The script was just so much re-cycled crap that I don't think the director could do much with it. Every cliche, done for the 100th time.
The actors are stiff, with absolutely no chemistry.
Garry Marshall did it better with "Pretty Woman", and I didn't really like that.
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I disagree completely. The story doesn't offer much that is new, but it's handled extremely well and intelligently, with smart characters who are portrayed with care and understanding by all involved, especially Lopez and Fiennes. This contributes towards making Maid in Manhattan a gem of a movie that has broad romantic sensibilities that aren't undercut by stupid characters who do stupid things or act in ways that are too far removed from reality. That's where Maid in Manhattan works and works well, although the charming performances of the two leads helps considerably. It's one of the best romantic comedies of the past fifteen years.
NOW TARZAN MAKE WAR!
I also think Maid in Manhattan is a delightful movie. It's got to be one of the most underrated romantic comedies I know (I will never understand why).
Sure it has a very traditional storyline, like you said it doesn't really offer much that is new (at least not in terms of story arch), but it's handled so well I think it's unfair to hold that against it too much.
The script is very down-to-earth - even though the movie overall has a very light-hearted tone, it also never shies away from highlighting class differences, and the struggles of the main character; a low-income, hispanic single mother and maid. She has money trouble, she wants to "move up the ladder" but feels inadequate, her also-working-class mother is cynical and unsupportive of her trying to become something other than a maid, her son is being ignored by his absent father,.. there are definitely some heavy topics there to balance out the comedy and the romance (and it's handled wonderfully).
Jennifer Lopez is really charming in the film, Ralph Fiennes' never been more likable, and they do have chemistry. The supporting characters are all great; Natasha Richardson's a gem as Caroline, Bob Hoskins is wonderful as the butler Lionel, Stanley Tucci is always pleasant to watch, and the girls who play Marisa's (Lopez's) maid friends are a riot and impossible not to be charmed by.
I really do not understand what it is that people do not like about the movie.
We didn't watch the same movie.
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Please put some dashes above your sig line so I won't think it's part of your dumb post.