The Object Of My Affection

The Object of My Affection delves into the subject of the relationships between women and gay male pals, with social worker Jennifer Aniston falling for school teacher Paul Rudd, despite the fact that their primary similarity is attraction to men. It's not entirely clear why Aniston wants Rudd specifically, though for that matter it's not clear why she wants anything. The perky Aniston can do adorable and wistful in her sleep, and she might as well have been for all we understand about her character. Though Rudd fills in a few blanks with an appropriately confused performance, their friendship feels generally like a wacky, farcical plot device. Too bad no one tries to do anything wacky and farcical with it. Everyone involved takes the issues too seriously to bother making them funny, leading to a truckload of speeches and tearful confrontations. Only Nigel Hawthorne, as a theater critic unrequitedly infatuated with a young actor, actually makes the film's themes momentarily poignant. Yet even that bright spot further emphasizes The Object of My Affection as a romantic comedy which isn't particularly romantic or particularly comedic. It's really a half-hearted stab at teasing the same social conventions Chasing Amy successfully trampled all over, ultimately coming to the safe conclusion that like likes like. Not recommended. (S. Renshaw)