SnakesOnAnAfricanPlain The Opposite of Sex works as both a wonderful, if cruel, character study, and a parody of audience expectations. Christina Ricci plays an absolute bitch in this movie. Her life revolves around ruining the lives of others. She doesn't even seem to get that much out of it, her reward is to cause people pain. Whether that be acting out at a funeral, inviting herself to stay, getting pregnant, or stealing her half- brother's boyfriend. Ricci narrates in a self knowing tone, explaining why we feel sorry for certain characters and not others. This often works comically, especially when building sympathy for her brother, she then shows the clips where he doesn't sit around brooding. On the opposite end of the spectrum we have Martin Donovan. He is so painfully nice you just want him to lash out. He's an absolute joy of a character, bringing a chilled and relaxing counterpart to Ricci's hobag. We also have Kudrow as a woman so scared of her own life she interferes with others. She tells everyone how to live their life, and her journey is one of the sweetest as the film reaches a satisfactory and moving conclusion.This is a film about the power of sex, but also how there are other things out there. The only downsides were that it was sometimes too smart for its own good, and the homophobic and lack of knowledge concerning aids seemed very dated.

moviesleuth2 Personally, it annoys me when a film is marketed as something it's not. For the most part, these films disappoint because of unrealized expectations. There's no reason for studios to do this; they're marketing their movies to people who wouldn't like them (which leads to bad word of mouth), and alienates the audience that would actually like the film. The trailer for "The Opposite of Sex" promises a gleefully wicked and twisted comedy, but what the film offers is anything but.DeeDee Truitt (Christina Ricci) is a sixteen-year-old who after the death of her step-dad, takes off from her Alabama home and heads to Indiana to with her gay half-brother, Bill (Martin Donovan). To avoid giving anything away, I'll stop at saying that this leads to a number of complications.As much as I griped about the film being horrifically mismarketed, I still liked the film. I'd give it a weak recommendation, but I wouldn't hesitate in doing so. It's well acted, and I actually felt for a lot of the characters.Christina Ricci has completely rejected Hollywood, and instead concentrated on perfecting her craft instead of becoming a tabloid queen. Her hard work has paid off; few performances are different from DeeDee Truitt and any of the wholesome characters she's played in Disney movies. DeeDee is the ultimate problem child: foul-mouthed, slutty, and completely amoral. Yet Ricci allows us really feel for DeeDee on some level. As Bill, DeeDee's half-brother, Martin Donovan is like Ned Flanders, only not as obnoxious (and gay instead of evangelical Christian). He's too nice for his own good, but he's not a complete doormat either. He's still pining over the death of his lover, Tom (Colin Ferguson), which is affecting his relationship with Matt (Ivan Sergei). Speaking of, Matt is a self-acknowledged dim bulb, but he's not as dumb as he first seems. Small, but over the top, performances by Johnny Galecki and William Lee Scott are also effective.Many people have been raving about Lisa Kudrow's performance as Tom's sister, Lucia. It's effective, but for the most part not much different than her usual characters. She's just more cynical and less ditzy than her other characters. But the differences aren't all that noticeable. Kudrow is effective, but Sheriff Carl Tippett, played by Lyle Lovett, is the one I felt for the most. He's earnest and really cares for Lucia, although she is too busy looking after Bill to realize it.The film, written and directed by Don Roos, is effective, but a little too twisted and convoluted for its own good. It's all a little much, and it's possible to become lost at some point. Still, I liked it. Just don't expect the blistering comedy that the trailer promises.

rich-228 Christina Ricci was always a bit overrated in my book, until I saw the funny, clever The Opposite of Sex. This film has its flaws, but Ricci owns the movie from the beginning, and as a mean, wizened, wisecracking 16-year-old, she's a joy to watch. Though the pacing lags at times, as the viewer you jump on for the ride and careen all around her crazy world.And, ultimately, Dee Dee (Ricci) learns something in the film, even though you may doubt all along that she will.It's so refreshing to watch a movie that deals with teenage angst, sex, gay men, pregnancy, and so many other issues in a reasonably intelligent way. You may not like all the characters, but they are all real.Lisa Kudrow is also a joy, shedding her Phoebe role for something much meatier. Lyle Lovett surprises with his understated small role.The script has some classic lines.I almost watched this movie twice in a row, but then decided to save the 2nd viewing to enjoy later. For once, a movie about all the above (teenagers, sex, gay men, etc) that doesn't dumb itself down for the audience, or assume we're too dumb to follow along.

Snoopymichele Christina Ricci showed audiences that she had indeed arrived into adulthood. In this inspired performance of a spoiled brat who is hell-bent on ruining the lives of everyone in her wake, Ricci tears up the screen.The hugely underrated Martin Donovan plays her half brother, who finds himself alone after she seduces his young lover (Ivan Sergei doing a great job as the clueless Matt). Lisa Kudrow and Lyle Lovett give solid supporting performances, and Johnny Galecki-so sweet on Roseanne-gives an excellent against-type performance.Dede's not bad-she's just misunderstood, or else that what she tries to convince the audience. She's a total witch, but Ricci is so likable and actress, it's hard to get mad at Dede. She's sympathetic because she's so young and confused. She's an angry young woman, and she is selfish to boot-but she's not evil.The script is well-written, the direction right-on, and the film moves between comedy and drama with ease. It's a real joy, and deserves to find a bigger audience.