21 reviews
This is a pleasant enough diversion of a movie. Courteney Cox basically plays Monica, which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Her performance in the movie's introduction is forced, but after that is fine. The movie holds up especially well in those scenes without David Arquette. I've never been a fan of that 'Look how wacky I am' brand of humour, and it falls flat on its face here. The writing is unoriginal, but sometimes that's a nice thing in a movie; we know that everything will be fine in the end. There's the odd funny line, but a little too much farce (i.e. Cox repeatedly falling off a chair) or juvenile humor that adds little. Average, but adequately entertaining.
This is a less than mediocre romantic comedy that unfortunately follows the oh-so-stereotypical book of how to make a romantic comedy in three easy steps. But still there were the odd moment here and there worth a laugh, but as a whole then "The Shrink Is In" is not a movie that will bedazzle you in any way.
The story is about Samantha who takes over her therapist's office as she is going away. Here Samantha meets the guy of her dreams and have to imitate being a professional therapist in order to get close to the guy.
For a romantic comedy then "The Shrink Is In" doesn't have all that much of an impressive cast list. Courteney Cox was adequate in this movie, but she was actually outshined by David Arquette.
This movie is mostly for the fans of Courteney Cox or David Arquette. And if you are looking for a good romantic comedy to entertain you, then I would suggest another title, as there are far better romantic comedies available.
The story is about Samantha who takes over her therapist's office as she is going away. Here Samantha meets the guy of her dreams and have to imitate being a professional therapist in order to get close to the guy.
For a romantic comedy then "The Shrink Is In" doesn't have all that much of an impressive cast list. Courteney Cox was adequate in this movie, but she was actually outshined by David Arquette.
This movie is mostly for the fans of Courteney Cox or David Arquette. And if you are looking for a good romantic comedy to entertain you, then I would suggest another title, as there are far better romantic comedies available.
- paul_haakonsen
- Dec 16, 2015
- Permalink
To me, 'The Shrink Is In' represented everything a flop had to offer. A newly wed couple doing a film together, a film that sits on the shelf for a couple of years then finding a copy of it at my local blockbuster. Surprisingly, it's a really great film worthy of repeat viewings. Everyone works hard in their roles and bring their all to it and it works! If it was released in cinemas, it could be a hugely succesful romantic comedy, I think. It has all the right ingredients too: A succesful TV star giving a great performance, her less known husband exceeding in his excellent role in every scene he's in, a strong suppoerting cast of unkown names but recognisable faces including Carol Kane, David James Elliot, Kimberley Davies and Viola Davis. The script and direction are impressive also, although both could have been improved on a little. I also felt that a lot was cut out of the script leaving a lot of loose ends to be tied. To be honest, I don't think you need a plot when the film itself is so much fun but, for those who care, the film is about Samantha (Courteney Cox), a good hearted girl who's been afraid of everything from elevators to crowded places after she was dumped by her boyfriend. When her shrink collapses, she privately takes up her jobonly to find herself getting romantically involved with a shy magazine salesman, Henry (David Arquette) while at the sametime being wooed by her neighbor who's in a relationship with french stoner bimbo who likes to be taken behind "like a farm animal". Not only that, but she's also illegally impersonating her shrink, something she knows won't end up good. Even more so when the real shrink, Dr. Rosenberg (Carol Kane) is starting to rehabilitate. This film is nothing but a good natured fun romp through this woman's romantic life and whileit may be predictable at times, it's just fun! All the actors seem to be having fun which keeps the film on a good tone throughout, excellent for repeat viewings. One great blink ands you miss it performance is Carol Kane as the shrink, especially in her breakdown scenes. The directing by Richard Benjamin works quite well even if he makes the occasional blunder here and there. The script is very enjoyable, but like I said I definitely think the film had a lot of stuff cut. Hopefully, when the filmmakers and public realise that a really great film is stuck nowhere, they will give it a special edition, with the deleted scenes.
Courtney Cox, Carol Kane and David Arquette were all victims of a badly written movie. They shouldn't get Oscar credit but they definitely made the best out of a bad situation. The virgin writers still have a lot of work to do.
This movie was a canned romance. "Loser" woman assumes role of attractive professional to get the guy who's "unavailable" either through another relationship or because he would normally be out of the woman's league, all the while ignoring the supposed "loser" who is in love with her. She finally sees the light and the "loser" turns out to be a great guy and much more perfect than the person she was chasing to begin with.
How many times has that been done? There is a reason this movie didn't release to US theaters; The revenues would not have been substantial enough to cover the release costs. There's also a reason its only on Oxygen. Its awful. It even ends with a beach scene with the two "losers" together!!! Sweep Sundance and Cannes? You gotta be kidding me. Release in North America is no prerequisite to being selected for Cannes or Sundance. The only prerequisite is that there is some talent displayed. It has to hit on all fronts to be considered and this one only hit because the three stars were passable against almost insurmountable odds. Those odds being the script.
This movie was a canned romance. "Loser" woman assumes role of attractive professional to get the guy who's "unavailable" either through another relationship or because he would normally be out of the woman's league, all the while ignoring the supposed "loser" who is in love with her. She finally sees the light and the "loser" turns out to be a great guy and much more perfect than the person she was chasing to begin with.
How many times has that been done? There is a reason this movie didn't release to US theaters; The revenues would not have been substantial enough to cover the release costs. There's also a reason its only on Oxygen. Its awful. It even ends with a beach scene with the two "losers" together!!! Sweep Sundance and Cannes? You gotta be kidding me. Release in North America is no prerequisite to being selected for Cannes or Sundance. The only prerequisite is that there is some talent displayed. It has to hit on all fronts to be considered and this one only hit because the three stars were passable against almost insurmountable odds. Those odds being the script.
There seems to be an unwritten, but rigidly enforced rule in Hollywood these days, that every movie must be black even if it's not. No longer can you make a movie for white people, even if it's ostensibly a white movie ... it's just not pc.
Like all bad "pc" movies made during the past 10 years, The Shrink Is In constantly assaults you with pounding RAP. Also very pc, it has a white lead with a black neighbor who is her best friend. And of course, there are black faces planted in almost every scene of the movie.
If you can stand this cultural assault, you have to put up with an inane plot and marginal acting suitable for a Grade B chick flick. Which is what this woman-looking-for-love to mend a broken heart is.
Like all bad "pc" movies made during the past 10 years, The Shrink Is In constantly assaults you with pounding RAP. Also very pc, it has a white lead with a black neighbor who is her best friend. And of course, there are black faces planted in almost every scene of the movie.
If you can stand this cultural assault, you have to put up with an inane plot and marginal acting suitable for a Grade B chick flick. Which is what this woman-looking-for-love to mend a broken heart is.
This movie is horrendous. If you ever have the opportunity to see it, run for your very sanity. Courtney Cox makes millions per year from Friends...what the hell ever possessed her to create this monstrosity. Not only are the acting and writing atrocious but her character is so completely unlikable and immoral in so many ways that I just wanted her to be hit by a truck or be slaughtered with an axe wielded by the David Arquette character. Never let your 14 year old go to the movie rental place by herself to pick the movie. Now, please excuse me while I go rinse my eyes out with bleach to try and cleanse myself of the festering tripe I just watched.
I accidentally taped this film on Channel 4, instead of taping something else. Seeing that it had Courtney Cox and David Arquette, i decided to watch it.
It was a Wednesday afternoon and my decision came after the evaluation that there was little else to be done. So, I sat down, and expected to cringe at yet another hideously horrible film. I mean, what else is shown at 1am?
But, i was pleasantly surprised. OK, so the film doesn't really break any rules, and it's hardly the equivalent of _____________ (insert favourite film) but it was very enjoyable.
It had its share of laughs and though a bit predictable, it certainly was worth watching. And it was certainly in a higher league than some of the romantic movies out today! (A recent example being "Along Came Polly", a real disappointment)
If you're stuck for something to watch and just want to relax, this is the film for you. No thinking required. Just an hour or so of fun.
It was a Wednesday afternoon and my decision came after the evaluation that there was little else to be done. So, I sat down, and expected to cringe at yet another hideously horrible film. I mean, what else is shown at 1am?
But, i was pleasantly surprised. OK, so the film doesn't really break any rules, and it's hardly the equivalent of _____________ (insert favourite film) but it was very enjoyable.
It had its share of laughs and though a bit predictable, it certainly was worth watching. And it was certainly in a higher league than some of the romantic movies out today! (A recent example being "Along Came Polly", a real disappointment)
If you're stuck for something to watch and just want to relax, this is the film for you. No thinking required. Just an hour or so of fun.
- cherry_daze
- Aug 3, 2004
- Permalink
Samantha (Courteney Cox) is a Los Angeles travel writer that jets off to faraway places a good deal of the time. One day, as her fiancé taxies her to the airport, he also informs her that he is unhappy with their relationship and is taking a job in New York City. Samantha boards the plane but breaks the law when she makes an emergency exit from the near-takeoff ready aircraft. Understandably, she ends up in therapy with a kind counselor (Carol Kane). Yet, one day the legitimate shrink has a breakdown and Samantha is the only one who can take her to the hospital and, subsequently, cancel the doctor's appointments for the next few weeks. Lo and behold, Samantha's attractive, new, and decidedly married neighbor, Michael, arrives for his first session and Sam decides to "pose" as the counselor. She does this to get to closer to him, having witnessed problems between him and his French, Victoria's Secret-model wife. Also arriving in the building is a magazine salesman named Henry (David Arquette) whose business caters to physicians. He strikes up a friendship with Sam, also. But, will it be a case of Henry likes Samantha, Samantha likes Michael, and Michael cares only for himself? And, when will the truth surface? This is a fun-filled film with charming performers and a clever plot. Cox and Arquette, married in real life, make the most of their sly roles and Kane is terrific as the on-the-edge counselor. The other cast mates are gorgeous and talented, too. All of a movie's assets, from sets to costumes to direction, are quite fine as well. If you love your romcoms, don't miss out on a showing of this film! Instead, shrink your daily to-do list, run to the video store or library, and get your mitts around this comic tale of love.
This movie is a rare combination of satire, slapstick, romantic and caper comedy. It is a satire about emotional illness and therapy practice. Courtney Cox and David Arquette are very winning as the high strung, edgy potential couple and Carol Kane is wonderful in her original rendition of the Psychologist/therapist. Arquette and Cox are extremely funny and touching and wacky-excellent physical comedians. Besides the wonderful performances, the original intelligent script and deft direction moves the action and there is never a dull moment. The other members of the cast are well chosen and believable.
this movie was totally watchable. i was surprised at how funny it was. it can how ever be a little slowpaced on the comedy angle. i liked the premise, and it was done very well. i do think this movie was missing something though. it is a good movie, and is definitely worth a watch... you'll get a few good laughs. but it is definitely not nonstop laughter which there is the potential for. as far as style goes, it reminds me of 28 days, love potion number 9, or "dr jekyl and mrs hyde", all of which could have been hilarious, and did indeed have some memorable parts, but missing something that gets it in your home collection.
- the-teacherspet
- Jul 5, 2006
- Permalink
When I saw this in the TV-guide I read who starred in the movie and found Courtney Cox - one of my fave actresses. Then I read what it was about and it sounded pretty funny, so I decided to watch it. Boy was I not disappointed! This week I've seen quite a lot of bad movies so this saved my week. It's a movie about a woman who goes to therapy who gets to be the therapist by accident. Ok the script isn't the most original perhaps, but you don't have to take this movie so seriously :) All in all it's about thinking over what is important in a relationship and using your heart to find the right one in life. It's not the best movie ever, but it's good enough to make your day a little better and giving you a warm smile after seeing it :) So for those who like romantic comedies I highly recommend it. For those wanting a good script with a very likely story you are better off without it ;) Personally I am kinda in love with Courtney (boy those eyes and hair !!) so it was worth watching it just for that :)
I am tired of discovering movies that I appreciate only to look them up on the internet and discover that I am alone in my appreciation. The Shrink Is In is an example. Rottentomatoes.com didn't even have enough reviews of this movie to give a score. It is nicely written, acted an directed. Predictable in its outcome--yes. But this is a comedy in which the viewer is supposed to root for the predictable outcome. And this had a cute conclusion.
It may say much about me that when I go to the video store I pick titles--and often actors--I have never heard of. Invariably (unless Ben Affleck has anything to do with them) they are entertaining movies. Perhaps only the independent films appeal to me. I like good dialogue. If a movie can be easily fast-forwarded and nothing important is missed, nothing was there to miss. To prove this to yourself, try fast forwarding one of the Charley's Angels movies. (Maybe this is a bad example as the confusion you may encounter with these movies is that there is no believable or discernible plot.) Next, try fast forwarding any of the early Woody Allen movies, Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy for example. You'll get the picture.
It may say much about me that when I go to the video store I pick titles--and often actors--I have never heard of. Invariably (unless Ben Affleck has anything to do with them) they are entertaining movies. Perhaps only the independent films appeal to me. I like good dialogue. If a movie can be easily fast-forwarded and nothing important is missed, nothing was there to miss. To prove this to yourself, try fast forwarding one of the Charley's Angels movies. (Maybe this is a bad example as the confusion you may encounter with these movies is that there is no believable or discernible plot.) Next, try fast forwarding any of the early Woody Allen movies, Midsummer Night's Sex Comedy for example. You'll get the picture.
It is amazing to me how many higher budget films are released with such an amount of hoopla, about nothing. It seems that critics have their favorite actors and whatever they are in, somehow makes the project they are reviewing great. The Shrink is in is a funny and sweet fantasy in which Courteney and David play parts which sum up their relationship. That is: Different, funny and loving. The plot, although not altogether plausible, works well because of the chemistry between the actors and the fast paced directing. Film budgets do not break or make a film. The Shrink is in is proof of that. "You've Got Mail" did not have anything over this film except a large studio budget. God bless the Indies.
- Barnabasat45
- Jul 22, 2005
- Permalink
This is one of the most likable movies around. I don't know why it didn't get a wide release, it is funny and kinda serious. If you love Courteney and David (Like me) then you'll love it even more. So are you reading this because you wanna watch it? WELL WATCH IT! - GREAT!
- WoodsboroFountain
- Jun 13, 2003
- Permalink
It's a very amusing movie,totally a must see,it has a good combination between Comedy and Romance..and...Courteney Cox is fantastic (again).Her husband (David Arquette)is playing the role of the boy (Henry) that has fallen in love for Samantha.:)
Fireworks guaranteed! =)
Fireworks guaranteed! =)
- the_inferno
- Mar 21, 2001
- Permalink
The movie works. It's more witty than outragously funny. But it's pretty good escapist fare for those who seek a little wacky romance. Cox has pretty good comic timing (but we already knew this) and Arquette seems pretty likable (forget Ready to Rumble). There's a pretty decent supporting cast that have surprising comic talents.
Check it out for yourself.
Check it out for yourself.
I must say, even in only ten minutes into the movie, I fell in love with it. This is the best movie I have ever seen, and I've seen a lot. It was beyond humerous, entertaining, and enjoyable - what more can you ask for? The cast was also wonderful... who wouldn't love a Courteney and David movie? There is not one part where I was bored. It's a wonder why it never got released. Even in ten years I'll be watching this movie, marvling at the wonderfulness of it all. So, to sum it up: A must - see for anyone who wants to see a marvelous movie.
- IIscr3amII
- Jan 10, 2003
- Permalink
Kimberley Davies left Australia to go to Hollywood to become a "serious actress", because she wasn't being treated seriously in Australia (so she said). And this is the result????? Playing a half-naked plastic blonde tart with a terrible fake French accent! And for this she wants to be taken seriously????? Kimberley, Kimberley... Change your reality medication, what you're taking now simply isn't working anymore.
I was flipping through channels one night and caught Courteney Cox and David Arquette in a movie together. Naturally since I love both of them (totally fell in love with them both in Scream but have been a fan of Courteney's since Ace Ventura) I decided to watch it. It was halfway over and I hate watching movies in the middle but I was compelled to watch it. I loved it! I immediately went out and bought myself a copy and watch it all the time. I watch it with friends who need a good laugh. This movie is so funny and cute and yes, predictable, but most romantic comedies are. I thought it was great and wish this at least would've gotten released in theaters. Oh well, rent or buy your own copy today and enjoy it at home!!!
- GaleWeathersRiley
- Dec 21, 2004
- Permalink
If only this film was released in North America, it would've gotten not only critically acclaim, but it would swept both the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals faster than you'd think.
This movie was shot prior to the off-screen wedding of Courtney Cox (Arquette) and David Arquette in June of 1999, and was only released in Australia. If you have the Oxygen network on your cable system, you can see that film with the usual editing and commercials an average network would do.
JAG viewers will recognize David James Elliot as Courtney's dream hunk with an annoying girlfriend who once worked as a Victoria's Secret model. David play's Henry, who's also after her heart.
If The Shrink is In comes out onto North American theaters, then I'd be the first in line to see the movie, even if I have to tell every film critic that the film's a hit, then it IS a hit.
This movie was shot prior to the off-screen wedding of Courtney Cox (Arquette) and David Arquette in June of 1999, and was only released in Australia. If you have the Oxygen network on your cable system, you can see that film with the usual editing and commercials an average network would do.
JAG viewers will recognize David James Elliot as Courtney's dream hunk with an annoying girlfriend who once worked as a Victoria's Secret model. David play's Henry, who's also after her heart.
If The Shrink is In comes out onto North American theaters, then I'd be the first in line to see the movie, even if I have to tell every film critic that the film's a hit, then it IS a hit.
- sailorcallie
- Oct 14, 2001
- Permalink
I just saw and found this comedy to be hilarious, entertaining, informative, and exciting. Courtenay was fun and very pretty and had the funniest lines. I found it funny and daring as if Gaston Lagaffe as a girl and for adults was doing a romantic comedy, haha!
- sergelamarche
- Dec 11, 2021
- Permalink