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ABOUT ADAM Send This Review to a Friend
Normally one might think that a comedy about a bounder who in turn seduces three sisters fits in the category of male exploits at the expense of women. Not in "All About Adam." This Adam, on the loose in swinging Dublin, has his own agenda, but the women also have theirs and that's what makes this romp written and directed by Gerard Stembridge diabolically funny and inoffensive. Its twist on morality is wickedness with a wink. Each of the sisters involved gains through her experience. That doesn't make Adam any more decent, but it doesn't make the sisters victims either.
Kate Hudson has a sunny role as the effervescent Lucy Owens, who sings in a café, and although she knows how to be pertly forward, she can't find the man of her dreams--until Adam. Frances O'Connor as Laura loves literature, is more intellectual than her sisters but is shy when it comes to men--until Adam. Charlotte Bradley as Alice is married to a dullard who drinks too much but she's the faithful type--until Adam. They have a brother, David (Alan Maher), who is having trouble getting his girlfriend into bed--until Adam. And wouldn't you know, David is also aroused by Adam. The only one left out is mum (Rosaleen Linehan), and widowed, she looks as if she wouldn't be immune to his charms either if put to the test.
This loads quite an acting burden on Stuart Townsend, who plays the seducer supreme and is ready with whatever story suits whatever occasion. Townsend does the character proud, making with the sly, seductive looks, pretending to care deeply about his targets and manipulating the situation so that it is the women who make the crucial advances. Very skillful, this guy.
The sisters are also judiciously adept at keeping their secrets from each other in a cross between self-preservation and not wanting to cause pain But they want what they want. All three actresses are attractive in their respective ways and give entertaining performances. Stembridge cleverly interweaves the situations recounted from the different points of view, with close calls and nimble strategies, not to mention a good helping of sex. This outrageously funny comedy with an edge should appeal to adult audiences of all age groups. After all, with Adam there is something for everyone. A Miramax Films release.
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