Sliding Doors

See Larger Image	Manufacturer: Paramount Starring: Paul Brightwell, Linda Broughton, Evelyn Duah, Terry English, Charlotte Fryer Average Customer Rating:


Audience Rating: R (Restricted) Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 9786305132103 Format: Closed-captioned ISBN: 6305132100 Label: Paramount Manufacturer: Paramount Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Paramount Release Date: 1999-06-08 Running Time: 99 Studio: Paramount Theatrical Release Date: 1998-04-24
Related Items Great Expectations (1998) Shakespeare in Love (Miramax Collector's Series) Emma (1996) Love Actually (Widescreen Edition) Four Weddings and a Funeral (Deluxe Edition)
Editorial Reviews: Nice concept, shaky execution--that about sums up the mixed blessings of British actor Peter Howitt's intelligent but forgivably flawed debut as a writer-director. It's got more emotional depth than most frothy romantic comedies, and its central idea--the parallel tracking of two possible destinies for a young London professional played by Gwyneth Paltrow--is full of involving possibilities. It's essentially a what-if scenario with Helen (Paltrow) at the center of two slightly but significantly different romantic trajectories, one involving her two-timing boyfriend (John Lynch) and the other with an amiable chap (John Hannah) who represents a happier outcome. That's the film's basic problem, however: The two scenarios are so romantically imbalanced (one guy's a total cad, the other charmingly sincere) that Helen inadvertently comes off looking foolish and needlessly confused. Still, this remains a pleasant experiment, and Howitt's dialogue is witty enough to keep things entertaining. It's also a treat for Paltrow fans; not only does the svelte actress handle a British accent without embarrassing herself, but she gets to play two subtle variations of the same character, sporting different wardrobes and hairstyles in a role that plays into her glamorous off-screen persona. --Jeff Shannon
Spotlight customer reviews: Customer Rating: Summary: Just Simply Awesome Comment: Just like my title, this is just simply an awesome movie of chances of taking different roads. Just sit watch and enjoy. Customer Rating: Summary: A Wonderful Little Film! Comment: A friend suggested this movie. I'd never heard of it. What a wonderful little film! The story is upbeat and fast-moving and the premise fascinating. I'm a huge fan of Gwyneth Paltrow (Proof is fabulous) and she's charming in the two roles this story demands of her. You can't help but pull for her - in both realities. And you can't help but think of those times in your own life when a "sliding door" may have put you on a completely different path. A fun movie to watch with friends and family for that reason, too... IMO - There are far too many badly done romantic comedies these days - some even cringe worthy. (I don't like to give bad reviews, but stay away at all costs from No Reservations and Because I Said So - ugh.) Compared to those, Sliding Doors should win a freakin' Oscar. Customer Rating: Summary: Great Fun - Yes, lads, for you too. ; ) Comment: For want of trying to avoid a little girl two stories emerge. Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) either catches or misses a train. The two stories then interweave as both Helens interact with many of the same characters. She has a boyfriend who is unfaithful (and is something of a wretch to boot) and she meets and dates a man who is her soulmate. Other reviews have commented on the unfaithful boyfriend being such a schlemiel that it is an insult to her intelligence for her to stay with him. Folks: LOVE IS STUPID SOMETIMES. I found the awkwardness others complain about to be part of the charm. Love does work like that. But - the humor is snappy - very British and laugh out loud funny (I can sit stone faced through many so-called comedies, so take this as a complement of the highest order.) - and the movie is good fun. This is a chick flick, but trust me guys - you'll enjoy it too. Awkward in places (I would have had the divergence scene split on screen and maintain that split screen to parallel the scenes until the train leaves.) but a great first effort by writer-director Peter Howitt. And props for one of my favorite Warren Zevon written songs being included. I'll let you find it. Enjoy!!! Customer Rating: Summary: Seriously? Comment: Did anyone seriously not see the end of the movie from the beginning? Super predictible. Paltrow seems to rarely impress. I generally am not - watching films in the romantic comedy genre - however I recognize when a movie is romantic or comedic. This film was neither. Customer Rating: Summary: Subtitle please! Comment: This movie is so original, and for $7 bucks it's worth every penny! I remember seeing this movie preview long ago, but it didn't appeal to me then. One of my co-worker brought it up and explain the movie what if scenario to me, and I took a chance and bought it. I'm so glad I did, because it's such a great movie. You have to see the ending to see why! I promise you will not regret it. Oh~ I gave it 4 stars, because I didn't understand what the bloody hell they were talking about at first, because of the British accent. However, subtitle helps! More Reviews