Sunday, October 17, 2010

Awesome Film - The Love Guru

By Harry Pena

Leave behind animated characters, Mike Myers has returned in the first original role since Austin Powers and he does not disappoint. The Love Guru is really a thinly veiled homage to Deepak Chopra, concentrating on the travails of 1 guru who has to interrupt a curse, reunite a couple and get a hockey team to the Stanley Cup. That is no small order, but you may expect amusing hi-jinks to ensue.

Mike Myers doesn't miss a step with this comedy that centers around the star player from the Toronto Maple Leafs, Darren Roanoke, played to perfection by Romany Malco. Roanoke's wife is lured away by the star player of the LA Kings, Jacques Grand (Justin Timberlake) and it's up to the Love Guru to revive domestic harmony to get Roanoke back on his game.

Having a cast that includes Jessica Alba and Ben Kingsley, it's hard to fail. Myers penned the initial story with Graham Gordy and co-produces with Michael DeLuca. It has been a difficult road for Myers since the popularity of Austin Powers, and although he's given terrific performances in animated flicks, this marks his return to playing a human, something audiences happen to be awaiting with baited breath.

The premise behind the Love Guru Film is not necessarily new, meshing the typical fish out water tale with a boy meets girl scenario, however Myers makes it work. His character, Pitka, is abandoned as a boy outside an ashram in India and it is trained in the way of the guru. Visiting America, he finds fame as a self-help guru that caters towards the stars.

Known for his unorthodox techniques, Pitka is hired on by the owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Jane Bullard (Alba). The team have been a victim of the Bullard Curse for forty years and it appears as though it's struck again as disharmony within the marriage between Roanoke and his estranged wife. Timberlake is perfection in his role as the golden boy from the LA Kings who woos away said wife.

Given Myers love of Chopra and hockey, this is really a project produced in heaven for that 45 years young star. Noted for mixing life and art, Myers hits his stride with this movie, after disappointing audiences in his turn as the Cat and the Hat. He is definitely in the element in this zany comedy that features a number of today's hottest rising stars. It is a good career move for Myers and one that audiences will undoubtedly embrace, as long as he keeps himself in check.

Count on a large roll out and lots of coverage as Hollywood makes book on whether Myers may bring in the audiences. Given the recognition of the Shrek movies and Myers in general, most motion picture goers will be able to forgive Myers for his few missteps and thoroughly enjoy this fun and lighthearted comedy. - 40730

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