New in Town” is a fish out of water comedy fused with a standard issue rom-com.
Doesn’t sound promising, does it?
But “Town” features Oscar winner Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick, Jr., a man who’d be a mega star had he been born in an era when handsome, multi-talented crooners ruled the silver screen.
“Town” stars Zellweger as Lucy, a high-powered executive who will do anything to scale the corporate ladder (although her high heels could vault her to the top all by themselves).
She accepts a temporary transfer from sunny Miami to New Ulm, Minn-eh-sow-tah, a land where even the thermometers wear parkas.
Her boss wants her to do some serious downsizing of the local plant, and she’s more than eager to oblige. Who are these snow-loving, Bible thumpin’ people anyway, she asks, not with her Kewpie Doll voice but with every swing of her Pilates-toned hips.
Along comes the local union rep (Connick, Jr.), and Lucy’s icy heart starts to melt. Need we say any more about the plot?
“New In Town” treats the Midwestern folk like amiable rubes, but slowly their wit and good hearts take over. And while every other Sandra Bullock film features badly executed slapstick, it’s great to see Zellweger hit the dirt with sharp comic timing.
Add in two terrific character portraits (J.K. Simmons and Siobhan Fallon Hogan) and you have a pleasant, if utterly predictable, 90 minute romp.
Sure, the rom-com formula is fully in charge, but the leads’ chemistry is just enough to warrant a lukewarm recommendation.
Besides, is there a better romantic comedy out there now … or coming soon, for that matter?
(Photo: Lucy (Renee Zellweger) gets a quick lesson in Minnesota winters in “New in Town.” Photo credit: Rebecca Sandulak)
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