All the issues explored here might reasonably be considered mundane, but the sheer likeability of each member of the main cast keeps one watching happily. The script also has a lot to do with this - by turns funny, poignant and sometimes insightful. Cher is great, as she has been in every acting role that I've been fortunate enough to see. It's a no-contest between her and Madonna in terms of theatrical - if not perhaps musical - performances. Hoskins coasts by with the native charm he possesses, and I always enjoy watching Winona Ryder. There's even Christina Ricci in a rare 'cute' role!
The period setting provides an excuse for a great 'golden-oldie' soundtrack as well, capped off at the end by Cher's own charming cover version of "The Shoop-Shoop Song". (The classic accompanying video sadly not present here; it's worth it just to see Winona dancing as a schoolgirl! Come to think of it, she also did the same in the brilliant "Beetlejuice"... )
It does sag a little due to contrivance when the real problems are introduced (JFK, why??), but that's often a hazard in examples of this genre, it doesn't indicate a bad film. For most of its running time it's actually just the opposite: something of a delight!
The period setting provides an excuse for a great 'golden-oldie' soundtrack as well, capped off at the end by Cher's own charming cover version of "The Shoop-Shoop Song". (The classic accompanying video sadly not present here; it's worth it just to see Winona dancing as a schoolgirl! Come to think of it, she also did the same in the brilliant "Beetlejuice"... )
It does sag a little due to contrivance when the real problems are introduced (JFK, why??), but that's often a hazard in examples of this genre, it doesn't indicate a bad film. For most of its running time it's actually just the opposite: something of a delight!