BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

Senteur As somebody who had not heard any of this before, it became a curious phenomenon to sit and watch a film and slowly have the realities begin to click into place.

Bob This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Allissa .Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

bkoganbing The Next Best Thing casts Madonna as a free spirited soul (some stretch of casting there) who has a one night stand with an old friend and soul mate Rupert Everett. But that's not likely to happen too often as Everett is a gay man with whom she confides her innermost.I think Everett's character must have been based on Roddy McDowall who was a confidante to many of the rich and glamorous and unlike that other gay man who did that as well, Truman Capote, McDowall never wrote any tell all memoirs.It rarely happens in real life, but a blessed event came from that mating and Madonna and Everett decide to move in together, not marry, but raise the child as a mother and father with each leading their separate lives. It actually does work for a while.Madonna really gets into the mother role and Everett's a great father figure. But he never forgets his social life with friends and lovers like Neil Patrick Harris and Mark Valley.But then Madonna meets Benjamin Bratt who wants to get married and that puts an end to the arrangements.The Next Best Thing while a sincere effort in its own way of showing the complicated problems that gays and lesbians have with the raising of children, their own children at that, it sadly degenerates into the kind of soap opera that one finds on the Lifetime Channel. It's not a horrible film, just will never be on anyone's ten best list.

insomniac_rod Oh what the hell?... I don't care of what others think, I really enjoyed this movie back in summer 2000 when I watched it on theaters.I made a reflection today. I have spent a lot of money on actresses that I feel attracted to. In the same year, 2000, I watched many of Kirsten Dunst's movies just because I thought she was sexy.I watched "The Next Best Thing" because I was as die hard fan of Madonna's work and sexiness. To be honest, the plot isn't that bad at all and it even has some drama although it's considered as a romantic comedy.The plot is somehow related to a comedy because the situation is ridiculous but it surprisingly works for the movie. Getting pregnant with your gay best male friend and raising a child together? Yeah right.I recommend this movie ONLY for those who love Madonna and her work. Otherwise, stay away from it!

Alberto Villarreal I found the movie just great. I can hardly believe it has just a few good votes. Maybe the actors are not the best, but the story is just awesome. It is so sensitive and it makes you feel involved in some manner with the story. Defenetively, the way the story turns deeper keeps you attention till the end. Madonna is one of my favorites singers. However, I don't think the same way as an actress, but in this film she was just so sensitive (not the typical sexy, naughty and out of mind Madonna). I truly recommend this film to all those that like romantic movies. Grab a popcorn bag, lay down and enjoy a great afternoon!!

Andreas Niedermayer This movie is really not as bad as the rating wants to make you believe. I admit that the beginning is just cheesy and absolutely horrible, riddled with stereotypes and awkward performances. It gets better from the moment on when Madonna confronts Rupert Everett's character (Robert) with his upcoming paternity. The moral implications of a gay man and a straight woman deciding to raise a child together are indeed challenging and very much up-to-date. Here the comedy aspect is overlaid by some sincere issues that make this movie more interesting than the beginning has implied.The movie even turns into a family drama and becomes very emotional. You will love Malcolm Stumpf as Sam, the protagonists' son. He is very convincing and shows substantial natural talent, which adds considerable quality to the story. The final dramatic climax is an ensuing court room struggle for custody of the little boy between Robert and Madonna with her new boyfriend Ben. This causes very strong moral and emotional implications. Robert's desperate struggle and his honest commitment to be together with his beloved son goes straight into your heart and addresses the issue of homosexuals and their rights to raise children. Here again Malcolm Stumpf bears a significant part of the emotional burden, and does so genuinely.This movie is very simple in its equipment, but the messages delivered and the characters portrayed make it worthwhile. Rupert Everett does a great job, and Madonna shows that she can act if she has to. It is a very tough subject, and in the end you will not consider the movie a comedy any longer. This is a good thing.