I love Salma Hayek and I always thought Matthew Perry was the funniest "friend," but the two of them together in a love story had me skeptical of good results. I needn't have worried. Matthew Perry is Alex, a real estate executive who meets a beautiful woman named Isabel at a restaurant and ends up going home with her. Although the passionate night is just a one night stand, Isabel shows up several weeks later - pregnant. Alex is shocked, Isabel is definite, and the two manage to fall in love as they decide what to do and get to know each other in the process. Despite barely knowing each other, they decide to marry, shocking their families and friends.
Isabel is a sensual Latina, proud of her culture and quick to introduce her family to her new husband. She is proud of him and despite some slight embarrassment over the circumstances of their union, Isabel doesn't hesitate to involve Alex in every aspect of her life. Alex is much more reluctant to tell his blue-blooded family that he married someone outside of their elite circle.
As Isabel's due date draws closer, tensions between the two families increase, causing major conflict between the newlyweds. Alex is pressed by family, friends, and even a former girlfriend, to leave Isabel out of his life. Isabel's family isn't sure that Alex will fit into their world and she begins to wonder if he looks down on some of her family's traditions. After a terrible fight, Isabel tricks Alex in a terrible way, and the two part ways, eventually filing for divorce.
After seeing several signs that he may have made the wrong choice, Alex is devastated when he realizes that he truly loved Isabel. Ignoring all else, he sets out on a quest to Mexico to find the love of his life. When the two finally reconnect, Alex is in for an incredible shock.
"Fools Rush In" was a delightful little movie. Salma Hayek ("Frida") and Matthew Perry ("Friends" television) were quite funny together although I didn't feel the sexual chemistry as much as I do with other on screen couples. Despite the rather tame passion, the story was fun, energetic, and witty enough to keep me interested. I appreciated the delving into Isabel's rich culture; it was also refreshing to see the reality of two people suddenly married unable to get along. The two lead actors were really entertaining and truly made you care that their love survived and neither one ended up being the "fool."
Extra! Extra! Tidbits About the Movie:
Fun Fact: The actor who played Matthew Perry's dad in the film is his real life dad! You might recognize him from the popular Old Spice commercials, his name is John Bennett Perry.
Songworthy: "Mi Tierra" - Gloria Estefan
Fun Fact: Andy Tennant directed this film! One of my favorite directors, he also directed "Hitch," "Ever After," and "Sweet Home Alabama."