It’s obviously no big secret that I have a serious weakness for Harry Connick Jr. So, when Mom and I were scoping out vids for our pile the other weekend and stumbled across this one — added bonus of being set somewhere snowy, which we love — there was really no resisting it. Yes, I knew it was a romantic comedy. Yes, I don’t typically go for those (unless they also involve zombies, of course). But when you get a good one, they can be really fun. And you know what? This one is a good one.
The story is your fairly traditional “fish out of water” type thing — it reminded me a lot, actually, of another favorite of mine, Diane Keaton and Sam Shepard’s Baby Boom. In New in Town, Renee Zellwegger plays Miami businesswoman Lucy Hill, who, as the film opens, is living up her fast-paced lifestyle with a jog in the warm Florida morning before work. She then changes into a sexy skirt-suit with serious high heels and heads into work, where she’s promptly told the company is sending her to Minnesota — in the dead of winter — to oversee the downsizing of the corporation’s food processing plant in the tiny town of New Ulm.
Armed with eight suitcases of completely inappropriate clothing, Lucy gets off the plane in New Ulm to discover a whole new, thoroughly frozen world. There’s a great shot here, actually, set at the baggage claim in the airport, where the camera pans down to focus on everyone’s feet — boots, boots, boots, boots, what the HELL are you thinkin’, lady?!
New Ulm is different in other ways, too. Her new secretary, Blanche Gunderson (the always awesome Siobhan Fallon) is a frumpily-dressed, scrapbook-loving, tapioca maniac. The plant manager, Stu Kopenhafer (the also always awesome J. K. Simmons) keeps doing things to exploit her city-girl naiveté (closing the plant for the fictitious “Gopher Day,” e.g.). And then there’s the head of the union — truck-driving, beer-guzzling, unshaven, plaid-wearing Ted Mitchell. Only Ted — well, Ted is played by Harry Connick Jr. ‘Nuff said.
The story follows the standard trajectory for these sorts of films and there’s nothing all that original about it. But what makes this one stand out is that it is truly, authentically charming and funny. Zellwegger is great in this sort of role — think the opposite of Bridget Jones but played with the same sense of humor — and Harry Connick Jr., SAY NO MORE.
Mom and I both really enjoyed this one and I think any fan of the genre or any of the actors will love it too. Recommended, and a great one if you’re looking for something to watch with family of all ages over the holidays!
[Netflix me | Buy me
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cast: Harry Connick Jr., Renee Zellweger, J.K. Simmons, Rashida Jones, Siobhan Fallon
Tags: Romantic Comedy
megwood.wordpress.com 
November 25, 2009 at 4:01 pm |
I can’t honestly say that I liked Baby Boom, or Romantic Comedies in general, although Bridgette Jones, Love Actually, and Two Weeks Notice are the exception. Well now that I spelled it out, maybe I do like Romantic Comedies LMAO. Anywho I do like Harry Connick Jr (he just recently did a great interview on BBC America on the Graham Norton Show) so I may just give this movie a chance.
Ps. Meg, have you had a chance to find and watch Student Bodies yet?
November 26, 2009 at 6:48 pm |
This one sounds a little too much like “Hope Floats” – also with HCJ, but this time with Sandra Bullock. So I think I’ll pass this one up. I did like “Love Actually” and “Two Weeks Notice,” but I’m not a HUGE fan of “romantic comedies.” However, one good one was “Words and Music” with Hugh Grant and Drew Barrymore. I’m sorry to admit it, but one reason I found it funny was that it satirized some ’80’s performers (like “Wham”). Also, I don’t think Hugh Grant can go wrong!
November 27, 2009 at 10:51 pm |
I really liked this one too. My favorite part was the location…it was really a character all itself.
Bought it cheap to watch for a snowy fix when I need one!
April 22, 2010 at 5:18 pm |
I picked this one up at the library based on your recommendation from the new BOTW and was very pleased! Somehow this one must have gone under the radar for me when it came out. Thanks for the great movie suggestion!
April 22, 2010 at 5:20 pm |
Hooray! I’m so glad you liked it!!