ONE FINE DAY

REVIEWED BY CHARITY BISHOP

Our rating: 4 out of 5

Because of: language, mild sensuality

Rated:

For a single, working mother, juggling her little boy and business responsibilities is a lot to take. But Melanie Parker (Michelle Pfeiffer) has it all together, until one fine day comes along and finds her at the end of her rope. When her little boy Sammy misses his field trip on the day of her big presentation, Melanie has no choice but to take him to the office. What doesn't help is that attractive, overbearing and oftentimes insulting columnist Jack Taylor is to blame, for not phoning and informing her that his daughter would not be at her mother's and need a ride to school. 

Since Jack (George Clooney) has no idea when school starts or even where the building is, his daughter also misses her field trip... and the two distraught and angry parents wind up sharing a cab together on their way to work. Since their children have a distinct aversion to each other, and Melanie is furious with Jack, it's a cold trip to the office. Melanie is a half hour late. Jack is about to get fired due to a story he wrote on the mayor without third-person backup. Both are attempting to watch their kids and keep them out of sight, but neither realize just what this hectic and often hilarious day is going to bring.

When Sammy is the cause of placing Mommy's job in jeopardy, Melanie takes him immediately to a child care center in town. As it turns out, Jack brings Maggie to the same day care. Everything goes fine until a shocking revelation brings the happiness of the situation to an end, and both children are immediately removed from the building. Melanie has to make her presentation, and agrees to leave her little boy in Jack's care until three-fifteen, when she'll take over; which will give him plenty of time to write his story.

In this surprisingly short amount of time, adventures and escapades (and sometimes tragedy) abound. And amid this stressful afternoon, each parent realizes something... that they're undeniably attracted to their arch enemy. And when the kids begin to figure it out, pull out all the stops for a hilarious and often heartwarming ride, from police station crises moments to fluffy kittens and soccer practice, One Fine Day will never fail to engage a smile... although viewers will be asked to suspend reality. 

The idealism that one can meet someone and fall in love within the period of a day is nothing less than humorously misleading. But if you can overlook lust as love, the film is a fairly good one. It has its flaws... some mild innuendo and a few instances of harsh language. Melanie is seen in her bra few times, in between changing various shirts due to spills. Jack, to tick her off, calls up his editor and makes a few suggestive remarks, which she believes are to a woman. In the accidental process of switching mobile phones, Melanie receives both some vulgar language from his editor and a few suggestive lines from a fellow co-worker. 

Other profanities include various insults, some misuse of God's name, and three of GD. (The first two within thirty seconds of each other, one later from Jack's editor.) But overall it's a cute romance, and those who can overlook its few flaws will find themselves entertained by a romantic comedy to rival While You Were Sleeping and You've Got Mail. Pfeiffer is, as always, ravishing, and the charisma is definitely in place between her and Clooney. It's not for lovers of Mission: Impossible-style action or Entrapment-like plot twists would enjoy, but a good film nonetheless... and perfect for a rainy afternoon.