‘Maid in Manhattan’ competent; ‘Emperor’s Club’ unbalanced

For a light snack, order from this ‘Maid’

Marisa (Jennifer Lopez) is a responsible employee, going about her

job cleaning hotel rooms with style and efficiency. But once she puts

on the Dolce & Gabbana pantsuit in “Maid in Manhattan,” her path is

chosen. She has a chance meeting with a soon-to-be senator (Ralph

Fiennes) who is destined to fall head-over-heels.

So what’s new? What makes “Maid in Manhattan” any better or worse

than the millions of other romantic comedies? It’s cute and funny. A

nice, easy way to spend two hours, but not a movie that will be

remembered down the road.

Lopez’s previous romantic outing, “The Wedding Planner,” was more

amusing. “Pretty Woman” had more depth. But “Maid in Manhattan” is a

competent romantic comedy. Lopez is smart and sassy.

Fiennes, though, is completely wasted in this movie. They should

have had a newcomer, or Ben Affleck, in the part -- all it called for

was to be in awe of Lopez’s character. Smart, sexy and (supposedly)

wealthy, what’s not to like? No dramatic gravity was called for -- so

why did they get Fiennes?

The point is to not ask to many questions. Don’t think about the

movie much. It’s not that type of movie, and there are some flaws.

But if you want something light to go with that sugar high from

all the Christmas treats, order up some room service from “Maid in

Manhattan.”

“Maid in Manhattan” is rated PG-13 for some language and sexual

references.

* MELISSA RICHARDSON is a Costa Mesa resident and a junior at UC

Irvine.

Weak story undermines ‘The Emperor’s Club’

What happens when any type of media blatantly tries to send a

positive message? Normally, it gets ignored. Such will probably be

the story of director Michael Hoffman’s latest film, “The Emperor’s

Club.”

William Hundert (Kevin Kline) leads a quiet and controlled life as

a teacher of the Classics at St. Benedicts School for Boys. He prides

himself on the opportunity he is given to mold and shape his students

with his passion for knowledge and principles of honor. However, the

arrival of new student Sedgewick Bell (Emile Hirsch) puts his

integrity on the line and he is given the challenge of a lifetime.

Although the concept for a good film was there, and Kline and

newcomer Hirsch gave stellar performances, these are ultimately

overpowered by the unbalanced combination of a weak story line and

what could have been a very strong message.

An idealist like myself would normally be very disappointed in a

film like this, not only for the weak script but also for the harsh

reality it offers.

But I was surprisingly intrigued. “The Emperor’s Club” examines

the truth of looking at the mote in your own eye before pointing out

the speck in another’s.

Hundert experiences the true test of character: the choice between

the opportunity to change or allow yourself to be defeated by your

own weaknesses. Ultimately, it is the overcoming that gives way for

the silent impact you can make in the world around you.

There is a great story there, but the more films I see, the more I

realize, bad scripts happen to good concepts. Even more so, bad

scripts happen to good actors.

My final analysis: In a few months, this one will be one video;

wait to see it at home.

“The Emperor’s Club” is rated PG-13 for some sexual content.

* DEANDRA RICH is a novice screenplay writer in Costa Mesa who

hopes to one day turn Ebert and Roeper into Ebert and Rich.