Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
In the midst of a nasty public breakup of married movie stars, a studio publicist scrambles to put a cap on the escalating situation as the couple's latest film has found it's only print kidnapped by the director.
America's Sweethearts is a mildly entertaining but largely forgettable Hollywood satire. The ensemble cast (Julia Roberts, Billy Crystal, John Cusack, Catherine Zeta-Jones) elevates the material somewhat, but the plot is formulaic rom-com territory with predictable beats and thin character development. The behind-the-scenes Hollywood setting offers modest satirical potential that the film never fully exploits. Cinematography is workmanlike and unremarkable. The ending resolves in the most expected way possible, offering no real surprises. A serviceable but disposable studio comedy that squanders its talented cast.