It Couldn't Happen to a Nicer Guy

Smarter-than-usual TV-movie takes several sly, satirical jabs with role-reversal premise concerning a Los Angeles family man (and eternal doormat) who is forced into having sex with a woman while she holds him at gunpoint. He wants to forget the whole ordeal in the morning, but a reporter has gotten wind of the story and exploits it with the headline, "Man Cries Rape!" Not an exceptional comedy, but a funny one, written with a knowing wink by Earl Barret and Arne Sultan. It certainly benefits from Paul Sorvino's wonderful performance in the lead; Michael Learned also good in change-of-pace role as Sorvino's controlling wife and Adam Arkin (Alan's son) terrific in low-keyed scene with dad Sorvino on the couch (nicely played by both). Though the courtroom finale gets too silly, Sorvino is never less than engaging, and there are quick, clever lines of dialogue all the way through.