February 12, 2005
Looks Like I'm Getting the Hang of This Art-Blogging Thing
I was a bit twitchy yesterday suggesting a parallel between Will Smith and Cary Grant. But this morning I opened my copy of the WSJ's Weekend Journal to Joe Morgenstern's review of Smith's new movie Hitch and stap my vitals if the following paragraph didn't jump out at me:
Will Smith has been a fluid concept until now - immensely likable, reliably droll and self-assured, though never self-important; a comedy star whose deadpan skills have enlivened action fantasies from Independence Day to Men in Black; a dramatic actor whose quick wit, precision and grace proved a perfect fit for the title role in Ali. As for Hitch...the movie blows hot and warm....But it, too, is immensely likable, and allows Mr. Smith to fulfill his manifest destiny - as an urbane comedian who is also, shades of Cary Grant, a romantic hero.
It's nice to see I'm not the only person thinking this way.
I wouldn't have thought of it, but I think it fits, and now I can explain to people why I always like Will (except for the dreadful Independence Day, though not his fault). Just try to keep this one hush-hush, or someone will get the bright idea that we need to redo Arsenic and Old Lace with Will and Jada. hey.... that might not be a bad idea, only this time they could actually make it be funny.
Posted by: tee bee at February 12, 2005 03:31 PMYa know, that isn't such a bad idea. Arsenic is one of those movies I want to like but can't. It has its moments, but most of the time it's just trying too damn hard.
