Nina Takes a Lover

Amazon.com

Laura San Giacomo, introduced to us in the gangbuster role in sex, lies & videotape (1989), only appeared in a handful of empty independent films or small parts in blockbusters (Julia Roberts' best friend in Pretty Woman) before nabbing the starring role in the TV series Just Shoot Me starting in 1997. Nina Takes a Lover, a trite, cute comedy, finds San Giacomo as a wife who decides she deserves a break today and jumps into a lovable affair with a visiting British photographer (Paul Rhys). To first-time filmmaker Alan Jacobs's credit, he takes a earnest road, but the movie takes itself too seriously. Nina narrates her plight to a journalist (Michael O'Keefe) who notes these things (do we know anybody like this?) and before you can say Red Shoe Diaries she's igniting her love life. The film might have been more successful if it stayed as light as a Sandra Bullock vehicle (While You Were Sleeping opened at the same time) although it showcases San Giacomo's leading-lady appeal and provides an interesting role for the brooding Rhys. There's a lovely score by Todd Boekelheide to boot. --Doug Thomas

Description

Laura San Giacomo stars in this sexy comedy about adultery. When Nina's (San Giacomo) husband goes out of town for several weeks on a business trip, Nina hooks up with a photographer. Told from a reporter's point of view, his interviews with Nina and the photographer provide comic insights. Stars Laura San Giacomo, Paul Rhys, Michael O'Keefe, Fisher Stevens and more.

Customer Reviews:

I don't get it . . . but my wife does........2007-08-13

This is a hard one for me to review. On one hand I like the "surprise" ending because it was a surprise . . . at least to me. (Interestingly enough, my wife surmised the ending as the plot unfolded. Hmmm?) On the other hand it left me kind of flat. "Surprise-ending" movies are usually GREAT because there are so many tired storylines to have to live through. But, once the "surprise" was revealed I kind of felt, not quite cheated, but I didn't get full satisfaction either. It was like, "big whoop", I'm not sure I really care.

The movie has its charm because it feels very intimate; all nice cozy. The acting is pretty good and keeps the viewer interested throughout the piece. But . . . then again there is that "but" for me. It's all OK , but I just didn't get the payoff I felt this movie was leading up too. Maybe it's the "guy-thing" in me that just isn't getting it? I think there's something in there that I must be missing? There are a lot of good things about this picture so on that I rate it 3 stars. But . . .

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful...Crying Girl?.......2005-10-03

Feeling this storyline, hearing the rain as if it were outside my window and having my heart race according to the beat of each character's affairs was as lush and satisfying as it gets for me, an avid, observant film lover. Any book, song or movie that makes me cry a good deep from the heart sob is "A-OK" in my book. I LOOOOOVE this movie. It captures the city, the characters and an artsy, cool quirkiness and works it all to delicious advantage. The story is about a married woman, Nina telling the background, circumstances and resultant residues of an affair that shook her married life to a gentle, curious interviewer with time to listen and questions to softly ask toward healing and understanding. Why, how, who and for how long are the questions that subtly beg to be unfolded along the way. The acting is easy and down to earth. You feel like maybe you're watching the characters from across the store, from the booth next door or from the other side of the park. The surprising ending will hit you in the gut if you are a romantic. The realism found in the relationships was what made this one of my top ten of all time favorites. Laura San Giacomo is a nuanced genius in love stories and I wanted what she had by the end of the movie. I can't tell what that is because it'll ruin it for those of you who haven't viewed it yet. For those who have, it is all we could hope for in all it's sordid abandon. I think. (sigh)

Nina Takes A Lover.......2002-05-29

I have'nt viewed this movie as of yet. I'm a big fan of Laura San Giacomo.I watch her on the show just shoot me. I also have the movie "The Stand",even though it was a small part in this movie I thought she was great in The Stand.I also have another movie that I thought Laura was wonderful in "Quigly Down Under". Before I saw Laura On tv I only knew her from a few movies.The movie "Nina Takes A Lover" I only just found out about I don't know to much about this movie other then what I have read on the internet. I have tried to order this movie but for some reason they told me they can't get it is this movie out of print i asked they could'nt give me a answer. so I thought that i would try the internet.I'm glad that I did.If this movie is as good as The Stand and Quigly Down Under I'm sure I'll enjoy this movie also.
Thanks,A Fan Of Laura San Giacomo

A True Refreshing "Love" Story.......2001-05-04

Not only the beautiful imagery and the thrill of a realistic love story, the best thing I found in this film was the shocking ending. Throughout the entire film I had no idea what this all was leading up to. If for nothing else see this movie to find out the hidden twist in the plot!

Not quite a red delicious.......2000-10-26

In the early part of this film, Nina (Laura San Giacomo) tries to attract the attention of a handsome young man in a leather jacket. She bites down loudly (cue sound effect) on an amazingly fresh, crunchy, meaty apple.

As opposed to this film, which, in apple terms, has blotchy tone, a mealy taste, and a sickeningly mushy interior. Not quite rotten to the core, enjoyable if you're really craving an apple.

So, the good: Christi Conaway and Fisher Stevens are amusing in secondary roles. There are some amusing scenes, and there is a kind-of surprising twist towards the end.

Kind of good, kind of bad: Laura San Giacomo, who wields her galactically expressive face like a blunt axe, sometimes hits her scenes perfectly, and other times indiscriminately pauses for annoying effect. Paul Rhys, who prior to this played "The Responsible Brother of Insanely Talented Men" (Vincent & Theo, Chaplin), is supposed to be handsome and mysterious, but he often seems to be overacting his underacting.

Bad, bad, bad: The framing device of the journalist interviewing the characters of this story for their take on infidelity. Also bad -- the setting, the lame conclusion of the panty-swiping gag, and some really badly written "serious" dialogue.