Used People (1992)

Set in 1969 Queens, a recent widow (Shirley MacLaine) finds herself pursued by an Italian (Marcello Mastroianni) who knew her deceased husband (Bob Dishy) slightly. She must also deal with her two adult daughters: an overweight divorcee (Kathy Bates) constantly berated by her and an unstable daughter (Marcia Gay Harden) who dresses like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Barbra Streisand and other movie actresses. Based on the off Broadway play THE GRANDMA PLAYS by Todd Graff (who adapted his play for the screen) and directed by Beeban Kidron (TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING JULIE NEWMAR). The Oscar winning MOONSTRUCK is the template for this trying too hard to be quirky and whimsical romantic comedy. It lacks the wit and magic of that charming 1987 movie and the lack of chemistry between MacLaine and Mastroianni (struggling with the English language) just isn't there. Two performers manage to (barely) overcome the treacle: Bates and Harden bring some much needed teeth to a rather gummy script. The rest of the talented cast don't fare as well. Among them Jessica Tandy, Sylvia Sidney, Doris Roberts, Joe Pantoliano and Charles Cioffi.