Movie Guys: ‘An Ideal Husband’ not necessarily an ideal movie

Friday, July 2, 1999 | 10:04 a.m.

The Movie Guys, starring Jeff Howard and Dave Neil, appears Fridays in the Sun (additional material provided by Thomas Feeney). You can also read their capsule reviews of movies in Las Vegas Weekly magazine. Plus, check them out online atlasvegassun.com/sun/sunlife/movies and themovieguys.com.

Grades: Jeff, C; Dave, B.

Starring: Rupert Everett, Cate Blanchett, Julianne Moore, Peter Vaughan and Minnie Driver.

Directed by: Oliver Parker.

Screenplay by: Oliver Parker.

Rated: PG-13 for mild profanity and mature themes.

Running time: 96 minutes.

Playing at: UA Rainbow Promenade, Regal Cinemas Village Square, Regal Cinemas Sunset Station, Regal Cinemas Texas Station, Gold Coast Twin, Century Desert.

Synopsis: It is the late 19th century, when political ambition and sexual intrigue are the main principals in this take on the classic play by Oscar Wilde. Arthur Goring (Rupert Everett) is London's famed bachelor who takes life's matters lightly until his lifelong friend and political leader, Sir Robert Chiltern (Jeremy Northam), is threatened with blackmail. In what soon becomes a web of deceit, temptations and exposed truths, Goring takes a position that allows him to understand what it means to be an "ideal" gentleman.

Dave: Here is a perfect example of a film out of place in the company of such proven and potential summer blockbuster movies. However, if you are in the mood for something other than shagging spies, stars warring, animated features and western showdowns (and I'm sure there are a handful of you out there), then this sophisticated romantic comedy, adapted from a play by Oscar Wilde, is a refreshing alternative.

Rupert Everett (best known for his memorable role as Julia Robert's advising gay friend in "My Best Friend's Wedding") plays the wealthy Lord Arthur Goring, whose bachelor status is known throughout London in 1895. His womanizing and partying lifestyle contribute heavily to his spouting ideologies about fashion, society and politics.

Jeff: The challenges for director Oliver Parker -- aside from adapting the screenplay -- was to keep our interest and round out the cast of characters whose well-being and stable lives are thrown into turmoil at the very suggestion of scandal or wrongdoing. He sets the stage for romance, blackmail and plenty of witty Wilde one-liners.

Sir Robert Chiltern (Northam), a shining star of English Parliament, and his wife, Gertrude (Blanchett), are a perfect couple. In her eyes he can do no wrong, and is the very model of morality. Blackmail sets the stage as Mrs. Cheveley (Moore) demands money for a "scheme" from Sir Chiltern and, if he refuses, she will reveal the means by which he came into his money and power. She is truly a femme fatale as she threatens to destroy his marriage and all that he has worked for. The web of deceit snares the rest of the characters, as notes are sent back and forth. What ensues is a mixture of mistaken identity and sexual innuendo. The pacing is slow at first and the banter is prim, proper and droll. The humor must be an acquired taste, because I barley cracked a smile.

Dave: Jeff barely cracked a smile because he was in the mood for an Adam Sandler vehicle instead of the sharp wit and poignant comedy of a highbrow film such as "An Ideal Husband." Not that I blame you, Jeff. Like I said earlier, the movie simply seems out of place for a summer release.

As expected in most period pieces, the film is decorated with lush backdrops and tailored fashions. And, while those who are familiar with Wilde's wonderful dialogue know it is full of colorful quotes, writer/director Parker (1995's "Othello") fleshes out the characters with more depth and emotions than the author ever bothered to do. This take fits Wilde's beat on morality and politics and may just appeal to a broader audience than I give it credit for.

Jeff: "Dangerous Liaisons" this isn't. "An Ideal Husband" is typical, dry English humor that lacks any modern satire. The humor relies on class distinction, manners and playing by the rules. This movie was a little too stuffy for me (it tested my sense of warped humor), and while the final act of the film came together in a grand summation -- with a giggle here and there -- I didn't really care for the humor of Oscar Wilde.

"Wild Wild West" gets creamed:

Now you can have your film ... and eat it too! Chocolate pieces in the shape of the logo for the new "Wild Wild West," as well as tiny replicas of a train that appears in the movie and a giant mechanical tarantula, will be mixed into Dreyer's Wild Wild West Sundae ice cream when it hits grocery freezers this month. Described by Dreyer's as a "limited-edition flavor," the ice cream will be carried in markets until August, the company said.

Movie Buzz

Yabba-Dabba-Due: Universal and Amblin Entertainment have announced the release date for "The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas." The prequel is scheduled to hit the big screen on May 12. Comedian Harvey Korman will have a part in the new film. Korman will play Colonel Slaghoople, Wilma's father. Korman also provided the voice for a number of characters in the original animated series, including the Great Gazoo. The actor's distinctive voice can also be heard coming out of the Dictabird in the 1994 "Flintstones" film.

Name That Flick

"That would be a terrible job to tackle. Just how would you start to cut up a human body?" Audrey Rager was the first to call and identify the quote spoken by Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window." Way to go, Audrey!

Now, for this week, who said this and in what film: "Oh, people will come, Ray. People will most definitely come"? Have you heard it before? If you think you know, call the Movie Guys Hotline at 225-9026, or log onto our website at themovieguys.com. Be sure to spell your name and leave your daytime phone number and if you're the first to answer correctly, we will print your name right here in our column for the entire Las Vegas Valley to read.

Be sure to point your web browser to themovieguys.com to read our exclusive web-statstic review of Will Smith's "Wild Wild West." See you next week!