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Review by: Jack Foley | Rating:
One
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES: Trailer; TV spots.
IT’S billed as a vibrant and colourful comedy about the
universal struggle to find one’s identity, but Suzie Gold
ends up coming across as a Jewish version of My
Big Fat Greek Wedding - and far less funnier to boot.
Summer Phoenix stars as the eponymous heroine in question, attempting
to juggle the neurotic attentions of her family, with a blossoming
relationship with a co-worker, who just happens to be a non-Jew.
The ensuing ‘comedy’ leaves no cliché unturned,
and ends up being more offensive to Jewish customs than The
Passion of The Christ, given that virtually every single character
on show conforms to some form of ridiculous stereotype.
Beginning at the wedding of Suzie’s sister to a traditional
Jewish husband, the film then goes back to the months leading
up to the big occasion, as Suzie meets, and starts dating, the
news editor at the television station where she is working.
But while Darren represents everything she is looking for in
a companion (as well as great sex in the photocopy room), Suzie
is wary of provoking the wrath of her family, who might not accept
someone of differing faith.
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To complicate matters still further, she is also being courted
by the handsome and wealthy Anthony, whose idea of a perfect date
is taking her to a skating rink, called ‘Jews on Ice’,
and eating at the same restaurant every night.
When the inevitable happens, and Darren confronts her about her
attitudes, Suzie must choose between doing what is perceived as
right by her family, and where true happiness lies. You can probably
guess the outcome.
Thrown into this nauseating mix, are the members of Gold’s
oddball family and friends, including her Ali G and hip-hop obsessed
younger brother, a hysterical mum, a kindly grandmother, and all
manner of quirky in-laws.
At the basis of Suzie Gold lies a heart-warming romantic comedy
with more than a passing nod to Bridget
Jones’ Diary, as well as the aforementioned Greek Wedding.
But the jokes are too laboured, and the scenarios too painful
to fully do it justice.
The visual gags, at the expense of Jewish custom, are quickly
tiring, and totally obvious, while the chemistry between the two
romantic leads virtually non-existent.
And aside from the fleeting moments of charm (which usually stem
from Suzie’s kind-hearted father), most of the film feels
desperate and awkward.
Phoenix, for her part, remains alluring throughout, but even
she is found to be struggling against some of the story’s
soppier contrivances, which makes the whole business a thankless
task for just about everyone concerned.
More fool’s gold than anything else.
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