Witty Satire 'Pumpkin' Shows Christina Ricci in a New Light

Great satirical comedies are hard to come by these days. Very few films can balance on that fine line of absurd humor and genuine emotion, so when one does so successfully it's definitely worth taking a look at. United Artists' "Pumpkin" is one of those films. A film that's both touching and hilarious, "Pumpkin" will not only open up viewers' eyes to the world, but also show it in a new light.

"Pumpkin" tells the story of Carolyn McDuffy (played wonderfully by the talented Christina Ricci), a college sorority girl who's never known any emotion besides pure bliss. And why not? She's wealthy, popular and has the best boyfriend on campus. However, her picture-perfect life is turned upside down when her sorority decides to coach mentally challenged athletes for its charity of the year.

Paired up with a man named Pumpkin (relative newcomer Hank Harris), Carolyn slowly begins to realize that life isn't all sugar and spice. As Pumpkin opens up Carolyn's eyes to the way the real world works, her relationship with him soon grows into something no one ever expected-- true love. Now, it's up to Carolyn to choose between giving into her feelings for Pumpkin and being outcast by her friends and family in the process, or ignoring what could be the greatest love of her life for the wealth and popularity her sheltered, country club existence automatically grants her.

Christina Ricci proves yet again why she's one of Hollywood's most sought-after young actresses as the naive Carolyn McDuffy. Although buying into the former Wednesday Addams as a blonde, ditzy sorority girl takes a while to get used to, about 20 minutes into "Pumpkin" audiences will realize that nobody else could have pulled off the role better. Given the satirical nature of the film, Ricci's fake blonde locks fit perfectly into the story's structure, as does former "Lolita" sex-kitten Dominique Swain's curly, brown, Afro-like hair. The studio's decision to cast against type helps make the movie even more enjoyable than it already is, since rarely would audiences be able to see Ricci and Swain in these types of roles. Their performances are also complimented nicely by a cast of co-stars that steal the picture every chance given, including Carolyn's hunky boyfriend Kent (newcomer Sam Ball), the perky, EXTREMELY fake sorority president Julie ("Freddy Got Fingered"'s Marisa Coughlan) and Pumpkin's overly-protective mother Judy ("Secrets & Lies"' Brenda Blethyn).

Go To Page: 1 2