MOVIE REVIEW : ‘Opposite Sex’: Likable Duo, Rocky Context

David and Carrie are such an appealing couple you have to wish that their romance was happening in a much better movie than “The Opposite Sex” (citywide). As long as the filmmakers stick with the two of them, they’re on solid ground. But it unfolds in a most off-putting and unconvincing context.

The sometimes rocky progression of David (Arye Gross) and Carrie’s (Courteney Cox) romance--he’s wary of commitment and of losing his freedom, she fears losing her identity--is entirely credible and engaging.

Director Matthew Meshekoff and writer Noah Stern take a stab at updating “Abie’s Irish Rose” only to back off of it--perhaps realizing how out of date that would be--to such an extent that at the finish, when it no longer matters, we still don’t know for sure whether Carrie is Catholic or Episcoplian. They stick with this tack just long enough for some crude, unfunny caricatures of Jews and WASPs.

They also have trouble with the way they handle David’s and Carrie’s best friends. Until the film’s last few sentimental minutes David’s best pal Eli (Kevin Pollak), although he’s meant to be funny, is consistently just plain obnoxious. Since Carrie’s confidante (Julie Brown) is wise and witty, why does she always wear ludicrously garish clothes, jewelry and wigs? What is the point the filmmakers are trying to make with her kookie appearance?

The problems created by the way in which the two key supporting characters are treated point to the filmmakers’ fundamental uncertainty as to when to be serious and when to be funny--and in what manner and to what degree. Not until the end do they acknowledge--and then only lightly--what a negative impact the crass Eli, in his selfishness, jealousy and immaturity, has had upon David all along.

The filmmakers also indulge in a plethora of asides, composed mainly of various characters addressing the audience directly--which aren’t amusing or inspired enough to accomplish anything except to serve as needless distractions that slow down their picture’s pace.

“The Opposite Sex” (rated R for language and sexual dialogue), which was originally scheduled for release in November, 1991, under the title “Rules of the Game,” tries for substance but proves to be as skittish as its yuppie couple.

‘The Opposite Sex’ Arye Gross: David Crown Courteney Cox: Carrie Davenport Kevin Pollak: Eli Julie Brown: Zoe

A Miramax Films release of an Outlaw/Once Upon a Time production. Director Matthew Meshekoff. Producers Stanley M. Brooks, Robert Newmyer. Executive producer Jeffrey Silver. Screenplay by Noah Stern. Cinematographer Jacek Laskus. Editor Adam Weiss. Costumes Carol Ramsey. Music Ira Newborn. Production design Alex Tavoularis. Sound Robert Janiger. Running time: 1 hour, 27 minutes.

MPAA-rated R (for language and sexual dialogue).