Cheri: Movie Review By David Kempler

Pfeiffer's Still Hot But Cheri is Tepid

Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, familiarly known as Colette, was a French novelist who is probably best known for penning "Gigi". She is also recognized by some as being the first woman of fame to engage in lesbian relationships out in the open. Colette knew many courtesans (hookers) in real life and no doubt this influenced her when writing "Cheri", the tale of one such lady, Lea de Lonval (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Lea's old courtesan pal, Charlotte Peloux (Kathy Bates), has a son named Cheri (Rupert Friend). He is approximately 25 years younger than Lea and very far from a virgin, but Charlotte thinks that the idea of Lea fornicating with her son could go a long way toward turning him into a man. Even though Lea has known him since he was a baby, it takes about 45 seconds for the two to be kissing passionately. Seems like a stretch to me but maybe I'm just jealous of anyone who gets to fool around with Michelle Pfeiffer. As you might expect, what starts out as a unidirectional lesson in lust becomes a mutual lesson of love. Both fall victim, and hard.

Eventually it all plays out in non-spectacular fashion under the capable direction of Steven Frears. The problem is that there is nothing of particular excitement here. It looks good, the performances are all well-tuned, and it flows. Yet, it never takes off, even in the slightest. No greatness, no boredom. It's a relatively calm evening at the cinema. If you think you might enjoy relaxing while watching a semi-lust-filled event with an aging, but still powerful, female symbol and a good-looking younger man, then by all means take a shot at "Cheri". If you are looking for more than that you will be disappointed.