Three to Tango (1999)

For some reason when I picked up this movie for 99c on ebay, I assumed it would be one of those sexually-charged, ménage-à-trois, gender-bender flicks that populated the late 90s like "Chasing Amy" or even Neve Campbell's own "Wild Things". I didn't watch it for that reason, I watched it because it was 99c.Much to my surprise and delight, "Three to Tango" is a charming, family-friendly comedy that deals with sexual roles tastefully, much like Francis Weber's classic "La Cage aux Folles" (1978) remade in English as the equally classic "Birdcage" (1996). Or if you really want to get back to the roots of the mistaken-sexual-identity sex comedy, Willilam Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night" (1602).It's best to know nothing about the plot, that way the twists and turns are more of a hilarious surprise. But yes, the story centers around a classic case of mistaken sexual identity, and from there the hijinks ensue.What's exceptional about this movie is that it does a great job of reversing roles, not just for the individual characters but for society as a whole. A lot like a surreal Franz Kafka story (such as "Metamorphosis" where the main character wakes up to learn that he is a giant cockroach), "Three to Tango" puts the main character into a different identity, forcing us to see the world through a different perspective. And much like Kafka's story, the comedy lies in the absurdity of people's reactions, even though nothing has changed except for their perception of the main character.Yeah that's a lot of heady gobbledygook, so let's just talk about the movie already. The overall vibe is a great throwback to those classic & classy Blake Edwards comedies like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (1961) or even the Pink Panther flicks. What I mean is that this story is very prim & proper (no crass potty humor or cheap shots) and yet it's not afraid to sink to few good slapstick moments, such as a couples barf scene that's both hilarious and oddly romantic. There are also 1 or 2 totally surreal moments (again much like in a Blake Edwards flick) such as Matthew Perry panicking and running through the streets of Chicago only to run into a flock of... what's the cliché, pigeons? Haha, not in this case, but I'll let you see it for yourself. It's a quick one so pay attention.Also like in a Blake Edwards flick the music is AWESOME. Some very cool old jazz, swing and big band numbers are peppered throughout, in a way that really punctuates the comedy (similar to the great soundtrack of "When Harry Met Sally").Let's talk briefly about the acting. Pay close attention to some brilliant non-verbal acting on the part of each character. I'm talking about their complex reactions without any script. As the story un-twists, each main character has a moment of realization, and I felt they all pulled it off very well. Just by looking at their expressions change, you know exactly what they are thinking and how the wheels in their minds are spinning. Applause for Neve Campbell, Matthew Perry and Dylan McDermott (and director Damon Santostefano) for giving us these powerful yet subtle performances that aren't necessarily as thunderous as George C. Scott's monologue in "Patton", but they convey just as much information and emotion to an audience that's paying attention.The script itself is pretty well written, not really full of zingers but very natural and believable. Of course with it being Matthew Perry from Friends fame, a lot of his delivery is in that deadpan sarcastic "Chandler" vein with Neve Campbell being the perfect spunky counterpart. Also, Oliver Platt and half a dozen other minor characters also did a great job.Definitely catch this movie if you get the chance, whether or not you find it for 99c on eBay, it's worth your time.

Three to Tango (1999): Dir: Damon Santostefano / Cast: Matthew Perry, Dylan McDermott,Neve Campbell, Oliver Platt, Cylk Cozart: Witless and pointless film about conflict. Everybody assumes that Matthew Perry is gay because of his business relationship with Oliver Platt. Dylan McDermott takes advantage of this and convinces Perry to spy on his mistress. As predicted they fall in love while Perry tries to play out this idiotic gay assumption. Those who are not disappointed by this depraved piece of crap have obviously fallen asleep before it ended. It is predictable and boring and director Damon Santostefano does little to help it. He previously directed numerous TV shows that are probably a far cry from this. Doing a commercial for cat litter would be a higher achievement. Perry looks like the victim of a bad joke. McDermott is basically playing a one note role unworthy of his time. Neve Campbell as the mistress is reduced to a prop who comes to the obvious realizations, but not before viewers beat her to it. Platt is a decent actor playing a role unworthy of his talent. He basically stands back and takes the hit for the idiocy provided here. There is no real reason to see this film other than to observe a struggling cast in one of their worst career moves. It all boils down to a pointless orgy that should be tramped upon by no less than three people. Score: 1 / 10

This movie has a chance to be cliched but usually avoids it deftly. It's not perfect nor full of belly laughs but pleasant enough. I haven't seen much of Matthew Perry's work, not being a "Friends" fan, but I was very impressed by his acting here, his expressions and comedic timing. Neve Campbell is adorable, the kind of spunky kooky girl you wish existed in real life - one of her better roles. If you're a fan of Matthew or Neve, you'll love the movie. Supporting cast does fine, direction, photography, music, all in place unobtrusively. A good director is one who you don't know is there. Damon Santostefano emerges from successful tv shows to do a fine job. (Clueless, The District, Honey I Shrunk The Kids).

While trying to win a design contract from tycoon Charles Newman, Oscar Novak and his business partner Peter Steinberg give the wrong impression that they are gay. Peter is but Oscar is straight. Seizing on this, Charles asks Oscar to spy on his mistress, Amy Post, to make sure she isn't falling in with her old boyfriends – Oscar agrees to help out as he thinks it will give them a boost in the tendering process. However Amy takes to her new friend easily and Oscar finds himself starting to fall for her while his $90million contract seems ever closer yet far away.My wife taped this film and it sat for quite some time before either of us dared to suggest we spend an evening in watching it. However we did and neither expected much of it, which was good as the film delivered just that – nothing much. The plot is forced to the point that you know exactly where it wants to go but will be amused by the scenarios the writer came up with to make them happen. While it serves to lampoon straight men and their (apparently all encompassing) homophobia, it is essentially just a standard rom-com which sticks by the rules and goes where you expect it to.The comedy is a little too stretched with some nice gags but mostly laughs come from the exaggerated set ups from the writers. The fact that Oscar and Amy's `date' goes as wrong as it does defies sense and makes it feel like the film is just pushing the boat out to try and win laughs without putting in the groundwork. This takes away from what could have been fresh and witty and just makes it feel forced and slightly silly.While the basic chemistry between Perry and Campbell is quite good, the onscreen relationship is given no time to develop and it never convinces, especially towards the end where it has to go all `pining' and soft music. Perry is OK but does his usual stuff without really getting out of his well worn career rut of typecasting. Campbell is given so little to do that she appears no more than a shadow of a beautiful woman. Worse off is McDermott who has no character to speak of. Platt fares the best of all but even he can't rise above the material – he has the odd good line but too many that are weak.Overall I doubt anyone will come to this film expecting greatness which is just as well as it is distinctly average at best. The film's swipe at homophobia is lost in the noise, clutter and cliché of a romantic comedy trying to force the jokes rather than overflowing with them naturally. Passable for 90 minutes but just don't expect more than that.