Where to watch HouseSitter
3 Stars
Smart writing, sharp acting, and good directing elevate HouseSitter into a charming and funny romantic comedy, and also a sleeper hit with audiences. Steve Martin and Goldie Hawn are a perfect on-screen foil, their initial disdain for one another grows into genuine mutual admiration, and we buy it. Martin does solid but subtle work in the role of a heart-broken, exasperated everyman. While Hawn does a good job of keeping her character likable despite being a con-artist.
Architect Newton Davis (Steve Martin) is distraught when his girlfriend, Becky (Dana Delany), spurns his proposal and refuses to move into the lavish house he designed for her. Davis, who cannot imagine himself living alone in the house, shares his tale of woe with Gwen (Goldie Hawn), a dishonest waitress he thinks doesn’t speak English. Complications arise when Davis, on the brink of reconciliation with Becky, discovers that Gwen has moved into the couple’s soon-to-be dream home.
HoueSitter is directed under the guidance of Frank Oz. He keeps the picture fast paced, but it’s not zany like some screwball comedy from the 1940s. There is a delicate humorous and sweet tone and balance that is captured early and sustained; not an easy feat with this brand of farcial comedy. HouseSitter is a pleasant romantic comedy featuring two movie stars doing what they do best, in a movie that is witty, and more clever than you’d expect.
Director: Frank Oz
Stars:Steve Martin, Goldie Hawn, Dana Delany