Maid in Manhattan *** (2002, Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes) – Classic Movie Review 1338

Director Wayne Wang’s 2002 romcom is bright and lovely. Jennifer Lopez plays a New York hotel maid trying on rich socialite Natasha Richardson’s clothes when politician Ralph Fiennes, a candidate for the Senate, takes her for the rich guest and falls for her. Natasha fancies Ralph and tells tales, but J-Lo’s little son (Tyler Posey) plays fairy god-kid.

Written by Kevin Wade, this frothy Cinderella-style romantic comedy works surprisingly well and proves a good move for the two stars, both keeping it bright and breezy. In her most skilful performance yet, J-Lo recovers some lost acting credibility and Fiennes shows a surprisingly light, frothy touch that we’ve not seen before. Bob Hoskins enjoys himself as the kindly hotel butler.

Eighties Brat Pack movie supremo John Hughes wrote the story under the pseudonym Edmond Dantès. It’s charming, totally enjoyable chick-flick escapism.

Sadly British national treasure Hoskins died from pneumonia on April 29 2014, aged 71. On 8 August 2012, Hoskins announced his retirement from acting after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2011. He appeared in films such as The Long Good Friday (1980), Mona Lisa (1986), Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988), Mermaids (1990) and Hook (1991).

Natasha Richardson died on March 18 2009, aged 45, after a skiing accident. John Hughes died on August 6 2009, aged 59, of a heart attack.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 1338

Link to Derek Winnert’s home page for more film reviews: http://derekwinnert.com/