Directed by Gary Sinyor.Starring Chris O'Donnell, Renee Zellweger, Artie Lange, Hal Holbrook, Ed Asner, Jennifer Esposito, Brooke Shields. Romance/Comedy Synopsis: A young business heir who loves his girlfriend and bachelorhood has a monumental decision when his quirky grandfather leaves a will demanding he be married by his 30th birthday to inherit his millions at about the same time his true love has dumped him after a clumsily botched proposal. He doesn't have much time.
Personally, I think romantic comedies are the most predictable of the genres (sub-genres) of movies, though some of you might think that horror movies or detective dramas are. But, to me, you have the basic "boy meets girl-boy loses girl-boy gets girl back" formula. Everything is just a variation of that timeless script.
The Bachelor follows it somewhat, of course, but what makes this stand out is the quality of the cast and the memorable performances. Don't get me wrong, its not one for the ages, but it is one that you will remember longer than the average romantic comedy, which is to say that it will stick with you longer than one night.
Chris O' Donnell plays the lead role, which is notable because he is not anywhere near the presence of several of the other actors in this heavyweight class. I do realize that, eight years ago, there was a moment when some thought he had the leading man depth, and this film predates the rise of actors like Renee Zellweger and Jennifer Esposito to their current levels. What I'm saying is that the actresses he plays opposite in this flick all steal the scenes. Nothing against O'Donnell-I like him- but its hard to see him carry a movie. And he didn't here.
On the other hand, when you've got Hal Holbrook (Magnum Force) and Ed Asner (JFK) in the cast, it makes up for a relatively weak leading man. Both are simply hilarious in their roles as "consiglierie" to O'Donnell.
Surprisingly, I've got to give a shout out to Brooke Shields here. Like many of the recognizable names in the movie, she has only a couple of scenes but does very well and, yes, she is funny, playing the chain smoking hoity toity rich girl who actually agrees-initially-to marry O'Donnell so that he can inherit his millions.
Artie Lange as the best buddy is wonderful, too, and accounts for more laughs than anyone else in the movie. The mark of any pretty decent flick is that you can take at least one line or scene from it that you will remember long after you've forgotten the plot or even the name of the flick. O'Donnell's initially lame marriage proposal to Zellweger with his "s*** or get off the pot" line-delivered without malice, which is why it was so funny- is one for me and also the site of hundreds of potential "brides" chasing O'Donnell through the streets of San Francisco is another.
The Bachelor is a good popcorn flick and worth a rental or an addition to your collection when you see it in the clearance box for $5.99. At least, that's what I think.
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