Fools Rush In
Official Columbia Pictures Site

Starring: Matthew Perry, Salma Hayek, Jon Tenney, Jill Clayburgh,
Siobhan Fallon, Carlos Gomez, John Bennett Perry, Tomas Milian
Category: Romantic-Comedy
Rating: PG-13
Released: 1997
Available for rental.

Fools Rush In is not a typical romantic comedy, but its a subject that's not all that original either. What makes this movie unique is its straightforwardness. How many signs does one man need? Fools Rush In makes you wonder with it's direct-hit handling of a mixed marriage between Anglo-Protestant Alex Whitman (Perry) and Hispano-Catholic Isabel Fuentes (Hayek).

Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek are as unlikely a pair as their characters, but amazingly it works. Alex is a nightclub developer and Isabel's...not. That difference would be enough to crimp plans for long-term romance. Throw in the racial and religious differences, not to mention a dubious one-night-stand beginning, and you've got rich raw material for the writers to delve into and toss about.

John Tenney plays Alex's best friend and business colleague, Jeff. Siobhan Fallon plays Isabel's best friend Lanie. Both characters serve as the "cynical voice of reason" for their counterpart leads. Carlos Gomez plays Chuy ("chew-ee"), whose position in Isabel's life Alex arguably usurps, causing tension of another kind.

    
Jill Clayburgh appears as Nan Whitman, Alex's mother. She plays Mrs. Whitman with a depth you don't expect - and it benefits the movie. Perry's own father, John Bennett Perry, plays his on-screen dad, Richard Whitman. Perry the Elder is the typical executive weekend golfer. But, as with Mrs. Whitman's openness, Mr. Whitman is likewise atypical. He does not have the reticence typical of his ilk. On the contrary, Richard says what's on his mind as soon as it comes to mind, damn the consequences. Tomas Milian plays Isabel's father, Tomas Fuentes. He's passionate and smart, and - typical of most all fathers - very protective of his little girl.

    
"Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you ..." Elvis really called it with this one. Fools Rush In is unexpected, but honest. There were times I cringed, but still cared about how Alex and Isabel ended up. I definitely recommend it - it's actually one of my favorites. This movie is rated PG-13 for adult themes.

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