain. She may be an overachiever and very smart beyond her years, she's also very neurotic and insecure. Meanwhile Roxy is the more laid-back wayward twin. Her reason for this trip to Manhattan is to attend a Simple Plan rock concert and to hand in a video demo to. All the while they are being chased by a video pirating ring who placed a chip in one of their bags and an obsessed truant officer who wants to pursue Roxy who's been missing too many school days.
The younger audience might be in shock that the twins use some vulgar language in their dialogue which might not surprise some being that they're teenagers. However, it will surprise others being that it's hard to settle in to hear them speak like that knowing that there was a time they couldn't or can barely talk at all during their "Full House" years. Sure the twins are pretty comfortable sharing screen time together as they are comfortable together in real life. The sad thing is that the pairing up together can be problematic for their careers. There's not many scripts that's out there for twins, plus with the enhancement of CGI that can make duplicates of perforners, it might be simpler and less profitable to hire a single performer and make a computer enhanced duplicate of said performer. I also feared at the competitiveness that comes with starring in big pictures. One sibling might compete for the same role and that they won't be able to pull off with what they did in the 1980's and 1990's when they starred as Michelle Tanner on "Full House". Fortunately that didn't happen as they pulled away from their acting days to concentrate more on their fasion careers.
The Olsen twins aren't the only performers who are in on the comedy factor of this movie. Veteran performers Andy Richter and Eugene Levy steal every scene they are in. Richter is wonderful as Bennie Bang a subservient deviant behind a corrupt piracy ring led by a Chinese proprietress. He remains loyal to her by passing himself as Chinese (even though he's Caucasian). Though he might be riding a slippery slope in terms of cultural appropriation, Richter succeeds be keeping his character funny without trying to make his character offensive.
Levy, who has been a comic legend for over 5 decades, shows great depth of comedy by playing truant officer Max Lomax who's hot in pursuit of Roxy. His determination is at a similar level to Tommy Lee Jones' character U. S. Marshal Sam Gerard in the 1993 thriller "The Fugitive". Every time you think he caught Roxy, she always seems to slip by him. There's a lot of cat and mouse chases in this movie.
Under the direction of Dennie Gordon who directed the cult classic "What a Girl Wants", the way she plays off Manhattan really pays off (though the filming was actually in Toronto). The adventures through the sleepless urban settings is put to good use and takes these cat and mouse chases to great effect. Gordon seems to have a great connection to these young teenaged twins being that she was a teen herself. And though the romantic scenes with their lovers. Trey and Jim (Jared Padalecki and Riley Smith) may not be the focal point of this movie, it still passes off as belieavable being that it feels like typical teenage crushes.
Under the script from Emily Fox, Adam Cooper and Bill Collage, they seem to pay homage to 1930's fine line of motherless daughters. With the death of their mother, the sister-sister relationship has fallen apart. We get the feeling of sympathy from the twins as they try to move forward from the grief and anxiety and that the loss of parent at a young age can be quite stressful to both of them as they look for an escape to get away from it (Jane enrolling in Great Britain and Roxy starting a music career).
In spite of some material that might seem illogical and predictable, "New York Minute" stands alone as long-time coming for the Olsen twins to transition themselves to the big screen and they did quite well. The chases were fun and exciting, and shows that even as later teens, the Olsens can still have a mass appeal towards its younger audience. The issues they face can equally balance what is real and what is surreal. Brace youself kids out there don't miss a second of this movie because it'll all be over in a New York minute.
Honestly, not THAT bad...
gmglader12 May 2004
Taken for what it is, a pre-teen flick featuring the wealthiest 17-years olds in type-cast roles ever, the movie is not terrible. It's no work of art, nor will it be nominated for any awards, but it is entertaining, which is all anyone can expect it to be. It definitely isn't being advertised as anything else.
More than anything, it's silly and allows a girl to giggle at the crazy antics of two sisters caught up in more than they can handle in New York City. A fun story of mayhem and mischief, it is far from the worst movie out this season (have you SEEN "Van Helsing"? I rest my case).
Maybe it's not worth spending $9 on a movie ticket, but it would be a fun rental. :-)
More than anything, it's silly and allows a girl to giggle at the crazy antics of two sisters caught up in more than they can handle in New York City. A fun story of mayhem and mischief, it is far from the worst movie out this season (have you SEEN "Van Helsing"? I rest my case).
Maybe it's not worth spending $9 on a movie ticket, but it would be a fun rental. :-)
Great Family Movie
donna-10918 June 2004
I thought this was a good movie. Its not fair to compare it to "Mean Girls." Although I like Lindsay Lohan, Mean Girls is intended for a different age group. My daughter is 10 and loved "Freaky Friday", but I feel "Mean Girls" has too much sexual content for that age. "New York Minute" is aimed for the "tween age" group. There aren't enough of these kinds of movies out. Its either cartoon-like movies, which this age thinks are not cool enough for them, or right to sex and violence. The New York Minute is an in-between kind of movie that we need to fill the gap for this age group. The people who are saying "this is so predictable" and "we have already seen that kinda movie before" are not the target audience. Yes, we older ones have seen this plot many times before, but our kids have not. Even if we let them see the movies that are similar, they were based in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, etc., so the trends and such will be harder for them to relate to. Mary Kate and Ashley have not surrendered to pressure to include sex and violence in their movies and I say good for them. This is a fun movie that the whole family can enjoy and get a lot of laughs. If there were more movies like this, maybe our young wouldn't be so prone to grow up so fast, and actually still enjoy being with their families.
Exactly what User-Rating says it is.
JanArso24 March 2023
It's honestly always entertaining to read user ratings at the lower end for a movie like this because it genuinely leaves you puzzled as to what these people were expecting.
The Poster already communicates all you need to know about this movie: It's a silly, 2000s, teenage-girl-comedy, full of cliches, pop songs and very much a product of it's time. You've got your Pop-Rock-Band Cameo, playing a full song, some Minute-Long awkward dancing/styling scenes and your superficial love interests that do not contribute to the plot in any way. In the end everyone get's what they always wanted and everyone is living their best lives. I know, predictable.
Here's the thing: If you're reading this, chances are high you're not exactly the target audience for the movie. That's fine. Neither am I. Just keep your expections in check when you agree to watch this with someone.
The Movie knows exactly what it is and it succeeds at being just that. No attempts were made to make this movie anything beyond that and judging it for that is a little bit silly. If you went into this Movie with higher expectations, you really need to learn how to pick your Movies.
The Poster already communicates all you need to know about this movie: It's a silly, 2000s, teenage-girl-comedy, full of cliches, pop songs and very much a product of it's time. You've got your Pop-Rock-Band Cameo, playing a full song, some Minute-Long awkward dancing/styling scenes and your superficial love interests that do not contribute to the plot in any way. In the end everyone get's what they always wanted and everyone is living their best lives. I know, predictable.
Here's the thing: If you're reading this, chances are high you're not exactly the target audience for the movie. That's fine. Neither am I. Just keep your expections in check when you agree to watch this with someone.
The Movie knows exactly what it is and it succeeds at being just that. No attempts were made to make this movie anything beyond that and judging it for that is a little bit silly. If you went into this Movie with higher expectations, you really need to learn how to pick your Movies.
Why did I even bother?
TheOtherFool11 October 2004
Warning: Spoilers
My girlfriend has a thing going for the Olsen twins (no, not that kind of thing), and I decided to go along with it and watch New York minute with her. What I got? An easy to digest, easy to forget, silly and rather stupid little movie. Just what I expected.
The twins are divided into the extremely original barbie-wild girl types who decide in the end they truly love each other. You know, after 90 minutes (oh, if it only lasted 1 minute!) of arguing and stuff.
Everybody's happy in this one, so the girls meet some cute guys and even the bad guys have a certain charm (it's Andy everybody! Man, where have you been?). And when the girls get lost in Harlem they're just gonna get their hair cut. Uh-huh.
Only watchable because of Levy and our main man, Mr. Andy Richter. Otherwise: ouch. 3/10.
The twins are divided into the extremely original barbie-wild girl types who decide in the end they truly love each other. You know, after 90 minutes (oh, if it only lasted 1 minute!) of arguing and stuff.
Everybody's happy in this one, so the girls meet some cute guys and even the bad guys have a certain charm (it's Andy everybody! Man, where have you been?). And when the girls get lost in Harlem they're just gonna get their hair cut. Uh-huh.
Only watchable because of Levy and our main man, Mr. Andy Richter. Otherwise: ouch. 3/10.
Just as bad as I expected it to be
christian12325 November 2004
Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen play Jane and Roxy Ryan, twin sisters who couldn't be anything more unlike each other. Jane is a studious over-achiever while Roxy is a wild trouble making rocker. Despite their differences, the two of them spend a wacky day in New York City being chased by a truant officer {Eugene Levy}, a Chinese bootlegging ring, and a couple of cute guys.
I honestly don't understand why the Olsen twins decided to work on this film for their first big screen picture in nearly ten years. The film is very cheesy and very stupid just like their straight to video stuff. It's pretty much a thin story tied together with a bunch of scenes of the Olsen twins running around. Unfortunately, the Olsen twins are really not that interesting or talented. So watching them run around for 90 minutes is not a good thing. They're not funny and all their jokes fall flat. Their jokes don't work because the set up lines are very clunky and the jokes are just so awkward and lame. You would think that after 18 years of acting they would be able to handle it but I guess not.
The supporting cast aren't much better themselves. Eugene Levy was not funny and it was kind of sad watching him in this movie since you know he is way above this material. Andy Richter gives an embarrassing performance as Bennie. His character is such a stereotype and kind of offensive as well. The rest of the cast don't add anything as well and they just look embarrass to be there. Director Dennie Gordon is no stranger to success. She has some nice hits under her belt but this is one project she shouldn't have made. Her direction is kind of lazy and unfocused. She doesn't really tell a story and just moves the film along kind of messily. I actually used to like the Olsen twins when I was younger and I have just outgrown them. I can understand her fans liking this film but everyone else not familiar with their work should skip New York Minute. In the end, New York Minute is a waste of time and it's a film only the kids will like. Rating 2/10
I honestly don't understand why the Olsen twins decided to work on this film for their first big screen picture in nearly ten years. The film is very cheesy and very stupid just like their straight to video stuff. It's pretty much a thin story tied together with a bunch of scenes of the Olsen twins running around. Unfortunately, the Olsen twins are really not that interesting or talented. So watching them run around for 90 minutes is not a good thing. They're not funny and all their jokes fall flat. Their jokes don't work because the set up lines are very clunky and the jokes are just so awkward and lame. You would think that after 18 years of acting they would be able to handle it but I guess not.
The supporting cast aren't much better themselves. Eugene Levy was not funny and it was kind of sad watching him in this movie since you know he is way above this material. Andy Richter gives an embarrassing performance as Bennie. His character is such a stereotype and kind of offensive as well. The rest of the cast don't add anything as well and they just look embarrass to be there. Director Dennie Gordon is no stranger to success. She has some nice hits under her belt but this is one project she shouldn't have made. Her direction is kind of lazy and unfocused. She doesn't really tell a story and just moves the film along kind of messily. I actually used to like the Olsen twins when I was younger and I have just outgrown them. I can understand her fans liking this film but everyone else not familiar with their work should skip New York Minute. In the end, New York Minute is a waste of time and it's a film only the kids will like. Rating 2/10
More enjoyable then I expected.
mack3175-118 June 2004
I thought this movie was gonna be has dumb as its tittle. And the Olsen twins were gonna make it real silly to sit through. But I was proven wrong, it was very funny movie. Silly slapstick, and funny one liners. The Olsen twins have really grown up, and they were so good, there like Lindsay Lohan spilt into two different people. Two twins(Mary Kate and Ashley) have nothing in common, except they look alike. Go to New York, One is going to make a speech at an convention, and the other is ditching school to go a rock concert. But things don't go so well when they unwittingly get mixed in a smuggling ring, and a school officer(the very funny Eugene Levy) is hot on there trail. Enjoyable to say the least. The plot almost seems similar to Ferris Bueller Day Off(1986) but who cares it was still an enjoyable movie. Eugene Levy almost steals the movie.
Delightful Spoof!
JohnHowardReid20 June 2016
Warning: Spoilers
A very entertaining movie, mostly shot on location in New York, delightfully scripted to take full advantage of the charismatic qualities of its young stars, Miss Mary-Kate Olsen and Miss Ashley Olsen, inventively plotted by Emily Fox, plus the team of Adam Cooper and Bill Collage, and most skillfully directed by Miss Dennie Gordon, New York Minute would seem to have every quality to assure box office success. Therefore it was a surprise to learn that the movie actually lost money and was hard put to recover even half its negative cost. Admittedly, thirty million dollars was most certainly a hard amount to recoup, but all the same it could have been done if both word of mouth and critical reviews had been more favorable. Generally speaking, audiences do not respond well to spoofs in the movies. They will respond to TV spoofs and, when radio shows ruled the air, listeners likewise responded equally well to their often totally ridiculous plots and screwball situations, But for some unknown reason, most people who go to the movies will usually not tolerate many of the screwball plot twists and situations they would happily applaud at home. Why not? Now if you could answer that one, you could make yourself a fortune as a Hollywood financial consultant. DVD available on a superb Warner Brothers disc with some really great extras.
Really not as bad as everyone is saying
toastandcereal10 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Most people are giving this movie such a bad rating, when it really isn't that bad at all. What were they expecting, an Oscar worthy movie? The movie only has two annoyances for me, and it's the guy from American Pie (can't remember the actor's name) because his acting in this is, quite frankly, terrible. The character is already awful so I don't think they could have picked anyone worse for the role, but his nasally whiny voice is very annoying. Also the limo-driver/planner stealer. The acting is incredibly bad.
Sure, this movie is full of cheesy jokes and way too much running, but it's the whole point of the movie. I also think both of the Olsen's acting (Marykate's acting is slightly better) is much better in this film than say, Holiday in the Sun. The scene where they finally confront each other about not being there for each other is actually quite touching, and definitely made me sad.
Men should just steer clear of this movie, even if their girlfriend's ask them to watch it, because you're going to be bored (well, maybe not on the towel scene XD) but I think most girls will quite like it, for the Olsen's gorgeous freaking hair, their clothes and makeup, and just to see them act in something when they were more mature.
I would recommend to either download it or rent it. If you find it in a sale for £3 that's good too, but definitely don't pay over £7 for this movie, because you might regret it.
Sure, this movie is full of cheesy jokes and way too much running, but it's the whole point of the movie. I also think both of the Olsen's acting (Marykate's acting is slightly better) is much better in this film than say, Holiday in the Sun. The scene where they finally confront each other about not being there for each other is actually quite touching, and definitely made me sad.
Men should just steer clear of this movie, even if their girlfriend's ask them to watch it, because you're going to be bored (well, maybe not on the towel scene XD) but I think most girls will quite like it, for the Olsen's gorgeous freaking hair, their clothes and makeup, and just to see them act in something when they were more mature.
I would recommend to either download it or rent it. If you find it in a sale for £3 that's good too, but definitely don't pay over £7 for this movie, because you might regret it.
Counting the minutes!!!!
SajeevaS18 October 2004
Well what can you expect from 2 teenagers who have obviously never participated in 'serious' acting and whose credits have been a series of obnoxious TV movies which barely received any good ratings?
Well you can expect the worst and hope for the best. This movie was definitely NOT GOOD - but in comparison to all the Olsen twin's movie's, this stands out. The same typical Olsen sequences of twins with different personalities is well captured even in this movie- and unfortunately i believe that this is the limit. Even before watching this movie,the fact that earning the title of the lowest box office grossing for a film opening in over 3000 theaters, basically leashes the impending movie experience. So well that just reveals that the Olsen twins should just be participators of the modeling industry - as for their contribution to the film industry- well they are cute and they not impressive at all, so let them not contribute...please.
I believe if they should continue acting - get rid of the twin act and surprise people with something new. As for 'New york minute' you can watch it if you just wanna see the twins shake their behinds - but besides - SERIOUSLY...DON'T BOTHER!!!!
Well you can expect the worst and hope for the best. This movie was definitely NOT GOOD - but in comparison to all the Olsen twin's movie's, this stands out. The same typical Olsen sequences of twins with different personalities is well captured even in this movie- and unfortunately i believe that this is the limit. Even before watching this movie,the fact that earning the title of the lowest box office grossing for a film opening in over 3000 theaters, basically leashes the impending movie experience. So well that just reveals that the Olsen twins should just be participators of the modeling industry - as for their contribution to the film industry- well they are cute and they not impressive at all, so let them not contribute...please.
I believe if they should continue acting - get rid of the twin act and surprise people with something new. As for 'New york minute' you can watch it if you just wanna see the twins shake their behinds - but besides - SERIOUSLY...DON'T BOTHER!!!!
Incredibly stupid
jpintar25 September 2004
If you are not a girl under the age of ten, New York Minute will be a head ache inducing waste of 90 minutes of your time. The interchangeable Olsen twins (who cares which is which) star in this rip off of Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Ferris Bueller was likable but these two girls have no personality. Their series of misadventures are not funny. Eugene Levy has a nothing role as a truent officer obsessed with catching the two girls. This character is incredibly stupid, not funny, and very obnoxious. Then there are non acting guys who fall in love with them. Don't get me started on Andy Richter's embarrassing role. Definitely one of the year's worst movies. 3/10
I am stupider for having seen this movie
unimportant10 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Since I get unlimited rentals from Netflix, I often mix in some stupid movies, sometimes because I feel like watching a lighter movie that doesn't require any thinking, and sometimes just out of morbid curiosity. It was the latter that compelled me to rent "New York Minute" starring the Olsen twins.
"New York Minute" has gotten universally bad reviews from critics, but I considered that the mere fact that the movie starred Mary-Kate and Ashley invited ridicule from people who haven't even seen it. Despite a traumatic experience in my teenage years, when I was repeatedly forced to watch "It Takes Two" (an Olsen twins version of "The Parent Trap") by some kids I frequently babysat, I gave this one a chance. To my surprise, it was even stupider than it looked. Even stupider than the critics led me to believe. Even stupider than "It Takes Two." So stupid that I hardly know where to begin The interchangeable Olsen twins play, you guessed it, twin sisters. Although they are identical in appearance, they have completely opposite personalities: Jane is the conservative, overachieving twin, while Roxy is a messy, truant punk. Eugene Levy plays a truancy officer who's obsessed with catching Roxy.
Jane and Roxy are both taking a trip into the city -- Jane to deliver a speech for a scholarship contest, and Roxy to go to a concert -- and a predictable case of mistaken identity leads to both twins getting kicked off the train. While they're at the train station, FBI agents descend on a guy trying to hand off what turns out to be a computer chip with pirated music (leading one to wonder why they didn't just e-mail the files or something), causing him to slip said chip into Roxy's purse, resulting in a Chinese-wannabe limo driver chasing the twins through NYC to recover the chip.
During the bizarre chase, Jane accepts a ride from the limo driver because she can't wait 3 hours for the next train, even though she has more than 6 hours to get to her speech. Then Roxy tosses the important chip onto a tray of food, which the dog proceeds to eat. At one point, the twins end up in a sewer, but the scary black people-turned-nice at House of Bling give them multiple free makeovers (despite Jane's tight schedule to get to her speech, she takes the time to try on half a dozen outfits and dance around in each one) and a cab to drive. Meanwhile, the truancy officer commandeers and subsequently wrecks a tourist couple's RV to chase down Roxy, but then gets promoted for busting the pirated music ring.
It all comes together to create possibly the stupidest movie ever made. What's really sad about "New York Minute" is that it was supposed to be a vehicle to show that the Olsen Twins are serious actresses, but it ultimately just shows how undeserving they are of their fame and fortune. (1/10)
"New York Minute" has gotten universally bad reviews from critics, but I considered that the mere fact that the movie starred Mary-Kate and Ashley invited ridicule from people who haven't even seen it. Despite a traumatic experience in my teenage years, when I was repeatedly forced to watch "It Takes Two" (an Olsen twins version of "The Parent Trap") by some kids I frequently babysat, I gave this one a chance. To my surprise, it was even stupider than it looked. Even stupider than the critics led me to believe. Even stupider than "It Takes Two." So stupid that I hardly know where to begin The interchangeable Olsen twins play, you guessed it, twin sisters. Although they are identical in appearance, they have completely opposite personalities: Jane is the conservative, overachieving twin, while Roxy is a messy, truant punk. Eugene Levy plays a truancy officer who's obsessed with catching Roxy.
Jane and Roxy are both taking a trip into the city -- Jane to deliver a speech for a scholarship contest, and Roxy to go to a concert -- and a predictable case of mistaken identity leads to both twins getting kicked off the train. While they're at the train station, FBI agents descend on a guy trying to hand off what turns out to be a computer chip with pirated music (leading one to wonder why they didn't just e-mail the files or something), causing him to slip said chip into Roxy's purse, resulting in a Chinese-wannabe limo driver chasing the twins through NYC to recover the chip.
During the bizarre chase, Jane accepts a ride from the limo driver because she can't wait 3 hours for the next train, even though she has more than 6 hours to get to her speech. Then Roxy tosses the important chip onto a tray of food, which the dog proceeds to eat. At one point, the twins end up in a sewer, but the scary black people-turned-nice at House of Bling give them multiple free makeovers (despite Jane's tight schedule to get to her speech, she takes the time to try on half a dozen outfits and dance around in each one) and a cab to drive. Meanwhile, the truancy officer commandeers and subsequently wrecks a tourist couple's RV to chase down Roxy, but then gets promoted for busting the pirated music ring.
It all comes together to create possibly the stupidest movie ever made. What's really sad about "New York Minute" is that it was supposed to be a vehicle to show that the Olsen Twins are serious actresses, but it ultimately just shows how undeserving they are of their fame and fortune. (1/10)
It is what it is
phoenix9999 May 2004
If you like Mary-Kate and Ashley's previous movies than I'm sure you'll enjoy this one as well. I gave it a 10/10 because it is what it is and shouldn't be judged for anything more.
The Olsen's produce family friendly movies which are enjoyable for what they are. I'm 22 and love their movies because they are fun and innocent. They don't run around in the film in cleavage/midriff bearing shirts or ultra-mini skirts, acting like complete bimbos in order for guys to think they're sexy, like most teenage actors do. In most movies of theirs, one plays a very upstanding, conservative person who dreams of academic achievement and the other is more wild and likes to enjoy life to its fullest.
Why bother seeing it if you hate these kinds of movies? It makes no sense at all why most people who have voted or commented here at imdb even saw it in the first place (most I find didn't go at all).
Think about it... if all you read are sports magazines, why would you pick up a Harlequinn romance?
The Olsen's produce family friendly movies which are enjoyable for what they are. I'm 22 and love their movies because they are fun and innocent. They don't run around in the film in cleavage/midriff bearing shirts or ultra-mini skirts, acting like complete bimbos in order for guys to think they're sexy, like most teenage actors do. In most movies of theirs, one plays a very upstanding, conservative person who dreams of academic achievement and the other is more wild and likes to enjoy life to its fullest.
Why bother seeing it if you hate these kinds of movies? It makes no sense at all why most people who have voted or commented here at imdb even saw it in the first place (most I find didn't go at all).
Think about it... if all you read are sports magazines, why would you pick up a Harlequinn romance?
All that can happen in a New York minute!
jotix10024 August 2005
"New York Minute" is a film that is clearly targeted for young girls. That said, the film, as directed by Dennie Gordon, based on a screen play by Emily Fox, is a rip off on other formula movies that have, at least, been somehow more amusing than this one that tries to cash on the famous, or infamous, according to what your take is, of the Olsen twins.
These young women grew up in front of all Americans in their television show. Now, having grown up, they have moved, for real, to New York, in order to pursue their college education. In the process, both these girls have been the fodder for tabloid news and their wealth have bought them all kinds of material comforts in the Big Apple, including an apartment worth millions.
As far as being actresses, let the viewer come to his/her own conclusions. In the film, they are seen being themselves, more than being part of the movie. The only casualty seems to be Eugene Levy, who as the truant inspector, is made to be the bad guy of the story.
Give a copy of this film to young girls you must give a present, as they will appreciate the gift.
These young women grew up in front of all Americans in their television show. Now, having grown up, they have moved, for real, to New York, in order to pursue their college education. In the process, both these girls have been the fodder for tabloid news and their wealth have bought them all kinds of material comforts in the Big Apple, including an apartment worth millions.
As far as being actresses, let the viewer come to his/her own conclusions. In the film, they are seen being themselves, more than being part of the movie. The only casualty seems to be Eugene Levy, who as the truant inspector, is made to be the bad guy of the story.
Give a copy of this film to young girls you must give a present, as they will appreciate the gift.
New York Minute or New York Second?
rohan_g7 March 2005
OK about a month ago, the cable company was advertising the crap out NYM and to my surprise, it was a funny movie. What was more amazing the Olsen sisters aren't bad actors. NYM minute wouldn't be the type of movie I would pay $12.00 at the cinema (besides the shame factor), however if you do take the time to watch it, you might be amazed.
I know there are going to be a lot people asking me why do I like this movie? The answer is simple it is easy to follow and it's down right hilarious. Sure NYM wouldn't last a New York Second during the theatrical release, but it is suitable for a quiet night at home.
New York Minute may not be in the same category as House of Sand and Fog or Donnie Darko, but lets not forget it is a comedy.
7/10
I know there are going to be a lot people asking me why do I like this movie? The answer is simple it is easy to follow and it's down right hilarious. Sure NYM wouldn't last a New York Second during the theatrical release, but it is suitable for a quiet night at home.
New York Minute may not be in the same category as House of Sand and Fog or Donnie Darko, but lets not forget it is a comedy.
7/10
Why did this film tank at the Box Office?
mikerjones24 October 2008
This is a silly movie that's also funny. With all the crap out there, why did it set a record for lowest opening day box office for a movie in 3,000 theaters? Perhaps it was simply not appropriately advertised. I see other reviewers using words like 'for teen girls' and for 'pre-teens.' I don't believe that those demographics were the actual target for this movie. A silly comedy with attractive teen girls starring in it also appeals to boys (although they might not be completely honest about it) and 17 is middle-aged teen, not pre-teen. Also, while there is no bad language in the movie that I noticed, there were definitely situations of a suggestive nature that I would not recommend for "pre-teens." I can't believe their other movies had this level of 'sophistication.' If you make a movie for older teens and young adults and movie-goers get the idea it's made for pre-teens, perhaps that is part of the disconnect that explains the box office failure.
My wife and I have no children, but really laughed out loud at parts of the movie, especially "the speech." I'm not saying who said what so this is not a spoiler. We have not seen other Olsen Twins movies, other than about 2 minutes in a Costco that had a special on their videos. Personally, I thought the girls were fine and the other stars solid. In fact, for my money, the worst actor in the movie by far was Jack Osbourne; not bad, just the least polished of the bunch. And yes, I have seen him in Ozzie Osbourne's family's reality show.
The bloopers, billed as "Hilarous Bloopers" were in fact pretty funny, especially watching the twins' reaction to each other's issues. Certainly, it might have helped to show those in the theater. As it happened, we rented the movie while on vacation. If you're looking for a change of pace from SciFi and Bourne-esqe thriller movies, you could do a lot worse.
My wife and I have no children, but really laughed out loud at parts of the movie, especially "the speech." I'm not saying who said what so this is not a spoiler. We have not seen other Olsen Twins movies, other than about 2 minutes in a Costco that had a special on their videos. Personally, I thought the girls were fine and the other stars solid. In fact, for my money, the worst actor in the movie by far was Jack Osbourne; not bad, just the least polished of the bunch. And yes, I have seen him in Ozzie Osbourne's family's reality show.
The bloopers, billed as "Hilarous Bloopers" were in fact pretty funny, especially watching the twins' reaction to each other's issues. Certainly, it might have helped to show those in the theater. As it happened, we rented the movie while on vacation. If you're looking for a change of pace from SciFi and Bourne-esqe thriller movies, you could do a lot worse.
Nice diversion for youngsters to watch.
TxMike10 October 2004
At this time 40% of the IMDb votes for this movie are "1". That's just absurd. Those votes are bogus, are obviously intended to simply see how far down they can push the rating. Which is immaterial, for if we ignore those idiotic votes, we see the median clustering near "5", which is about the right rating. This movie was made for only one reason, to give the fans of the twins something to watch. But I suspect both of them can act at a much higher level than these sorts of movies require them to, and I hope that each will branch out some day soon, and find more meaningful roles in more meaningful movies.
One of the twins is studious, trying to gain an overseas scholarship, the other one is more of a flake. Their romp through New York gets them into some tight situations, but in the end everything turns out OK. I saw this movie because of the neighbor twin girls who are just a bit younger. I enjoyed it simply to see how the young actresses are growing up.
One of the twins is studious, trying to gain an overseas scholarship, the other one is more of a flake. Their romp through New York gets them into some tight situations, but in the end everything turns out OK. I saw this movie because of the neighbor twin girls who are just a bit younger. I enjoyed it simply to see how the young actresses are growing up.
A movie much better than it was received
adamapp15 May 2004
This movie is much better than it was given credit for.
A much more positive film than "Mean Girls." Its actually a much more family oriented flick. I think that may have been its downfall.
That and that godawful trailer.
I swear advertising executives really, really need to not be allowed NEAR the editing room ever.
Their acting was competent, the story was well done, for the audience it tried to attract and most importantly it was FUNNY.
Four stars out of five.
A much more positive film than "Mean Girls." Its actually a much more family oriented flick. I think that may have been its downfall.
That and that godawful trailer.
I swear advertising executives really, really need to not be allowed NEAR the editing room ever.
Their acting was competent, the story was well done, for the audience it tried to attract and most importantly it was FUNNY.
Four stars out of five.
I enjoyed this film, but there were just a few problems.
nieropdave6 July 2022
I remembered watching this on TV as a kid and i enjoyed it as one of my favourite childhood movies. But now i realized that the movie was more about the girls being on the run from a Chinese Mafia while the Truancy officer played by the great Eugene Levy was just a subplot to me cause it almost felt like Eugene's character was just wasted like perfect casting but wasted. And as for Andy Richter he was ok playing a villain but him acting Chinese and using a Chinese accent was weird.
New York Minute
studioAT21 May 2021
The second and final film the girls made that was a theatrical release, as well as being the last film as of 2021 that they appeared in together.
It follows the usual format that their films do, but there is a sense of there being more of a storyline/theatrical feel.
It's not bad, it's not great, but it does provide some entertainment.
It follows the usual format that their films do, but there is a sense of there being more of a storyline/theatrical feel.
It's not bad, it's not great, but it does provide some entertainment.
All Cheesey Poof And Marshmallow Fluff
robertvannsmith9 May 2004
Okay, so, I went to see this movie because --- let's face it --- those Olsen twins have grown up to be two fine young women.
But --- how much longer are we going to have to endure seeing Olsen twin movies full of cheesey poofi-ness and marshmallow fluff ?????
I mean, their squeaky-clean, down-to-earth wholesomeness is all fine and dandy and has been for 17 years now, but when are we going to start seeing the girls in some action \ sci-fi flicks ?
When I heard they were going to be in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throtle", I thought we were going to be in for a real treat, but then I got a major disappointment when I saw the movie and discovered they only had a five-second cameo.
We've seen these girls grow up on television and movies for the last 17 years. When the heck are we going to see them branch out and take on some more challenging (albeit "gothic") roles ?
But --- how much longer are we going to have to endure seeing Olsen twin movies full of cheesey poofi-ness and marshmallow fluff ?????
I mean, their squeaky-clean, down-to-earth wholesomeness is all fine and dandy and has been for 17 years now, but when are we going to start seeing the girls in some action \ sci-fi flicks ?
When I heard they were going to be in "Charlie's Angels: Full Throtle", I thought we were going to be in for a real treat, but then I got a major disappointment when I saw the movie and discovered they only had a five-second cameo.
We've seen these girls grow up on television and movies for the last 17 years. When the heck are we going to see them branch out and take on some more challenging (albeit "gothic") roles ?
It's A Fantastic Movie! Their Best Yet!
rickrick196414 May 2004
I just loved this movie! Like Ashley Olsen said in an interview, "it has something for everyone"! It is a movie which should appeal to everyone between the ages of 8 and 80! It has child-like fantasy aspects to it (with lots of special-effects included) and it has more adult overtones and undertones as well. They couldn't have made a better movie (IMHO). If you love Ashley Olsen and Mary-Kate Olsen and their "brand" of comedy you will absolutely love this movie! It has everything a great movie should have! It has more adult "themes" than their past movies but it was all very tastefully done. It contains nothing inappropriate for kids to see. You should see this movie at least once (or twice) because it is absolutely awesome! Rick Morris
unbelievable misadventures of twins
MLDinTN7 March 2005
I thought this movie was funny at times, but it is just too unrealistic to take seriously. It's one of those films where everything that can go wrong does, but everything turns out perfect in the end. Here, the Olsen twins play exact opposite sisters, Jane and Roxy. Roxy skips school to go to a video shoot and Jane has to give a speech in New York City. So, things don't turn out like they planned, starting with the train ride into the city. So, misadventure after misadventure begins. Each of them meets a guy they just happen to keep running into in a city of 8 million people. Roxy is chased by a truant officer, played by the funny Eugene Levy. Darrel Hammond keeps running into them and all the twins do is spill drinks on him, take him for a cab ride, basically scare him to death. The two have to change clothes a bunch of times because they walk through a sewer and run around half the time in bath towels. Now that part was so silly, like a towel would stay on you when you are running around like that.
So, the two have 6 hours to make Jane's speech time. And then to add even more silliness, Andy Richter plays a guy who thinks he's Chinese who is trying to get a chip back from the twins. And a dog eats the chip so even more hilarity ensues, right? As I mentioned, the ending is perfect, as the two girls make it to Colombia just in time. The speech doesn't go as planned, but Jane gets what she wants. And the two twins learn that they actually like to hang out with each other.
FINAL VERDICT: Made for 8 year old girls. I thought it was OK, but don't think most people would find it entertaining because it's so silly.
So, the two have 6 hours to make Jane's speech time. And then to add even more silliness, Andy Richter plays a guy who thinks he's Chinese who is trying to get a chip back from the twins. And a dog eats the chip so even more hilarity ensues, right? As I mentioned, the ending is perfect, as the two girls make it to Colombia just in time. The speech doesn't go as planned, but Jane gets what she wants. And the two twins learn that they actually like to hang out with each other.
FINAL VERDICT: Made for 8 year old girls. I thought it was OK, but don't think most people would find it entertaining because it's so silly.
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