From some reports the next best thing to seeing "The Next Best Thing," might be to slam your finger in a car door. Though there are voices who've claimed to enjoy Madonna's latest venture into motherhood.
It seems that Abbie (Madonna) and Robert (Rupert Everett) are best friends who enjoy the same things – fun, more fun, impulsiveness, and lousy luck in love. They would make a lovely couple, themselves, except for one rather important thing; Robert is gay.
Be that as it may, in one reckless evening after an overload of firewater, they find themselves . . . yes, in bed. And with devastating results – namely, a baby boy, Sam.
They decided to live together and raise Sam, which may not be perfect, but, it's, you know, the next best thing. At least until the real true love of Abbie's life comes along, and stirs things up.
This movie will probably raise the hackles of gay parenting advocates; its approach is less than serious. And serious movie goers wouldn't probably pay the price to get in. Rupert Everett is apparently fine in the role, it's the role that's simply inadequate, several critics say. You may remember Everett from "My Best Friend's Wedding,"where he earned a Golden Globe Award for best supporting actor.
Vanity Fair magazine recently did an interview with the stars' off-camera friendship, which was lackluster to the point of being downright boring. It was meant to showcase their witty repartee, but somehow. . . Maybe the two, actually, just do not belong together.
The movie was directed by John Schlesinger.
It is rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements, sexual content, partial nudity and language. Whew!
It is playing at Market Square East.
