The Next Best Thing ***½ (2000, Madonna, Rupert Everett, Benjamin Bratt) – Classic Movie Review 770

Director John Schlesinger’s 2000 movie stars a surprisingly but ideally paired Madonna and Rupert Everett, who give expert, engaging performances in a witty and appealing romantic comedy-drama.

Robert is gay and Abbie is his best pal. They conceive a child one drunken night. But five years later, when she starts a new relationship with Ben Cooper (Benjamin Bratt), he wants to move away with her and Robert’s little boy Sam. And then a bitter custody battle ensues.

Gay director Schlesinger provides a pretty good, creditable vehicle for two very specific performers not easy to cast well. With a decent, involving screenplay by Tom Ropelewski, The Next Best Thing is funny and touching.

Madonna sings Don MacLean’s ‘American Pie’ and her own song ‘Time Stood Still’.

Illeana Douglas, Josef Sommer, Lynn Redgrave, Michael Vartan, Malcolm Stumpf and Neil Patrick Harris also star.

Sadly, it proved to be the last film of Schlesinger, who died on July 25, 2003.

The house that Everett stays at in the movie is Cecil B. DeMille’s old house. Everett’s own black Labrador Moise appears as the family pet.

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 770

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