Kissing a Fool

Memo to David Schwimmer and Jason Lee: it's nice to see that you wanted to stretch a bit in change-of-pace roles, Schwimmer as a womanizing sportscaster and Lee as a sensitive guy. Now quit it. The film's premise finds the engaged Schwimmer asking best friend Lee to test the fidelity of his fiancee (Mili Avital) by trying to seduce her. And of course wild hijinks ensue, assuming you can suspend your disbelief long enough to buy the puppy-dog Schwimmer as an irresistible sex machine, or the abrasive Lee as Mr. Nice Guy...Memo to the American movie-going public: make Bonnie Hunt a star, or else. Hunt, who plays a supporting role, is simply one of the funniest women in any medium. Her few scenes provide the film's only spark, but until we all rise up and demand a better showcase for this wonderful performer, we'll all have to sit through films like Kissing a Fool to see her...Memo to screenwriters of mainstream romantic comedies: enough with the coy pretext that everyone in the audience doesn't know exactly how the story is going to end...Memo to anyone who will listen: romance is about chemistry. How about giving us a reason to care who ends up with whom?...Memo to self: take a deep breath and wash Kissing a Fool right out of your head. Oh, and buy a new memo pad. Not recommended. (S. Renshaw)