Every year, soon after the Oscar's are announced, studios begin to 'dump' their latest disasters, hoping to capitalize on a weak slate of new films. The regime has been going on for years, and for 2009, New in Town represents the perfect example of such a situation.
Starring the hit-or-miss Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr., New in Town lacks the needed chemistry to pull off a romantic comedy. In fact, to many, the film will never appear to be a romantic comedy at all. Instead, the story will take center stage, which is usually a good thing, except for this story is predictable and lackluster to say the least. As a result, the film is a disappointment, though sadly, one that was expected from the very beginning.
In the film, Renee Zellweger plays Lucy Hill, an ambitious, up and coming executive who is willing to do anything to earn the coveted VP seat. When she is coaxed into taking a temporary position in the middle of nowhere Minnesota, Lucy plans for an in-and-out execution style restructuring. However, after warming up to the folks who call the place home, Lucy begins to connect with those around her, discovering the greater meaning to life and quite possibly the man of her dreams.
The story, though interesting, plays out like a comic book as the jokes are severely misguided and the romantic flames awkwardly lit. There is little to no chemistry between Zellweger and Connick Jr., making the film's center stone romance unbelievable in every aspect. The pace of the film is dismissal as the characters fail to materialize, becoming distant memories with each passing scene. There is simply no saving the film from is destined spot amongst the year's most unneeded tales...except for one small factor.
Taking the film on her back and running with it is Siobhan Fallon-Hogan, an often under-appreciated actress who plays Blanche Gunderson, Lucy's 'assistant.' Though an obvious supporting character, Fallon-Hogan steals the spotlight in every scene she is in. Using a classic Minnesota accent and an unperceived amount of small town-innocence, the lovable Blanche is the sole character whom people can relate with. Her mannerisms and charm speak volumes, allowing the film, for a split second, to become bearable, if not enjoyable.
Sadly, the good fortunates don't last long as Fallon-Hogan proves to be the lone spark in an otherwise dull and pathetic ensemble adventure. Do yourself a favor and pass on this unfortunate excuse of a motion picture, for the numerous lacking qualities make this film ridiculously lame during a time of year where lame is actually acceptable.
