Plot: What’s it about?
Isabella (Penelope Cruz) has been in a troubled marriage for some time, but now it seems as though the end of the road has come. Her husband has cheated on her and pushed her too far, so she packs up and heads out, to the lands of San Francisco. She has few items with her, but with her knives, skills as a cook, and lethal good looks, she just might be able to make it after all. Soon, Isabella has a smash success cooking show on television and across the land, men drool over her and the dishes she prepares. After a while she meets a new lover and they have a lot of fun, but her show has reached back home and of course, her husband doesn’t like what he sees. So he travels to San Francisco, bound and determined to win back his wife and make a second run of things with her. She has come to love her new carefree, independent lifestyle, but then again, she also loves her husband and has some hope for their future now. Isabella is on top for sure, but which man will be lucky enough to end up under her?
This is a light romantic comedy that is fun to watch, but doesn’t leave much to remember. I liked the movie and laughed often, but it never tries to be memorable and that keeps it down somewhat. So while I did enjoy the film the first time around, I simply don’t think it warrants another look. In some cases, films need to be viewed on more than one level, but this not one of those films. Woman On Top is shallow, but fun and never tries to be much more than that, which ensures it remains brisk and light in tone. I think most of the picture’s charm comes from Penelope Cruz, who looks excellent as usual and brings a lot of charisma to her character. I was surprised at how tame the film was, as it seemed as though it would be very sensual, but this is more of a “do it, but don’t show it” type flick in the end. And I suppose a steamy love scene or two might have tainted the lightness, though I think the guys would have loved to see Cruz drop the linens a few times. So if you want a light romantic flick that won’t make you think too much, then Woman On Top is a perfect choice.
I was very impressed with the performance of Penelope Cruz here, as she really overcomes the limited material and shines through. I knew she was talented from her previous work, but here she seems in fine form, even with a weaker character and source material, which impressed me a lot. She uses her smile and good looks of course, but she also shows some emotion at times, but not too often in this one. As you view the film, it is easy to see why she becomes so sought after, as she simply exudes sexuality here, very good casting indeed. Other films with Cruz include All About My Mother, Twice Upon A Yesterday, Life’s A Bitch, Live Flesh, and All The Pretty Horses. The cast here also includes Murilo Benicio (Belly Up), Harold Perrineau, Jr. (King of New York, Lulu on the Bridge), Anne Ramsay (A League Of Their Own, A Taste Of Hemlock), and Mark Feuerstein (Rules of Engagement, Practical Magic).
Video: How does it look?
Woman On Top is presented in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer. This is a terrific transfer and it captures the warm, glowing visuals of the film to near perfection. The colors have a lot of reds and other warm tones, but I never saw bleeds or smears, which is impressive indeed. I had no problems with the flesh tones either, which seemed natural and consistent as well. Although a couple scenes seem too light, most of the time the contrast is level and true, with rich shadows and no detail loss to be seen. In the end, this image might not be perfect, but it sure comes close.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 track is a good one, which allows the excellent soundtrack to immersive the viewer. The music fits the material very well and in this mix, it surrounds the audience and really adds a lot to the entire presentation. Not much to discuss in terms of sound effects, but when they need to be present, this mix ensures they sound terrific. So this track might not pack a massive punch, but it is active when it needs to be and that’s all you can ask for. No problems with the dialogue, which is crisp at all times, although the accents can be a little hard to understand. This disc also includes 2.0 surround tracks in English and French, as well as subtitles in English and Spanish.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes two theatrical trailers and three television spots, which are all welcome additions.
