Columbia Pictures
1997
PG-13
Available on video
First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in the baby carriage...unless you're Alex Whitman and Isabel Fuentes in which case you do the whole thing backwards.
Alex Whitman has been sent to Las Vegas for his newest architectural project. One night he meets the beautiful and superstitious, Isabel Fuentes. Sparks fly and the two spend a passionate night together. Isabel sneaks out the next morning and doesn't return until three months later when she informs Alex she's pregnant with his baby. She intends to keep the child and raise it on her own. Alex offers his help. Isabel only asks him to meet her family so she can later tell them they've already met the father. Alex agrees, but when it comes time to part ways he instead proposes. The two get married in a Las Vegas chapel and that's when things get really complicated. Cultural differences, religious differences, lifestyle differences--can they make things work? Or is it true only FOOLS RUSH IN?
Matthew Perry is outstanding as the funny, tender, sexy, driven and scared, Alex. He beautifully and convincingly portrays a wide gambit of emotions. (Rest assured, he could not be any further than Chandler Bing from "Friends.") I hope Perry continues to do more and more romantic comedies, he's definite hero material. (See If You Liked This: below)
Salma Hayek is delightful as the sassy and sensual, Isabel. You can't help but adore her zest for life, her love for family, and her ardent belief in destiny. These two make a great duo. A reverse Lucy and Desi.
Notice must also be given to the excellent extended cast. From Isabel's massive family to Alex's mom and dad (played by Matthew's real father, John Bennett Perry) to the two best friends, this is a group of actors that shine.
All in all, I LOVE this backwards movie! It's romantic, funny and poignant. You'll sigh, you'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll fall in love. I give FOOLS RUSH IN five hearts for it's first-rate blend of not only love and laughter, but conflict, as well. These characters grow, change, part, and come together in the end. That makes no one a fool.
Best lines:
"I believe destiny's already been decided. You just have to read the signs." Isabel.
"But that's its job. Its job is to work. It's entire reason for being, is to work." Alex expressing his disbelief that one of the condoms they used didn't work.
"Whatever you do, don't tell them I picked you up outside a bathroom." Isabel giving Alex instructions before he meets her family.
 |
