"Just Write" is a little - no, make that tiny - formula romantic comedy fluff pic full of filler with only two things going for it: Piven and Fenn. Yes, it lags and yes it's silly and predictable. However, the naive trolley-bus driver (Piven) and Hollywood rising star (Penn) do work together. Recommended for those in the mood for romantic comedy but have seen all the big ones.
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=G=4 May 2001
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dewey229 November 1999I didn't expect to rate this movie more than a 4 before I saw it. The director has taken a plot which looks boring and trite and turned it into a unexpectedly good movie. Lots of clever lines(ala Neil Simon)and excellent performances by all actors. I gave this a "7" rating and should be watched whenever one wants something just fun to watch.
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Think "Notting Hill" for Americans, without the accents or Hugh Grant's mugging on a much smaller budget. I LOVE "Notting Hill" too, but this movie has its own special merits. It's been over a decade since I had first watched this wonderful specimen of an indie movie. I loved it the first time I saw it. Loved Jeremy Piven. Loved Sherilyn Fenn. Loved the story idea... The memory made me seek out and find it on DVD. I just watched it again and can say it hasn't changed in my opinion. It is adorable.
First: For those of you aspiring screenwriters, this is NOT how real Hollywood works. It just doesn't. This is a fantasy. If it was reality, all prospective writers would be hanging out at the trendy bars waiting for hot stars to walk in and magically make all your dreams come true. Not. Gonna. Happen. That's my spoiler alert. :-) As for the story...
Jeremy Piven plays Harold, a Hollywood tour bus driver who is looooong on movie history, celebrity trivia, and charming banter. He is your perfect "everyman" you WANT to be your buddy and loyal wingman. He's also the guy who can't seem to find the perfect girl due to his undying romantic idea that "I love you" means for a lifetime, not just to get a woman into bed. Harold visits a buddy at a bar and, on a bet, starts an unlikely conversation with a rising young starlet (Sherilyn Fenn) who mistakes him for a successful screenwriter. Standard "fish-out-of-water" stuff ensues...
The write-by-numbers formula for this movie has been done before. It's hard not to see things coming. Nothing earth-shatteringly original. It's HOW we get there that is the true charm of this movie. As an aspiring screenwriter myself, I could see every hook and turn in the story before it happened. It's also why everything seemed to work so beautifully to me. I too adore old (and new) movies like our hero. I identified with him. The two leads were charming and showed real emotions throughout. I have to believe they became good friends after the shoot was completed. And with the possible exception of Elizabeth Taylor, I've never seen more incredible velvet eyes as Sherilyn Fenn's. To see her show emotion in closeups... It's screen magic.
This is the role that exemplifies Jeremy Piven as an actor. He was perfect. Nobody else could have pulled off the down-on-your-luck, awesome, wingman-waiting-to-lead like he can. Why he's not a bigger star in Hollywood I'll never know. He's just that good to me. And if anyone can show me a better everyman-speed-riff conversational comedian with impeccable timing and charm, please let me know. I've never seen that kind of intelligent rambling while still keeping a smile on his face.
In all honesty, I've had a mad crush on Sherilyn Fenn since "Just One of the Guys" so anything she's in is gonna make me melt. This role, however, puts her exactly where she should be -- at the top of Hollywood glamour and beauty. She IS the movie star. As much as Julia Roberts was the supposed "beauty" in "Notting Hill", Sherilyn didn't even need to try to be stunning. She simply... IS stunning. If her personality in real life is anything like the character, I'd be right there with Jeremy thinking she's the one --- even if she's SLIGHTLY out of my class. :-)
The rest of the cast is admirable. I'm not a fan of JoBeth Williams and I thought her Sidney Stone agent character was WAAAAY over-the-top. But others on this Board thought she was great so who am I to argue? Alex Rocco (died only a few weeks ago in real life sadly) plays the overbearing, unsuccessful father. His is kind of the thankless job of pushing his son onto bigger-and-better but never really wanting to cut the apron strings from the family business and the home. The rest of the cast is fairly standard - except for an all-too-brief cameo by Wallace Shawn that, even though unrealistic, made me smile and let me know how much I ADORE the man as an actor. He does the blow-hard "BIG, little man" character better than anyone.
SPOILER ALERT FOR SCREENWRITERS: If you have the DVD (and I'm recommending you BUY THE DVD!!!!), let me say the chapter entitled "Just Write" NEEDS NEEDS NEEDS to be on the top of your inspirational scenes to pump you up to write!! No kidding. It's that powerful. Once you watch the montage set to the inspiring song, "Change" by Life In General, you will want to watch it over and over and over. It TRULY is a must watch for a screenwriter. If you can't be inspired to start writing after seeing our untrained, in-over-his-head hero go through his range of emotions while trying to tackle a professional screenplay while set to the PERFECT song to show anguish and hope, you should think of choosing a different vocation.
One note on the cinematography: I can say Hollywood has never looked so lovely. It's unrealistic how traffic-free the streets are, but the director of photography captured the sets with breathtaking lighting. I know Los Angeles isn't 72-degrees and sunny 24/7/365, but they sure took advantage of the best days for this little movie.
Even though this indie will pale in comparison to high-priced, heavyweight romantic/comedies of it's era like "Notting Hill", I will forever have a soft spot for this little gem. The charm, innocence, and "little man does good" feel-good movie is special. If you are looking for Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, Brad Pitt or any other number of "superstars", you will be disappointed by the no-name cast. However, if you want a sweet, surrealistic, feel-good journey into Hollywood's caste system, please do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It will put a smile on your face. :-) -
If your a Hallmark movie lover, you will love this movie. Produced 15 years before the genaric style of Hallmark it follows a basic good honest guy looking for love and on a chance meet with an up and coming star, he lies about being a screen writter rather then being tour bus driver. They both click and as the love grows you are left wondering at what point the lie is found out. A fun, clean, romatic comody all ages will enjoy.
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This is a nice easygoing film - the storyline is familiar to anyone who's acquainted with romantic comedies, though this film really isn't the comedic type, actually.
Anyway the plot is very simple and nothing extraordinary, and there are too many montage scenes where you get the feeling that the film is trying to substitute songs for the lack of action in plot. Also, it is rather formulaic particularly in the middle of the film ... the whole misunderstanding part is so cliched.
However, it's pleasant - it still makes for a worthwhile watch on TV, and predictably - of course the best moment is when they finally are together after all. That scene does make up a little for the flaws I grumbled about earlier, though definitely not entirely. Because:
1. The dialogue leading up to the kiss is very romantic. 2. The kiss itself. 3. I'm in love with the instrumental music in that scene.
So you get the idea - it's up to your taste. -
Average love comedy with good performances from the participating actors.The film could have been better with more quality directing,screenplay and cinematography.The simple manner this fairy tale was told gave the movie credibility and worth watching to the end as long as a love comedy is expected.Fenn fans will like this for sure.....
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januszlvii3 July 2021It is important to note, that Just Write is a romantic comedy, but not a Chick Flick, so it is good for guys looking for a movie to watch with a woman, without being bored. Why? The movie is Harold's ( Jeremy Piven) story, not Amanda Clark's ( the beautiful Sherilyn Fenn). He is a tour bus operator who knows everything about movies but has no desire to do anything else in life, not even meeting women ( well except Amanda ( he has seen every film she ever made))). He goes up to her on a bet by his bartender friend Danny and praises her movies and really understands the movies and gives her the impression he is a writer and Amanda believes it. Later, she gave him a copy of a script of hers and after reading it, came up with the same conclusion: as Amanda did earlier: It is wrong for her because the writer apparently does not like women ( he wrote male characters better ( they are three dimensional and the women are one dimensional) and she talks Harold into actually coming up with a screenplay. He actually succeeds. How? Despite never written before, the combination of hard work, his knowledge of movies and being inspired by Amanda. Spoilers ahead: He actually wins an Oscar for his screenplay ( Amanda is the first one to read it, and told him it is "Just right")., and he does end up with Amanda. What is best about Harold is he does not let fame go to his head after gaining success. In the final scene of the movie, Danny goes on the the Jay Leno show, and Leno points out he is "Starring in LA's hottest new play." ( obviously ( although not explicitly said) written by Harold). It is implied that Amanda is actually the same as Harold ( the scene of them eating cotton Candy comes to mind)., which ( along with being in love with each other (Amanda actually asks him "When have you ever been in love that makes you qualified to write a love scene?" Harold replied "A lot more recent then you know.") is why they are perfect together, The best scenes are the race with Harold in the tour bus ( with passengers) against Amanda's former boyfriend Rich Adams and of course the scenes with Harold and Amanda. The only reason I did not rate it higher was some of the supporting cast such as Agent Arthur Blake played by Wallace Shawn ( who is always aggravating), Harold's father and Amanda's agent Sidney Stone). Why? I do not like Shawn in anything and the other two were too over the top for my taste, and not enough Sherilyn Fenn. I give it 7/10 stars. Mostly for looking at the beautiful Sherilyn Fenn.
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moonspinner5526 January 2002Plot follows a tried(and tired)pattern: aspiring writer in Hollywood, CA works as a tour guide, falls for a starlet who believes he's a professional screenwriter. Of course he can't tell her the truth, she may resent him for leading her on. And so goes what critic Roger Ebert calls The Idiot Plot(i.e., if anyone in the movie simply spoke the obvious, the film would be over). Fortunately, Sherilyn Fenn is pretty and appealing as the actress and, in the lead, Jeremy Piven doesn't overdo his adorableness(he's convincingly shy and winsome while alone with Fenn, and his amiable, slightly flustered mannerisms are reminiscent of a young Gene Wilder). This just misses the mark though. The director shows no creativity, and there's far too much of Alex Rocco in support as Piven's embarrassing father(one scene with this guy gives you all he's got, and the rest is redundant). Apparently unreleasable, the movie has been a cable-TV staple, appearing on The Movie Channel 17 times in one month alone. ** from ****
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oliver-5328 May 2004This is as the cover of the video says a romantic comedy. A fun movie that although it is not going to change the world gives you a moment away from the day's trials and tribulations. Isn't that the best thing that a movie can do?
Jeremy Piven is a great comedian who can take any material and make it his, so any fan must see this movie. He and Ms. Fenn should make more movies together because their chemistry is right. This movie was made by men who have never before or since made another film. If I understand it correctly the producers are dentists who love movies and wanted to make this one based on their script.
Rent it and share it with someone you love with popcorn. -
studioAT3 March 2017Jeremy Piven is best known these days for his role in 'Mr Selfridge', so it does seem odd to see him in this light weight romantic comedy from way back in 1997.
It's not great to be honest. The premise is good, the lead actors do their best, but the bit of magic you need to make a romantic comedy stand out from the crowd is missing. There are lovely moments, but they are just too far and few between for this film to raise itself up from being average.
It's a shame because this film had potential, but for some reason it doesn't really take off. -
ML3685 April 1999I really loved this movie. It was such an enjoyable film due to the great chemistry between the two leads. I can't seem to understand why Sherilyn Fenn isn't a huge star. She brings so much emotional honesty and depth to her roles. Anyone looking for a fun movie with good acting and romance, this is it! Great supporting cast too!
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DaWeas00711 August 2000Dramas and Romances are usually movies I tend to avoid like the plague most of the time, although on occasion I sit through one or two every so often to remind me that men & women have the same basic emotions and that it is possible to get along and be happy. This movie in particular exemplifies this completely. Its the classic rags to riches type story with an unknown, in this case a tour bus driver, who falls for a movie star and in the process learns a lot about himself, movies, screen-writing, and the joys of life. I highly recommend this as a good family, make-u-feel-good type movie!
Overall Rating 4.5 out of 5 -
hawkman21729 February 2000I rented Just Write for Valentine's Day, largely due to the reviews I read on this site (my adoration of Sherilyn Fenn had a little impact, also...). Most people thought it was a great date movie.
You know the basis of the story if you've read the summary, so I won't repeat it here. Jeremy Piven, from TV's short-lived Cupid, plays the bus driver whose favorite actress is Amanda Clark (wonderfully played by Fenn). He brings the same appeal he did to Cupid - - funny and down-to-earth. He really makes you pull for his character.
Sherilyn Fenn has one of the best roles of her career, even though it may not be much of a stretch (an actress playing an actress). She looks absolutely wonderful and, while I don't know what Sherilyn's like personally, gives Amanda such warmth and sincerity that it's hard NOT to fall in love with someone like her.
The two of them have a really nice chemistry together. I wanted to see more of them as a couple. There were some nice supporting characters who added a lot to the story. There was the typical misunderstanding, but it was resolved in a nice way. Some reviews have stated that it was unrealistic for a famous movie star to fall for a guy like this, but I don't view that as a negative. First, all good romantic comedies have similar problems (Pretty Woman, Notting Hill, Sleepless in Seattle - - how realistic are they!?); they all resolve them in an interesting way, just like this movie does. Second, I enjoy putting myself in a movie ("How would I react in this situation?"), and this one allowed me to pretend that I was pursuing Amanda/Sherilyn - - that's what movies are for!
In summary, (guys) don't view this as a chick flick just because it involves a love story. It's every bit as good as those I mentioned above. Rent this movie with someone you love and enjoy the ride. I actually watched it again the next day, and even fast-forwarded through it a third time to watch just the scenes between Piven and Fenn. It's special. My score: 10 -
smurphy2414 May 2000Never heard of this movie-- but woke up this Sunday morning and caught it on HBO. Couldn't stop watching it-- and considering it is absolutely beautiful outside this morning, that says alot about this movie, A sweet (tho' predicatable) movie-- it was definitely worth the time. Jeremy Piven is one of the most "real" actors out there and his role here was totally believable and likeable (it is very unfortunate that Hollywood hasn't appreciated his talent more-- he really is terrific). Sherylynn Fenn did a nice job as well and there was definitely a connection between their characters.
If you are looking for a light romantic flick for a Sunday night when there's nothing on-- or a rainy afternoon-- it's worth the rental. -
GQWho?28 December 1999As unoriginal as the plot seems and as poor as this film did in the box office, I found it to be both enjoyable and engrossing. From the few moments that Harold was on film, I wanted him to get the girl. There was no one better to play "the girl" than the talented and lovely Sherilyn Fenn. The plot is a bit too predictable and simple(boy meets girl, boy loses girl boy gets girl back for good), but the acting of both Sherilyn and Jeremy bring it to life. By the time the film was over, I had a new respect for the romantic comedy genre. A great film for a date or just to relax with on a weekend.
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tsloan-231 May 2000Jeremy Pevin and Sherilyn Fenn are a dynamic screen couple, which is apparent from their first scenes. Their understated performances are accompanied by some first rate support from JoBeth Williams and Alex Rocco. In Ms. Williams case, the movies over before you realize it was her; this movie gave me a reason to remember Alex Rocco.
Despite the implausibility of the situation these people behave like normal people. If your going to pass yourself off as a screen writer, you might get some books about screen writing. The inability of "power" people in Hollywood to admit they don't know someone whose "in" is believable and a huge asset to the deception.
This is the rare Hollywood romance where we actually get a clue as to what attracts these two people to one another. Only once do they resort to the music and photo montage of a date to explain the mutual appeal. The rest of the time the screenwriter lets us hear what's going on with these people.
A great movie. I'm going to go watch it again. -
robertg-910 December 2000This film has enough off-center elements to keep you hanging on while it slowly moves you through all the expected plot points.
The main thing it has going for it is Jeremy Piven, a very smart and inventive actor -- even here, where he pulls out all the stops just to keep things afloat. And he's just the actor for the job. His energy seems to raise the standard for the other actors as well, not that they haven't all done good work before; but he gives them all something to respond to and they seem to rise to the occasion with some equally inventive turns.
Thank goodness. This small romance needs whatever help it can get to convince you to hang in there with it. It pays off in the end exactly the way you knew it would, it's just that it takes so long to go exactly where you knew it was going. -
SSand22 December 1999I was fortunate enough to catch "Just Write," on Starz last night and was greatly pleased (and surprised) with this film. I found all of the main characters to be very likable and also found the writing to be stellar, at worst. The film has inspired me to the extent that I just ordered three screenwriting books off of Amazon.com! When a movie has the power to make a person feel something strong or inspire them to the point that they will do something about their inspiration, then it must be a great film, and "Just Write," is!
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delta_astro31 August 2000I'm a great fan of rags to riches stories. Having lived the riches to rags to riches life personally, the idea is quite appealing to me! What I found so interesting about Jeremy Piven's character was that he was so enamored with Sherilyn Fenn's character; that he saw through the obvious. He wasn't looking at the superficial. Yes, she was pretty and very rich, but that wasn't his motivation. He was truly motivated by, gasp, LOVE! His countenance and his boyish body language when he would be around her was so wonderful to watch. And how a bond and a friendship developed between the two characters was simply delicious. Sherilyn Fenn's character, I thought, was implausible knowing today's standards. However, I loved the thought of knowing that a beautiful, young, rich, single and famous actress could have such a deep longing for true love and faithfulness - where do you find that nowadays?
It's in this story!
The movie was so passionate and poignant, the characters so innocently appealing, and the supporting cast was simply tremendous. I can't say enough good things about this film. Who cares if its an independent. Who cares if its low budget. A good romance doesn't need the big hollywood hype or the big production; it simply needs two characters that truly and deeply love each other and are willing to look beyond the superficial attitudes that most of us have grown accustomed to! -
filmman-327 September 1998Just Write takes a funny and perspective approach to a familiar boy-meets-girl plot and avoids the superficiality that has
plagued many recent film romances. Just Write is an amiable diversion that transcends its implausible material. Just Write opens with the kind of preposterous situation that only unfolds in the movies. Through an ingenious twist of fate
congenial Hollywood tour bus driver and avid movie buff Harold McMurphy (Jeremy Priven) finds himself conversing with beautiful actress Amanda Clark (Sherilyn Fenn), but it's his own concealed nervousness that propels him to lie about his profession. After an awkward pause of contemplation he tells her that he's a screenwriter, she believes him and asks him to read and eventually rewrite the frivolous script for her new film. All of this leisurely leads to a budding romance between the two. The
second we see the two together, we the audience know that they are made for each other, the obstacles in their way merely prolong the obvious denouement. Jeremy Priven's Harold McMurphy is not just another cardboard characterization, Harold has the actual depth and
dimension of a real person; Priven brings his affable character delightfully to life. Sherilyn Fenn and Jeremy Priven are surprisingly credible in their roles, despite some of the fatuous situations. -
gfs54319 July 2003Jeremy Piven and Sherilyn Fenn are sane lovers trying to find one another in an insane world. They make a very charming screen couple -- why aren't they doing more films together? Piven's role as a tour bus driver keeps him putting on an act he despises to maintain an unlikely relationship with Fenn, who plays the part of a rising movie star. Just Write is a fresh, charming treatment of an old storyline, made enjoyable by memorable characters.
To balance the niceness of the two leads, Jo Beth Williams and Alex Rocco give outstanding performances as cynical supports. Williams delivers some great lines as Fenn's forever-on-the-phone agent, and Rocco, as Piven's lame father, provides an entertaining obstacle for his son to nudge aside so he can shoot for the moon.
Wallace Shawn, Jeffrey Sams, Yeardley Smith, and Stephanie Miller keep the laughs coming in minor support roles, and Costas Mandylor is the Hummer-driving, GQ- reading soap star boyfriend Fenn can't shake loose.
Relax and give it a try. I think you'll end up watching it more than once. -
summertime2617 January 2007I really love Piven and I have always felt he should have been the leading man in most of the films he's in. In this movie he really gets his chance to show his stuff. And he blows it out of the water with his charm, and personality. The movie is cute, funny, and makes you cry (just a little). Truly a great flick to watch on valentines day or a girls night in. My mother and all of my girlfriends (some who don't even like the Piv!!!) think that this movie is really good to watch on a Friday night. Piven's performance of a guy who just wants to get to know the girl is endearing and makes you wish you were the girl. The father and the son relationship is fantastic and sweet. And you'll wish there was a little violence between Piven and the agent.
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vid-kid721 April 1999I first saw this film on an airplane to Hawaii and loved it! I had never heard of it before, but it was good in so many ways! If you want to see a movie with great characters and great acting, see this perfect romantic comedy!
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inkblot117 February 2008Amanda (Sherilyn Fenn) is a rising female film star. Her pushy agent, Sidney Stone (JoBeth Williams) is upset, then, to learn that Amanda is not happy with the script of her latest project. Hasn't Sidney made Amanda's career and isn't her co-star to be none other than Brad Pitt? Yet, Amanda insists that her character in the new screenplay is stilted and subtly marginalized. Therefore, when Amanda runs into a Hollywood tour bus guide, Harold (Jeremy Piven) at a bar-for-the-stars, she is excited to learn that he is also a screenwriter! Except, of course, he isn't, but his admiration for her and for film prompts him to tell a little white lie. Amanda begs Harold to read the script and make changes and she will arrange for him to be paid for his work. With his trolley business in financial trouble, thanks to some mismanagement by his partner-father (Alex Rocco), and with the prospect of meeting Amanda again and again, Harold agrees to try. But, can Harold pull off the impossible, that is, fix the screenplay and get Amanda to fall for him, too? This is a lovely story about the good, but poor, guy finding love with a glamorous Hollywood star. Fenn is most lovely, funny and sweet in her role as a glam girl while Piven delivers his usual rapid-fire, good-natured and comic performance as the unlikely suitor. Rocco is fine as the scheming father and Williams is a hoot and a holler as the high-rolling agent. Wallace Shawn has a brief but important role as a fellow agent while Stephanie Miller, now a national talk show hostess, is a stitch as Shawn's reality-checking personal assistant. Then, too, the costumes are terrific, the Hollywood setting very beautiful and the script full of fun, romance and truth about the chaotic world of movie making. Find this flick at once, if you are looking for another entry in the romcom genre. It truly is "just right" for those who are always on the prowl for a feel-great reason to skip the usual household chores.
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TVfan18 May 2010I can proudly say I was a Piven fan before it was "cool" to be a Piven fan. OK, now for the movie. Great fantasy, and as for plausibility, I've seen more fantastic things happen in real life (mine), but I'm an optimist, and good things tend to happen to optimists, and of course, these kinds of movies are aimed at such, not at Mr. Pensive, brooding, deep tortured souls. He! He! Good plot, good pace, fair chemistry. This was back in the days when Sherilyn Fenn was actually likable, and as I said, I'm a Pevin fan, and don't think he can be un-likable, even when he is villainous. I think this might have been his first leading role, one where his character wasn't the lead's best friend. But even as "just" the best friend, he shines, steals quite a few scenes, and makes the lead shine brighter. I liked this movie. I own this movie and watch it frequently.