Living Out Loud (1998)

LIVING OUT LOUD marks the directing debut of screenwriter Richard
LaGravenese (THE HORSE WHISPERER, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY).
This not-bad drama-with-comedy stars Short and Shorter Holly Hunt-
er and Danny DeVito; they play a pair of divorcees who have a 
brief encounter shortly after their separations.  (She's a doc-
tor's ex-; he's her Manhattan apartment's elevator operator.)  The 
narrative meanders quite a bit and neither lead seems quite right 
for the role.  (Hunter is too quirky an actor; DeVito too famil-
iar.)  The story is never entirely predictable, however, nor are 
the emotions that pat.  (The characters have several well-played 
exchanges).  Lots of music, too, with Queen Latifah appearing as a 
torch singer and a rendition of "Can't Take That Away From Me" by 
Mr. DeVito himself!  It's a musical moment almost worth not leav-
ing early for...  (Rated "R"/100 min.)

Grade: C+

Copyright 1998 Michael J. Legeros
Movie Hell is a trademark of Michael J. Legeros

Originally posted to triangle.movies as MOVIE HELL: November 8, 1998