Amy Adler
Maggie (Jenna Mattison) is a free-spirited, aspiring writer in San Francisco. Although the city is a very expensive place to live, Maggie has two advantages over others. First, she doesn't own a car, being able to bicycle to work at a used bookstore. Second, her landlord adores her, so if she is late on the rent, at times, he doesn't evict her. Her only companion is a cat, for Mags doesn't want a romance in her life whatsoever. You see, her mother died when she was four and her father promptly gave her up for adoption. Her heart still stings, badly. She does have some galfriends, who are married ladies with busy agendas, and she is close to her boss, Lettie (Betty White), even though they work different shifts. O lucky day, however, when our Maggie uncovers an Aladdin type lamp in a desk at work. Rubbing it, she makes some wishes. Not long after this, in a very ancient copy of Great Expectations, Maggie first finds a ticket to a magic show. Then, a flight pass for a birdseye view of the city arrives next. There, two wishes granted. But, while waiting for the third, a handsome gentleman, Brandon (Sean Maguire) comes to the store and announces that Maggie has a secret "benefactor". Soon after, with Sean's help, Mags gets new clothes, a posh car, even a new apartment. But, the one thing Maggie can't learn is WHO the Daddy Warbucks-type really is. It's forbidden, Brandon says. Moreover, along with her other lucky new acquisitions, Maggie may be getting a romantic admirer in Brandon. Will she let a man into her heart? Finally, will her benefactor ever appear? This modern take on the Dickens classic GE has its charm, mostly due to its engaging leads. Mattison is a vibrant rebel while Maguire, who resembles Guy Pearce, is quite fine as her seeming opposite. White, as usual, is her great lovable self while the supporting cast, including Armand Assante, is nice as well. Then, too, the setting is great, as the Golden Gate City is wonderfully attractive, while costumes and photography keep pace. Therefore, the movie's weak points are its uneven script and direction. From one scene to the next, the action goes from sublime to somewhere above ridiculous but nowhere near successful. Nonetheless, fans of romantic comedy will adore it and, as the target audience, they will overlook any deficiencies.
tonimoon42
I went into this movie not expecting Jane Eyre and that's okay because what I did see was thoroughly delightful. The only thing missing was myself as Maggie. It was fun, mysterious, light-hearted, and had sweet references to movies and people that mattered to me when I was a teen. I will always smile when I think of this film. Maggie is a delightful character and fun to watch. Betty White is perfect for the book shop owner. It is also nice to see San Francisco in a film where no one was getting shot or had police or detectives running around hunting a serial killer. It was great to just get lost for a little in a film that leaves you smiling. Thank you!=)
kristensteale
I watched this movie with my eight year old son who thought the movie sounded awesome from the description. What a waste of a DVD rental. Half way through this movie, we switched it off. I believe my sons exact words were "Mum this movie is lame, I hate it".Maggie Malone was one of the worst characters in cinematic history; I found not one part of her endearing. The movie tries hard to make her seem kind, optimistic and well liked. Her landlord and boss seemingly accept the fact that she is not paying her rent and turns up late for work every day, that is if she does turn up for work. In fact her landlord offers her a meal after telling her she is months behind in her rent. If you have seen the movie Pretty Woman then this movie has pretty much ripped off many of the scenes. As one reviewer mentions, there is one particular part where she makes reference to Pretty Woman, and then proceeds to mirror the scene in the b grade style that reeks throughout this movie. We constantly hear throughout the early stages of the movie that she does not believe in love. However, it does not take her long to start making doe eyes at the lawyer, hired to help her spend her inheritance. One scene she takes the office bound Lawyer on a bike ride, once again the similarities of Pretty Woman appearing in this unoriginal script. I can't believe this movie was even made. I cringe as I relive the scenes, I wish there was a way where I could forget it.
ENCOPRESIS3
Well, The writing in this title is EXCELLENT for a class of 5 year olds, Why is this movie so "staged" feeling to me? The main character mattison is very unbelievable, so happy-go-lucky and happy in her own little un-perfect world.The plot is so typical for a young pre-highschool girl audience and doesn't flow well at all. Every subject and idea in this title are spoon-fed to you as if you had no idea of life itself. I think this is the most boring movie I have seen in some time. I believe that the fact that a lot of this title was funded by the main actress who is also the writer leads to its bland taste. No studio would have ever picked this up. Matty should have mellowed her over the top acting and it would have been a bit better but the whole plot was just lame.The continuity on the set was horrifying, i.e. check the boom box handle when the guy is outside her window playing her the song.the "Gilmore girls" style of quick snappy conversations is really obnoxious as well.Overall I would recommend painting your house instead of watching this title.
