From Deseret News archives:
Dr. T & The Women
Film review
However, it would take a talent even greater than his to do anything with the shrill and annoying cast of "Dr. T & The Women," an unbelievably unfunny comedy that ranks right down there with the very worst films of the year.
In fact, the movie comes as a particularly unwelcome surprise, considering that the director just came off a resounding return to form, the delightful "Cookie's Fortune." But it continues his streak of alternating good movies and bad movies (though there have been more duds of late than real gems).
Of course, it's not fair to lay all the blame on either the actors or Altman here. The material itself (written by "Cookie's Fortune" screenwriter Anne Rapp) plays to all of Altman's very worst tendencies, including a somewhat misogynistic bent that keeps resurfacing throughout the movie.
And the "what the?" ending may be the most sour note on which an Altman film has concluded even for a director who likes to end things on a downer.
Unfortunately, he's due for a hard fall, which happens almost overnight. First, Kate begins regressing into a childlike state and wants nothing to do with him. Then, he has to deal with his (possibly) alcoholic sister-in-law (Laura Dern), as well as his conspiracy buff daughter (Tara Reid), who's even making him paranoid.
In fact, the only normal member of the family seems to be daughter DeeDee (Kate Hudson), who's getting married. She may also have a secret, though something about the nature of her relationship with maid of honor Marilyn (Liv Tyler).
So seeking a little peace of mind, Dr. T turns his attention to Bree (Helen Hunt), the new assistant golf pro in town, whom he starts seeing on the sly. But wouldn't you know, even she's hiding something from him.
As you can tell, there are almost enough characters here for two movies, much less one supposedly breezy comedy. But this one quickly gets windy, what with all the philosophical pontificating about the nature of relationships between men and women.
It could also use a good editor, as several scenes drag on for minutes longer than they should it seems as if Altman is lingering, desperately hoping to get one good laugh, though none are coming from this forced, frantic mess.
And aside from Gere minus his intermittent, affected Texas drawl and possibly Hunt, the cast tries to overcompensate, resulting in caricatures rather than flesh-and-blood characters.
Worst of the lot are Fawcett, who finds yet another reason to doff her clothes, and Shelley Long, whose supporting work as Dr. T's too-devoted head nurse is too loopy, even by her usual standards.
"Dr. T & The Women" is rated R for female nudity, scattered profanity, violence (fisticuffs), some crude humor and hospital gore (a graphic childbirth scene). Running time: 122 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Laura Dern
Find a Movie Theater
- Lou Dobbs weighs N.J. Senate run 7:31 a.m.
- Twitterati to BCS: 'We hate you.' 7:23 a.m.
- Grizz goalie receives weekly award 7:15 a.m.
- Weekly unemployment below 500K 7:10 a.m.
- Federer reclaims year-end No. 1 rank 7:09 a.m.
- Rains soak pilgrims in Islam's hajj 7:05 a.m.
- West Bank settlement freeze offered 7:02 a.m.
- Festival of Trees includes roadster 2:14 a.m.
- Getting serious about seat belts 1:15 a.m.
- Witness describes '99 killing 1:15 a.m.
- Utah, BYU are top choices for bowls
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- KSL: Prostitution in Utah County
- Best prep football games of 2009
- Witness describes '99 killing
- Man trapped in own body for 23 yrs
- Kirilenko climbing blocks list
- Boys basketball rankings
- Utes' Wynn in for awakening
- BYU would like friendlier rivalry
233 - Glenn Beck to enter politics?
225 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
202 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
194 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
137 - BYU records with win
133 - Letters: Rushing to judge Palin
122 - Hall, Johnson matchup key
102 - 4A: Timpview wins 4th in 4 years
93 - Cougars turn focus to dreaded rivals
90
So now Sarah Palin has to watch out for Burgundians as well as liberal...
they will smoke Utah by 3 scores. The difference in talent between the two...
Coaching staff needs a change across the board, plain and simple. Jazz have...
Calling Don Gale level headed is like calling the Taliban progressive.
The great thing about a lot of travelling Utahns will be all the flus, colds,...
I would like to echo other commentors who have said in the past that playing...
BYU's run defense is too good. It's not a weak run defense like Utah's. Wide...
Relax. There is no rhyme or reason to the preseason polls in the D-News. I'm...
watched every week and cast every vote on both cell phones for Donny. Nice...
re: reply | 2:00 p.m. Nov. 24, 2009 the bottom line is the game is not as...




You can be the first to comment on this story.