Product Description

Business tycoon asks a friend he thinks is gay to spy on his girlfriend.
Genre: Feature Film-Comedy
Rating: PG13
Release Date: 3-FEB-2004
Media Type: DVD

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24156 in DVD
• Brand: PERRY,MATTHEW
• Released on: 2000-04-11
• Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, French
• Subtitled in: French, English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 98 minutes

Amazon.com
A charming but problematic romantic comedy, Three to Tango wobbles between sublime farce and ridiculous contrivance in its detailing of the romantic triangle between an architect (Matthew Perry), a rich businessman (Dylan McDermott), and the businessman's mistress (Neve Campbell). What's the catch? Well, after an absurd misunderstanding, McDermott believes Perry to be gay when in actuality it's Perry's architectural partner (Oliver Platt) who is. Thinking Perry is "safe" material, the jealous McDermott enlists him to watch over Campbell so she doesn't flirt with any other guys, the tacit understanding being that if Perry keeps her out of anyone's arms, a lucrative job will be his. Of course, Perry's instantly smitten, and Campbell takes to him immediately. Both are flummoxed when McDermott reveals Perry's orientation, in one of the film's many subtly rich and funny scenes; Campbell's confused but accommodating, and Perry freaks out inside when he understands that if he wants to keep his job and stay out of debt he has to pretend to have no romantic feelings whatsoever for the woman he loves--and be her constant companion and closest friend. When it sticks to farce-screwball mixed with drawing-room comedy, Three to Tango closely resembles Tootsie, in which another man pretended to be something he wasn't in order to keep his job and his proximity to the woman he loves. However, it's the "gay issue"--and that's exactly how it's dealt with, quotation marks and all--that sadly sabotages the film. Whereas in Tootsie Dustin Hoffman's cross-dressing was taken in stride, the issue of Perry's supposed homosexuality is treated as an oppressive burden; it's not only borderline offensive, it badly bungles the film's delicate dynamics, weighing down a feather-light romance with excess baggage. It's too bad, because Perry and Campbell are better than you'd ever have any reason to believe; their courtship is genuinely funny and touching, and after a while you'll find emotional investment in these two ending up together. Despite the film's problems, they manage to pull it over the finish line. --Mark Englehart

Customer Reviews

Tango with romance and fun!
I love this movie -- the chemistry between Perry and Campbell is funny and quite touching. This is one of the most charming romantic comedies I have seen recently and I especially love Perry's comic charisma and ability to steal the spotlight. He is very attractive and funny.

There is something problematic in this film: the stereotyping of gay people. I'm sure homosexuals are not very pleased with this film -- although to be honest, the movie wouldn't be as funny without the stereotypes. There were many hilarious scenes. The most memorable one was when the newspapers publicized Oscar's (mistaken) homosexuality.

Oliver Platts was great, but Dylan McDermott's role of the Trump-like boss was dull and trite. Perry and Campbell make the film work, especially Perry.

Ignore the critics and give this one a try.
I have finally given up reading reviews by professional movie critics. Because if I took most of the recommendations they hand out, I would miss some very good movies. And "Three to Tango" is one of them I would have missed.

Matthew Perry stars as an up and coming young architect striving with his gay business partner (Oliver Platt) to land a very lucrative, high profile job. Through a huge misunderstanding Perry is believed to be gay, and the hilarity ensues. Dylan McDermott is delightfully nasty as the high-powered businessman unafraid to throw his weight around to get what he wants. No longer seen as a threat, he convinces Perry to play watchdog over his mistress (Neve Campbell) for fear that she fall into the arms of another man. Perry, of course falls head over heels, and is now powerless to do anything about it for fear of losing his job. The fact that everyone now assumes that Perry is gay lends itself to some very funny scenes, but also some very over the top, unbelievable situations.

Matthew Perry is charming as usual, and delivers each line with his signature comedic timing. Neve Campbell is perfect as the flighty, artistic love interest and the object of two men's affections. Oliver Platt is very good as the straight man to Perry's antics, but delivers his share of funny moments as well. I can't help but feel that some critics refuse to take Perry's ability to act outside of the "Friends" confines seriously. I think that he has a great deal of talent, a natural feel for comedy, and is obviously the best of the "Friends" bunch. Give this movie and try, and I bet you won't be dissapointed.

Perry & Campbell are sensational!
First & foremost, I don't really mind what I have been hearing from the tabloids about Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell. Actually when I heard this movie is out, I was intrigued. I picked this movie deliberately from Amazon when Perry and Campbell were featured with Dylan McDermott of The Practice in the title cover of the DVD. And when I saw it, they were sensational as they were paired up for the first time in this savvy romantic comedy masterpiece. The story is very original of its kind since "The Object of my Affection" with Paul Rudd & Jennifer Aniston. In that movie, a straight female falls in love with an openly gay guy who are not meant for each other romantically. While in Three to Tango, we see quite the opposite - a straight guy, who is misunderstood of being gay, falls in love with a straight gal, who thought that he's gay, and at the end were meant for each other. As intrigue comes to embrace its viewers, the story is beautifully directed and well portrayed. The movie kicks off with two architectural partners, Oscar Novak and Peter Steinberg played by Perry and co-star Oliver Platt respectively, together pursuing a job opportunity with a Forbes' tycoon, charles Newman played by McDermott. When Newman finds out their gay status, Steinberg & Novak was awarded its big break, except for Oscar Novak, who was misunderstood of being gay, was given additional duties to spy on the tycoon's mistress, Amy played by Campbell, for her suspected relationship with a hunk football player, Kevin Cartwright played by Clyk Cozart. Wait what you are about to hear when Kevin confesses his attraction to Oscar. And wait to see the part when Oscar was selected and honored as "Gay Professional of the Year". It's chaotic fun just like the good old school days. Towards the end, Oscar confesses his true identity during his honorary speech and his love for Amy. The final act is a kissing scene of Oscar & Amy, which put the viewers to draw their conclusions especially for Friends and Party of Five fans. For the movie theme, it's love conquers all. But for desperate fans seeking gossip, the movie creates this hysteria, when these two were paired up for the first time. And Three to Tango became a hit. Adding to the praise is the superb musical score. The swing era of the 50s and 60s is well adapted to the atmosphere of humor around this modern story. If you're expanding your gay library or if you're just starting to build one, or if you're a huge fan of Friends and Party of Five, then you'll like this one. After all, Perry & Campbell are just among the youngest and cutest stars around.