Maid in Manhattan

In this sparkling romantic comedy, single mom Jennifer Lopez works as a maid in a posh New York City hotel. While trying on a guest's expensive coat, she meets and catches the eye of playboy politician Ralph Fiennes. At the urging of her co-workers and son, Lopez attends a fundraiser with Fiennes, and the two begin a romance...but what will happen when he learns Lopez's real identity? With Bob Hoskins, Natasha Richardson, Stanley Tucci; directed by Wayne Wang. 105 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, French; theatrical trailers.

In the breezy Maid in Manhattan, a maid in a top-flight hotel (Jennifer Lopez, Out of Sight, The Wedding Planner) chances to dress in a guest's clothes just when a handsome political candidate (Ralph Fiennes, Schindler's List, Red Dragon) walks in. Naturally, he's bowled over and pursues her; he's initially drawn to her gorgeous good looks but soon comes to appreciate her honesty and common sense. Of course, she can't let him know that she's only a maid, and various high jinks ensue--it's all pretty formulaic, but lurking in the edges of this glossy, brainless romance are a wealth of sly turns by Natasha Richardson and Amy Sedaris (as callow socialites), Bob Hoskins (as a dignified butler), Stanley Tucci (as Fiennes' exasperated campaign manager), and many less familiar faces. All help to give Maid in Manhattan the life and texture that has been processed out of the main characters. --Bret Fetzer