The Neighbor

Well. This is a not well-known movie, and initially, i was surprised at the low rating it got at IMDb. But then I still went ahead to watch, and i was wrong. The movie is interesting only to the first half, then it begins unleashing the crappiest elements of a romantic comedy.

First, there is a sense of realism and the movie attempted to shape the characters of the two main leads. We can see, from their never ending arguments to the lifestyle that they have, how different the two are main leads are. Both of them have major flaws with their characters, but nevertheless, remains quite likable. Then, comes the climax of the movie. They fall in love with each other. How? In what way? There is no plot line, no events that will lead them to even change their views of each other at this point of time(half the movie gone)and seriously, there are such little chemistry or sexual tension between the two leads that I for one, even though knowing that this is to come, still can't quite imagine them falling for each other. And before long my doubts are cleared, they are brought/forced together in a very unconvincing and awkward way. There must be divine intervention really for the two of them, with their characters to behave like they did. From then on, it's all very rushed and the characters of the main leads seem to change overnight(especially for the female lead). Why shape their characters up if you're going to ruin it so completely later on? For romance? A very awkward and forced one? NOTHING is convincing.

This is a terrible movie. Even if you've got a couple of hours free with nothing to do, don't watch it.

This is on a par with 100's of made for TV, or straight to video romantic comedies. Usually the couple "meets cute", has a whirlwind romance, encounters a misunderstanding that causes a break-up and then thru some plot manipulation --- all's well that ends well. Or, the couple begins as advisaries, finds a common ground, fall off the common ground due to a misunderstanding, then.......live happily ever after. This formula has worked or failed lots of time. The good ones have likable leads, quality supporting players, witty scripts and tight direction.

Here we have scenerio #2. Everything happens as advertised, by here's the little twist. The leads are played by an aging Matthew Modine, about 50 these days, and a French import, making her English language debut, who's also almost 50 (according to IMDb). They look like they would or should be attracted to each other. They handle the rather blandly written script pretty well. As written, they should both be unlikable dolts, and the actors made them worth watching. The supporting cast is given nothing much to do (Richard Kind in a 3 minute, non-funny cameo????), the dialog and plot points not especially witty, but they get us from point A to the end. Again, the age appropriate actors, who are aging nicely by the way, showed some spark, and made it an OK hour and a half on Showtime. Just don't set your expectations real high.

I have been watching new movies all summer and just happened to read the box on this new arrival to the video store and thought the plot sounded funny. After watching it I was more than pleased. I could watch it over and over. Perhaps the people who posted a comment before me need to be soon fed a plot to be able to understand a movie. When the 2 main characters kiss it is obvious that even though they have been fighting with each other for however long, that they have technically formed a friendship and he is so depressed (obvious from the beginning) and she is completely unsatisfied with her current relationship (obvious from every scene with the fiancée and lunches with friend)...well... I think the movie is completely believable and I wish it didn't have to end.

I am going to be adding this movie to my collection.

In the mold of the traditional 'Pride and Prejudice' romance. This adds a little extra character depth and a number of excellently crafted comical moments all wrapped around a fairly simple plot of ice lady meets lost, passionate artistic man. Entertaining and real. Nothing new, just nice to smile through an hour or so of your life. Matthew Modine takes on the role of the forlorn architect desperate to show he can disprove his ex wife's opinion of him as the eternal dreamer. He plays the comic moments very well with his easy smile. Michèle Laroque in the first English speaking role of hers I have witnessed takes the aloof ice maiden model and gives it a light comical edge from the first to the last as she is slowly warmed....

Cute end entertaining. I enjoyed everyone's performances.