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Maid In Manhattan (2002)

Romantic comedies are a dime a dozen, rarely do we get to see any fresh ideas from a genre that is too often plagued with clones of each other. However, it is also a very profitable one, since the general audiences tend to go for the feel-good movies around the holidays. So does Maid In Manhattan have anything new to offer? Or is it just another formulaic addition you can pass on?

Marisa Ventura is a maid working for a high profile hotel in New York. One day, while doing a routine round of cleaning the rooms, her co-worker talks her into trying on a guest's outfit. Just then, her son Ty enters with Chris Marshall, a senatorial candidate who is in town to promote his campaign. Catching Marisa off guard, she pretends to be a hotel guest and agrees to go on a short stroll in Central Park with them. The two soon hit it off, and even though Marisa understands that she is way out of her league, Chris is persistent in wanting to get to know her better. The only problem is, how long can she keep the charade going?

The rags to riches story is nothing new (à la Pretty Woman) and the same goes for the case of mistaken identity (While You Were Sleeping). These are but two of the numerous clichés employed in Maid In Manhattan. Furthermore, even though the political aspect of the plot allowed some interesting interactions between the characters, it was ultimately under utilized and often seemed more of a distraction than an asset to the film. I also had a hard time coming to terms with the relationship between Marisa and her mom, who for some unknown reason went out of her way to criticize and discourage her daughter in everything she does. Then there's the absent father, which I thought was going to play an important part with all the big fuss that was made in the beginning of the movie, but he just sort of disappeared, never to be heard from again. Good writing pays attention to little details like these, but instead they are just glossed over.

Fortunately, Maid In Manhattan is supported by a solid cast. Ralph Fiennes is surprisingly charming as the charismatic Chris Marshall. An accomplished actor in classic dramas such as Schindler's List and The English Patient, I wasn't sure what to expect from someone who has never had a lead role in a romantic comedy. Jennifer Lopez was equally likeable in the role of Marisa. I admit to having my doubts about her, especially after the disastrous showing in Enough, which I consider as one of the worst movies this year. Luckily she did a fine job in a part that seemed to be tailored just for her, and the on-screen chemistry was definitely there between the two leads. Stanley Tucci was hilarious playing Chris' aide Jeremy, but Tyler Posey was not very effective as Marisa's son Ty.

Predictable and derivative, Maid In Manhattan is nevertheless a sweet and an entertaining movie. It's not a bad way to spend a night at the theater, but in an already crowded season filled with quality films, I would not recommend it unless you've already seen everything else.

- Zalasta

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