Three to Tango (1999) User Reviews

The nice humor makes you forget about most flaws.

[philip_vanderveken · 7/10 · 26 April 2005]

I've always been a fan of Matthew Perry in the sitcom "Friends". I still think he was absolutely great as Chandler Bing. But so far he could never convince me as an actor on the big silver screen. Somehow it just didn't work out as well as it did in those ten years of "Friends". But this movie is different. I really liked him in this one.

"Three to Tango" is a comedy that sometimes goes a bit too far over the top, but that also offers plenty of fun and laughter which will make you forget about the few annoying moments. I liked the story about the two architects who will act as if they are a gay couple, just to get that important restoration job. When the businessman also asks Oscar to keep an eye on his mistress, believing nothing can go wrong since Oscar is "gay", things start to go really wrong, creating a lot of painful but often funny situations...

I guess the fans of the sitcom "Friends" will love this movie. I know I did and the main reason for that is because Matthew Perry is playing the role he knows best: the likable loser who doesn't do much right. Sure, the movie has it's flaws and no the story isn't world-shockingly original, but it offered me plenty of laughter and that's exactly what I'm looking for in a comedy. That's why I give this movie a 7.5/10.

Pleasantly surprising

[Dragoneyed363 · 7/10 · 16 May 2008]

I had mildly low expectations on this movie. I predicted it would be a second rate comedy, cheesy, hardly any romance at all, and just was unworthy of my time, even though I was eager to see the wonderful Neve Campbell who I always enjoy in movies and thought that it could not be horrible, hopefully somewhat entertaining. When a few certain scenes happened I thought that I was in for another cliché-ridden rom-com. Then, this film totally surprised me by doing something different and changing itself into a very well done and likable rom-com with cute performances from everyone.

It's not your average run-of-the-mill rom-com and while some of my expectations were reached, in ways, other thoughts I had about this film were left far behind in the dirt and I was dumbfounded at what a fluffy and fun movie it was. It managed to be slightly unpredictable, and while it was not that romantic at all, I found the comedy to be easygoing and it was just a lighthearted film. I was in this movie for Neve Campbell and came out liking something different about each character in the movie. I don't know if this movie is a must see, but if you have even the slightest bit of interest at all in this film, go ahead, watch it. I was pleasantly surprised, pleasantly surprised indeed. It provides some giggles and smiles, and passes the time effectively.

A date movie that doesn't insult your intelligence

[Shiva-11 · 7/10 · 11 October 1999]

Typical Hollywood formula: guy meets girl, guy wants girl, but girl thinks guy is gay and he must maintain the charade or lose a job. In this case the guy in question is Oscar Novak (Matt Perry), who, with his business partner (Oliver Platt) is competing for a $90 million renovation project. To complicate matters, Charles, the guy in charge of assigning the project (Dylan McDermott), asks Oscar to shadow his mistress (Neve Campbell) and keep her away from any guys. Oscar doesn't realize why he's been chosen (Charles thinks he's gay) until it's too late. Of course it's only a matter of time before Oscar and Amy fall in love and chaos ensues.

Perry essentially does a rehash of his Chandler persona from "Friends", which makes Oscar a charming, neurotic klutz who makes little headway with women. Campbell's Amy is energetic as the independent life loving bohemian and her omnipresent grin and boundless optimism light up the screen (luckily there's no screaming). Platt, although uncharacteristically subdued, is hilarious as always and has some of the best lines in the film. Unfortunately, McDermott's portrayal of the self-absorbed- pretty-boy-Donald-Trump-wannabe is suprisingly lifeless and the only weak link in the film.

Tango is not groundbreaking cinema -the straight-guy-pretending-to-be-gay (and vices versa) routine has surely been done in every medium known to man. Unlike many of its predecessor's, however, it manages to be amusing without being offensive: Oscar doesn't try to "act" gay - he does not become a mincing, effeminate, fop with a lisp - rather he conducts himself as he always has. Although humor is the method of delivery, the movie manages to honestly convey the difficulty people must face when, for whatever reason, they are forced to live a lie. Oscar's "coming out" speech emphasizes this point, and manages to be poignant and educational without being melodramatic.

If you're looking for an entertaining date movie that doesn't require a box of Kleenex this movie amply fits the bill.

Harmless fun

[topcat-1 · 15 March 2004]

This movie has a chance to be cliched but usually avoids it deftly. It's not perfect nor full of belly laughs but pleasant enough. I haven't seen much of Matthew Perry's work, not being a "Friends" fan, but I was very impressed by his acting here, his expressions and comedic timing. Neve Campbell is adorable, the kind of spunky kooky girl you wish existed in real life - one of her better roles. If you're a fan of Matthew or Neve, you'll love the movie. Supporting cast does fine, direction, photography, music, all in place unobtrusively. A good director is one who you don't know is there. Damon Santostefano emerges from successful tv shows to do a fine job. (Clueless, The District, Honey I Shrunk The Kids).

Strange romance that is pretty enjoyable

[UniqueParticle · 7/10 · 4 June 2020]

Matthew Perry and Neve Cambell are so great together, I wonder if they're still friends nowadays. A nice misunderstood LGBT community story with lovely comradely throughout. Cute charming fun that doesn't require much attention like today where I barely got sleep, I very much enjoyed this on HBO2 today!

Oliver Platt is the best thing about the movie!

[madlynstar · 7/10 · 19 June 2000]

On the whole, this was an entertaining movie. Both Neve Campbell and Matthew Perry were believable in their respective roles. However, Oliver Platt was wonderful as Peter. He is definitely one of the most under-appreciated comedic actors of our time. Bravo Oliver!

Just another Chandler movie

[bsinc · 6/10 · 1 September 2003]

Matthew Perry just seems unable (or unwilling) to let go of his Chandler persona. The jokes he does in "Three To Tango (and the rest of his newer movies)are all so similar to his sitcom character it's kind of sad seeing one of the funniest men (and my personal favorite "Friend"-well, at least until he marries Monica) be so uninventive and unexperimental with his definite acting abilities. On the other hand, there's the ALWAYS stunning Neve Campbell who steals the show. Incredibly sexy and stunning, funny, smart and with just the right touch of a rebel she makes her character a person I'd love to spend the rest of my life with. I know I always say the same things, especially if the women are as gorgeous as she is, but it's absolutely true. Who could not fall in love with Amy Post?

There's a believable chemistry between the two and the rest of the cast adds its share as well. Romantic comedies are ALWAYS predictable and rightfully so, but "Three To Tango" fails to logically and believably wrap up the plot in the last five minutes, filling it with coincidences that are just to big for the viewer to swallow. Nice, kind of funny(you probably won't find yourself laughing out loud very often, just smiling in your mind as the movie goes along) and who can forget-romantic. 6/10

Take a look, good 'chick flick'

[redkiwi · 7/10 · 10 August 2000]

Regardless of the name of the film, or the content - it had Neve Campbell in it; so I went to see it.

It was actually not a bad film as well as the lovely Neve, Matthew Perry wasn't anywhere near as annoying and unfunny as he usually is, and the storyline developed well towards what was always going to be a predictable end.

Worth seeing; I did actually enjoy it.

Forgettable Romantic Comedy

[FlickJunkie-2 · 5/10 · 16 April 2000]

This is a forgettable film that masquerades as a romantic comedy when it is really a satire on homophobia. Actually, the storyline is quite clever and there are a number of good sight gags, but the dialogue is uniformly dreadful and lowbrow. The writing is hack and sitcomesque which might explain why they loaded this cast with TV actors.

We are presented with two architects who are vying for a contract that can revitalize their ailing business with a roguish developer named Charles Newman (Dylan McDermot). Charles is married and having an affair with Amy (Neve Campbell), but he is jealous and wants to keep tabs on her. Thinking Oscar (Matthew Perry) is gay and no threat, he asks him to spy on her, implying that it might help him to get the contract. The rest is pretty predictable. They fall in love, but she thinks he's gay so there is no hope. Eventually love prevails (no spoiler here, no-one on the planet could watch this movie and think they wouldn't get together), but not before numerous mistaken gender orientation gags run their course.

This film was obviously presented from a gay perspective as a satire on homophobia. All the gay characters are portrayed as respectable, admirable and wise, while all the straight men are portrayed as rogues, misfits and buffoons. You see skit after skit where homophobia is lampooned. Women can't confide in a man unless they think he's gay, because straight men are just too insensitive to understand. Gays in the closet are bashed repeated with snide remarks. This probably explains why this film was more well received by women than men, since much the comedy really mocked straight men and their fear of homosexuality.

Matthew Perry has made a career out of playing hapless losers with the appeal being that it's funny to see someone who is even more woefully inept than the average viewer. While I don't find this particularly funny, I will give him his due and say that he is a master of the art. He gets high marks for being able to simultaneously evoke laughter and sympathy over his plight. Also, I found his chemistry good with Campbell, and his longing for her was played with a good deal of sincerity and sensitivity.

Neve Campbell is really just window dressing here. Her role is to smile, look cute and sexy and play the love interest. This is not a real stretch for her since she can essential do all those things by just standing there.

Dylan McDermot was pretty dreadful as the scoundrel. In his defense, he didn't have much to work with since the way his part was written he was portraying more of a caricature than a character. It is difficult for an actor to slip into the skin of an absurdity and know exactly how to play it.

The best acting in the film came from Oliver Platt, who played Oscar Novak's business partner. He was funny and played an excellent straight man to Perry's clown. Platt is a veteran and a professional and always brings substance to his supporting roles.

This film has its moments but not enough of them. It is effective social satire and it is mildly successful as a romantic comedy, but it bogs down frequently with too many variations on the same gay theme. Though funny in parts, it is generally just silliness. I rated it a 5/10.

Tons of laughs!!!!

[mattymatt4ever · 7/10 · 25 April 2001]

I have always been a loyal fan of the show "Friends." I always love Matthew Perry's sarcastic portrayal of Chandler Bing. He is a highly talented comic actor, who delivers the funniest lines with this deadpan sarcasm, which is most special because it doesn't appear as if he's going for a laugh, making the dialogue even funnier. If you love Matthew Perry on "Friends" you should love him in this movie! He pretty much portrays the same character, only under a different name. This time he's Oscar Novak.

Like I say about most comedies of recent years, "Three to Tango" is designed like a sitcom and geared towards sitcom pay-offs. However, those pay-offs are only occasionally cheap. Which is the same thing I can say about "Friends." I often got big laughs watching these outrageously exaggerated, though extremely funny, comic sequences. Perry has some memorably hilarious lines. There's a scene where he struts past a row of photos, which all display men and women's backsides with flags of different countries painted on them. Perry goes up to a random woman and points to one of the photos, commenting "I never knew things were so hairy in Bosnia."

This is another one of those films that involves a woman in a relationship with a total jerk, and you can't help but think to yourself "What the hell was she doing with him in the first place?" In this case, the woman is Neve Campbell and the jerk is Dylan McDermott. That's one of the minor flaws, among others, that impair a comedy like this. Sure, the film is structured around a shaky plot. But when I watch a comedy and I'm laughing this hard...the other elements are easily excusable.

I also have to give a hand to the supporting cast. Oliver Platt is terrific and never falls into the homosexual stereotype, yet his character is still thoroughly believable.

"Three to Tango" has the intelligence and wit of a TV sitcom, but a damn funny sitcom. Just imagine "Friends"--hopefully being as much of a fan of the show as I am--with different characters and actors (except for Perry) and just as many laughs. I was laughing the whole way through, and totally regarded the formulaic, predictable plot.

Three cheers for "Three to Tango"!!!

My score: 7 (out of 10)

What were they thinking?

[N.L. · 1/10 · 13 October 1999]

"Three to Tango" has some great slapstick and some amusing performances but two huge problems stop the film in its tracks.

Not knowing Matthew Perry from anything other than his "I Love Lucy"-in-reverse comedy "Fools Rush In," which was cute and easy on the brain, I had no expectations of any kind when I attended a sneak preview. I knew that "Three to Tango" had something to do with fake gay-ness and that it had been compared to "In and Out," a film which I thought was only okay.

So I laughed while Perry fell over things and at the other well-timed slapstick comedy, but I kept trying to grapple with a lack of believability. Suspension of disbelief is so rarely demanded in romantic comedies, but here I was expected to swallow that a young, beautiful, strong, intelligent modern artist character (Neve Campbell) would accept being the MISTRESS of a snake-like rich guy! Excuse me, what were they thinking? It would have been one thing if the character or ANYBODY else in the film brought this mistress life-choice up or asked her why, but it passes unmentioned and accepted as a given to the story.

Worse, the big "coming out" speech that is the climax of the film - in which Perry announces that he must be honest, come out of the closet, and tell his secret...He's not gay! Surprise! - is delivered to an audience of gay professionals who have awarded this fraud with Gay Professional of the Year. Guess what all you people who have been fighting for acceptance and legal rights all your lives, this guy's really a breeder, a het, and he has stolen this honor from you! What does this audience of thousands of gay people do? Those softies, those limp-wristers, those pansies - they applaud! They give him an ovation! Yeah, right. In the real world, this would not have been so pretty. And of course, after the one token gay guy jumps up to applaud, the camera only shows us the other heteros in the audience who are so relieved (or disturbed) by this news.

As a gay woman, I can usually step out of myself enough to enjoy any kind of well-made film, including romantic comedies about straight people. But this film just annoyed the hell out of me - because it was clear no one really put any thought into it.

Neve Campbell and Matthew Perry - a perfect couple!

[stefanhoeffllin · 8/10 · 6 June 2000]

Somehow I wondered that this movie was such a missuccess in the USA. Okay, this movie is full of cliche's - some scenes reminded me of "My best friend's wedding" and "In and out" - but who cares? Hey man, this is a romantic comedy! Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell were an absolutely perfect couple! I must say that I've watched the movie just because of Neve. She was just wonderful! She should make more movie's like this one. I've loved it from the first scene on.

Amusing recycled script

[peterbreis · 7/10 · 27 November 2021]

Can't help it but it stands out like dog's...

This is a remake/twist on "The Apartment" with Matthew Perry reprieving Jack Lemon's role as the put upon dweeb, and Neve Campbell reprieving Shirley MacLaine's kept woman role.

A "daring" gay theme, with a highly contrived totally unbelievable excuse for Neve Campbell to move into Matthew Perry's apartment to set up the comic premis".

Guess it was a '90s thing.

nice couple

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 23 December 2016]

Oscar Novak (Matthew Perry) and Peter Steinberg (Oliver Platt) are architects pitching a cultural center for tycoon Charles Newman (Dylan McDermott). Charles is married and having an affair with glass artist Amy Post (Neve Campbell). He mistakenly believes that Oscar and Peter are gay romantic partners as well. He sets them against competitor Strauss (John C. McGinley) and Decker (Bob Balaban) in an expensive bidding process. He's leery of Amy's ex. He gets Oscar to keep an eye on her and away from his wife (Kelly Rowan).

The premise has the stink of a TV sitcom with a straight guy mistaken for a gay guy. Matthew Perry is either the perfect guy to do this or the guy to accentuate its sitcom nature. Perry and Campbell ooze with charm. I love them and they make a nice couple together. On the other hand, it's a bland rom-com at best and humor is broadly weak. I want something better for this adorable couple.

Fun Tango

[Chrysanthepop · 4 June 2007]

What you get from 'Three To Tango' is a feel-good (but sort of deja-vu) comedy. It has its own charm, own humour (though very American). Santostefano's direction helps the movie move on a steady track. Matthew Perry's Oscar isn't very different from Chandler Bing, yet he manages to stay funny as hell and never get on our nerves. Neve Campbell's Amy is vivacious, charming, sexy and funny. Dylan McDermott does alright as the arrogant boss. Oliver Platt is decent (although he does go overboard at times). Unlike other more recent American comedies, 'Three To Tango' has a more classy appeal. The background score is very likable. The film is set in the busy city which is beautifully shot. Though it does have its share of toilet humour and over-the-top comedy, I can safely say it's one of the better American comedies, fun enough to watch on a rainy day accompanied by a great background score.

Funny and full of great one-liners

[stingaree1 · 7/10 · 8 May 2000]

I found myself laughing out loud at what might have been considered throw away lines. The actors did a great job of putting this light weight movie across and making it enjoyable to watch. Matthew Perry shows he is much more than a situation comedy actor and Neve Campbell is an actress who knows her business and is very easy on the eyes. The supporting cast were all very good and made a fun if not memorable movie. If you just want some laughs and aren't going to be critical of a weak story you'd enjoy this one.

A queer classic, so to speak.

[ElJay-W · 6/10 · 19 October 1999]

Three to Tango is about a rich tycoon who gets one of his recently-hired employees (whom he wrongfully believes is gay) to `babysit' his mistress. The whole movie Neve Campbell was absolutely beautiful and acted very well in this movie. The cinematography was very well done, with screenshots and sets that give it the ambiance of a classic love story. The plot revolved around people thinking and appreciating that he was gay man, when he was not. The director went out of his way (and a little overboard, in my opinion) to put Matthew Perry in every conceivable uncomfortable homosexual situation and I think ultimately, it really hurt an otherwise decent comedy. If you are even SLIGHTLY homophobic, this is not the movie for you at all.

cute and romantic !

[SadoShikawa · 7/10 · 1 January 2004]

alot of people rip this movie apart. that its not believable etc.. but who cares, i found it to be romantic and cute and charming. definately worth a look if you're in a lovey dovey mood.

didn't expect to like this movie, but I did.

[ramona q · 7/10 · 10 October 1999]

There are enough original funny scenes to make up for the few cliche/cheesy ones. I liked the opening camera shots of Chicago. Neve Campbell is tolerable for those who can't stand her in Party of Five. Oscar Novak (Matthew Perry) is a really fun character - somewhat similar to Chandler Bing, yet different enough to make it new. Dylan McDermott's character is a bit two-dimensional -more the result of the writing than his performance.

Absolute waste of time

[tonymars-63087 · 2/10 · 14 February 2021]

Terrible plot, cast, writing, acting One or two chucklable moments was not worth the entirety of this film

Cute and funny

[Mike Astill · 6/10 · 17 September 2001]

Have you ever watched the start of a comedy and thought, 'Ooh, they're just trying WAY to hard too be funny.' Here's a prime example. Perry and Platt's goofball antics, coupled with the piercingly loud big band soundtrack, seems to scream, 'Here are the lead guys. They're funny, so LAUGH goddamnit.'

Luckily, once things have settled down a bit, things get a lot better. Perry does his Chandler act (a safe decision) in a plot that seems like a rehash of a 'Friends' episode anyway. People think Oscar (Perry) is gay. He's not, but he has to keep the pretence up because his new boss has him spying on his mistress Amy, to make sure she doesn't cop off with any other guys. A fair concern, as Amy is played by the gorgeous Neve Campbell. Unfortunately, Oscar falls for Amy. Hilarious consequences ensue. Well, mildly humorous consequences, anyway.

It's all very fluffy and lightweight, which is no bad thing. Perry and Campbell make a cute couple, and by the time the big band blasts out the end credits, the situations have been resolved, people have been paired off, and certain of the characters get to live happily ever after. Hurrah! Of course which characters get to live happily ever after I'm not saying, but if you can't guess, you don't watch enough movies.

The film has Neve Campbell and was still disappointing

[braddy · 3/10 · 16 April 2000]

Oliver Platt & Dylan McDermott offered up very mediocre acting performances. This movie seemed to drag until Neve Campbell was on screen. I almost turned off the video, but kept it going because I thought it would get better. Use your time better by watching paint dry.

Familiar, but fun.

[Banky-4 · 8/10 · 3 November 1999]

It's true. Actors can take a tired movie plot and make it good. And this movie is a lot like that. Matthew Perry and Neve Campbell have chemistry and Oliver Platt was fun as Matthew's friend. I went in expecting the worst, especially since Entertainment Weekly gave it an "F", but I really thought it was good.

Not a great comedy but a pretty good sweet romantic movie.

[Boba_Fett1138 · 6/10 · 2 August 2007]

It feels like the movie was trying to hard to be comical, with formulaic predictable comical moments, fast directing and editing and a typical comical musical score, that desperately tries to make some sequences look and feel more comical. The movie comically mostly relies on cheap gay jokes. With handling gay subjects in American movies always feel 10 years behind in time. It doesn't make the story and movie feel like the most original or clever one. The movie does have its fun and humorous moments but its not ever anything too hilarious. Luckily the movie does work better on its romantic levels. In that regard this movie is a pretty enjoyable and sweet one.

It's still a well made movie. Seems to me that Damon Santostefano really is not bad director. Things flow well and it makes this movie a rather enjoyable 98 minutes. The movie has the power to make you forget how incredibly formulaic it all is while you're watching it but in the end you'll realize that this movie really isn't the best or most original movie around in its genre. Also the standard bittersweet ending doesn't help much to this.

Matthew Perry isn't good enough to carry this movie. It was just too much his Chandler role from "Friends" all over again. It was as if he wasn't even trying to play a totally different comedy character. A different haircut is simply just not enough. Dylan McDermott on the other hand was simply good in his role and so was Neve Campbell, whose career unfortunately seems to go nowhere. But the supporting cast is perhaps even better and more impressive with high caliber actors such as Oliver Platt, John C. McGinley, Rick Gomez and Bob Balaban, though they certainly aren't their best playing comical roles, with the exception of John C. McGinley. who is great in basically every kind of role. Too bad his and other roles in the movie are too insignificant.

Very well watchable, despite being not the best or most original in its genre.

6/10

http://bobafett1138.blogspot.com/

So bad, I left giddy with disbelief

[SocialD · 2/10 · 24 October 1999]

Okay, this movie is horrible. It starts off with one thing going for it. It knows it's horrible. It plays with that fact. It doesn't bother trying to be good, it just wants you to have a good time. Then the entire last half of the movie takes itself too seriously. And the movie just plain awful. I nearly enjoyed myself until the movie killed itself. So sad. It was so young.