HouseSitter (1992)

Plot Summary: An ambitious architect, Newton Davis, designs and builds his dream home for his girlfriend, only to have her reject his marriage proposal. Heartbroken, he abandons the house, only for a quirky and manipulative waitress, Gwen, to move in and pose as his wife. What follows is a series of comedic and chaotic situations as the two pretend to be married, all while navigating their own personal dilemmas.

Director: Frank Oz
Producer: Brian Grazer
Screenplay: Mark Stein

Starring:
Steve Martin as Newton Davis
Goldie Hawn as Gwen Phillips
Dana Delany as Becky Metcalf
Julie Harris as Edna Davis
Donald Moffat as George Davis

 

***SPOILER ALERT***

Goldie Hawn Shines Bright

Returning to the world of Frank Oz comedies, Housesitter pairs Steve Martin with the brilliant Goldie Hawn, and let me tell you, she absolutely steals the show. Goldie is phenomenal as the sly, inventive con artist Dawn, her expressive face and sharp delivery make every scene sparkle. Like many Frank Oz comedies, lying plays a central role, and here it spirals into an intricate web that keeps you hooked. The payoff? A hilarious climax at a wedding reception where Steve Martin’s naive architect, Newton, awkwardly sings “Too Ra Loo Ra Loo Ral” to his father, a comedic gem that had me in tears. The fake parents at the reception? Comic gold!

A Comedy of Absurdity

At first, you might find Newton’s reaction to Dawn a bit far-fetched, any sane person would call the cops on someone invading their home! But this is a Steve Martin comedy, where absurdity reigns supreme. The plot embraces its ridiculousness with a sweet, naive love story that avoids moralizing. By the end, our “heroes”, a crafty criminal and a newly-minted liar, walk away with their happily-ever-after, fake parents in tow. It’s absurd and wonderful. Steve Martin is perfect as the upright, awkward small-town guy, and his dynamic with Hawn is electric. Watching her craft her lies with impeccable timing is a joy.

A Feel-Good Classic

Yes, the film starts a little slow, but once the lies pile up, it’s a wild and entertaining ride. The supporting cast, Newton’s uptight parents and his boss, add layers of fun, and the jazzy soundtrack keeps the mood light. Don’t let the low IMDb score or overly serious reviews deter you; Housesitter isn’t about realism. It’s a cleverly written comedy that leaves you smiling with its nostalgic 90s vibe. If you enjoy this, don’t miss Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, another Frank Oz gem. As for me, I’m queuing up Bowfinger, can’t wait to see Steve Martin with Eddie Murphy. I definitely missed some comedy gems from the 90s!

🎥 Cinematography (6/10):

Solid but not particularly groundbreaking. The focus is more on the performances and comedic timing.

📖 Story (8/10):

Inventive, fun, and full of clever lies that keep you hooked until the end.

🎬 Direction (8/10):

Frank Oz balances absurdity and charm perfectly, delivering a feel-good comedy.

👥 Characters (8/10):

All characters are interesting.

💥 Visual Effects (5/10):

Not applicable for this type of comedy film. 5 points to balance it out.

🎭 Acting (8/10):

Goldie Hawn steals the show, and Steve Martin's comedic timing is impeccable.

💬 Dialogue (8/10):

Witty and entertaining, with sharp comedic lines and memorable moments.

🌍 Setting/Atmosphere (7/10):

The cozy small-town vibe and inventive use of settings like Newton’s house add charm.

🎵 Music (7/10):

The jazzy parts of the soundtrack complement the lighthearted tone of the film.

😄 Entertainment Value (9/10):

A delightful ride that leaves you smiling and wanting more.

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