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I'll start by saying I'm probably the only person in the world who likes this movie enough to own it (if this scares anyone, stop reading now).  I saw it almost by accident --I was at the movie store (as I always am), needing something mindless to watch on a rainy day.  The cover for Flawless caught my eye, and --since I have a fondness for 'drag queen' movies-- I rented it.

The basic plot isn't too important --retired cop has a stroke trying to stop a shooting in his apartment; takes voice lessons as therapy from his drag queen neighbor, who hates him (and vice versa).  Despite the loose way the murder/robbery wrapped up, it was necessary to facilitate the rest of the story --even though it came across as filler on occasion. 

Almost everyone I know who saw the movie (and most of the big, famous reviewers) said the same thing --it was stupid, formulaic, and full of stereotypes.  I agree to a certain extent.

Rusty (PSH's character)'s drag queen friends (one of whom is played by the incredibly adorable Wilson Jermaine Heredia, of RENT fame) could be seen as cliche, but I believe there is usually some reality to every stereotype.  The Gay Republicans were completely the way you'd expect them to be in a movie; as was Walt (Robert De Niro)'s transition from Rusty's enemy, to his friend.  What I'm trying to say is that I don't mind cliches in movies --not everything I watch has to have twists, turns, and surprises (though those are nice, too).  I'm perfectly happy to watch a predictable yet sweet movie, as long as the characters interest me.

Now to talk about PSH --I absolutely loved him in the role (but I almost always do).  I believe he played Rusty well enough that he never seemed too over-the-top.  The character had plenty of depth (though several magazines I've read said differently), and seemed very believable.  I was extremely proud of Phil (I hope that doesn't sound too obsessive) for pulling it off with as much honesty as he did.

I have no real opinion of Robert De Niro.  I respect him as a person, but I didn't find anything spectacular about his performance.

All in all, it's a great movie to watch if you're in the mood for PSH and a light, unsurprising (yet satisfying) story.

-- Wendy