A disappointing mess of a movie that wastes a fine cast. It's especially disappointing because occasionally you can see the potential for it to be the lively, entertaining farce that it aims to be.
Unfortunately, too much of the film is poorly handled (e.g. the pre-credits scene where the Etiquette school is closed down) or is weak as a comedy (e.g. the lame attempts at humour based around the constant references to 'boobs'). As well the plot never coheres, in part because it covers too many characters; Astin and DeLuise's characters (both wasted) could've easily been excised from the film.
As the other reviewer says, Lynn Redgrave gives a fine performance in the central role. She doesn't fall into the trap that other cast members do (especially Pendleton) of going over the top in a vain attempt to cover the thinness of the material.
There are a few amusing bits, like the matter-of-fact way the child reacts to being kidnapped by putting on his watch because "he never travels without it".
But overall there's not much entertainment to be had from this film.
Unfortunately, too much of the film is poorly handled (e.g. the pre-credits scene where the Etiquette school is closed down) or is weak as a comedy (e.g. the lame attempts at humour based around the constant references to 'boobs'). As well the plot never coheres, in part because it covers too many characters; Astin and DeLuise's characters (both wasted) could've easily been excised from the film.
As the other reviewer says, Lynn Redgrave gives a fine performance in the central role. She doesn't fall into the trap that other cast members do (especially Pendleton) of going over the top in a vain attempt to cover the thinness of the material.
There are a few amusing bits, like the matter-of-fact way the child reacts to being kidnapped by putting on his watch because "he never travels without it".
But overall there's not much entertainment to be had from this film.