The reviews lean towards a mixed response, with praise concentrated on the cast rather than the romantic premise. Julia Roberts’s comic touch and expressive performance draw approval, while several critics find enough appeal in her pairing with Richard Gere to carry a predictable story. The supporting performances also earn praise, though critics differ over who stands out. The more receptive reviews treat the film as an agreeable star vehicle, with little expectation of realism.
The main disagreements concern whether the romance convinces and whether the comedy is funny enough. Variety is notably warmer, finding charm, humour and considerable entertainment in the film, especially in Roberts’s performance. Total Film enjoys the romance and the leads’ chemistry but finds the comedy wanting. At the harsher end of a fairly wide spread, The Guardian finds scene after scene falling flat, with Joan Cusack providing the strongest performance.
