neumu [ cinematronic ]




	Maid In Manhattan
	Wayne Wang Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Bob Hoskins, Amy Sedaris 2002		At first glance, "Maid in Manhattan" — a "Cinderella"-meets-"Pretty Woman" vehicle for actress/singer/paparazzi-magnet Jennifer Lopez — is treacle: a modern-day fairy tale that tries to capitalize on the star's self-proclaimed "Jenny from the Block" inner-city cred. At second glance, same thing. But director Wayne Wang ("The Joy Luck Club"), Lopez, co-star Ralph Fiennes and cast members Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci, Bob Hoskins and Amy Sedaris are having so much fun that the film is an acceptable diversion for any romantic slob in need of a feel-good tonic. Lopez plays lovely Hispanic single mom Marisa. She's dedicated to her bright young son and diligent on the job as a chambermaid at a swank New York hotel. A handsome, patrician Senate candidate (Fiennes) mistakes Marisa for an alluring hotel guest and hits on her. "Suite" love is in the air, and so is the potential for disaster. Publicity about her humble, working-class background might destroy his candidacy; revelations of her customer "relations" might kill her dream of a management job. No surprises here, except a pleasant one: It doesn't stink.