Head Over Heels (2001) (PG-13) No Rating

Amanda (Monica Potter), a Renaissance art restorer who's unlucky in love, finds herself incredibly attracted to her neighbor, Jim (Freddie Prinze Jr.) - even after she thinks she sees him murdering someone.

Story

After catching her live-in boyfriend in a compromising position, Amanda sets out to find a new place to live. She ends up rooming with four supermodels (Shalom Harlow, Ivana Milicevic, Sarah O'Hare, and Tomiko Fraser) whose apartment has a great view -- especially of Jim, the "perfect guy" across the way. When Amanda, in a "Rear Window"- type scenario, witnesses Jim committing what she thinks is a murder, she sets out to prove that he did it. However, to her surprise, she ends up falling head over heels (literally, a lot of the time) for him instead.

Acting

The chemistry between Prinze and Potter is near perfect. Potter does a great job of playing a klutzy girl who can't seem to stay on her feet long enough to have a conversation with Jim. But then again, who could? Prinze exudes his usual charm and winning smile, while at the same time showing great comic timing. The more pivotal moments with the four models, who are "struggling," as they like to say, are well done and surprisingly hysterical. Who needs a drama, when you can have four models who are actually funny?

Direction

Director Mark S. Waters and Prinze Jr. are together again after their 1997 film "The House of Yes." "Head Over Heels" is a cross between "Fatal Attraction," "An Officer and a Gentleman" and "There's Something About Mary," which means it's a bit muddled in its direction. Waters tries a little too hard for the shock value while at the same time trying to convey romantic comedy elements, almost overshadowing the performances of the actors. But hey, then again, we get to see supermodels covered in poop. Priceless. Still, the fairly clever and darker script, plus the winning chemistry between the lead actors, makes it worthwhile.

Bottom Line

For a romantic comedy, the film heads into some dark territories -- and it's funny.