The Bachelor (1999)

The Bachelor got critically slammed when it played in theaters, probably because reviewers couldn't help comparing it with the movie on which it's based, the brilliant Buster Keaton comedy Seven Chances. But on its own terms, The Bachelor is a modest and enjoyable picture about Jimmie (Chris O'Donnell), a happily single young man who suddenly gets an ultimatum from his grandfather's will: marry by his 30th birthday or lose an inheritance of $100 million. This is revealed the day before that very birthday. Unfortunately, Jimmie had already proposed to his girlfriend Anne (Renee Zellweger) and been turned down; she can see in his eyes that he isn't ready to get married and refuses to accept him until he is. So Jimmie needs to find a bride--fast. Though the commitment-shy man is a hoary cliché, The Bachelor successfully exaggerates Jimmie's fears to comic proportions. O'Donnell is his usual affable self, but it's Zellweger who seizes every scene she's in and makes something really enjoyable out it. The movie's greatest weakness is that she's such a small part of the second half. Still, there's good supporting performances from Hal Holbrook, Ed Asner, James Cromwell, and Marley Shelton (as Zellweger's sister), and Peter Ustinov and Brooke Shields both have very funny scenes. The Bachelor skirts some dangerously chauvinistic territory at times, but by and large it's a pleasant comedy with some genuine good humor. --Bret Fetzer Amazon.com

The problem with too many options

Jimmie finds out he has about a day to get married or else he loses his $100 million inheritance. After botching his proposal to Anne he goes through his past list of girlfriends to find a wife by the deadline. The problem is none of the ladies says yes. With just hours left before he has to say "I Do" or "Sayanara to the money" Jimmie's best friend puts an ad on the front page of the San Francisco Herald. Brides turn out galore for the wedding at St. Patrick's Parish and its a mad dash to the altar. Jimmie's big problem is that he has too many options and must confront his bachelor indulgences. Its an ending that is typical of romantic comedy that is light and easy to watch. July 27, 2007

Fun movie

Other critics beat this movie down but I saw part of it on Comedy Central and was glad that others had given it bad reviews. It made the price lower. It wasn't as if the producer's were trying to re-create some great work of literature to film. I think they were trying to make a romantic funny movie that entertains and I think they hit their mark. April 11, 2007

NOTHING ORIGINAL

This is just an extended version of The Three Stooges short "Brideless Groom" in which Shemp stood to inherit $500,000.00 if he got married within 7 hours. A clear indication that Hollywood has long past run out of ideas. April 7, 2007

'Politically Correct or Not?"

I first saw this movie on tv last month and I absolutely fell in love with it! Now you ladies out there might not agree with the plot but let's face it ladies, it's true how men feel about being 'roped' into marriage! For those of you who have hit the internet date/chat rooms, read the profiles of women from around the world and you will see what they seek in a marriage! A lot of profiles read 'Seeking Prince to marry a Princess' or other such lines! Since the introduction of the PC/WWW, I have done a lot of research on women profiles and I still to this date still see such pickup lines! (Fairytale or Not?)....
November 6, 2006

If you plan to sit through this, bring a good book.

The story: a confirmed bachelor has a choice between marrying the pig he is currently dating or not. His uncle dies and gives him an ultimatum and a time-limit: marry or lose a fortune. Bachelor looks up every girl he was ever involved with. Too late. They're taken now. He should have married them when he had the chance. He marries the pig.

Funny. Ha. Ha. The only bit of amusement is a few minutes of Peter Ustinov as the uncle. Those who watch this will get what they deserve.
April 8, 2006

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