(rated R, 105 mins.)
In this movie that takes a comic look at the male ego, Campbell Scott plays Roger Swanson (nicknamed the Dodger as a child for his ability to talk himself out of bad situation). With his razor-sharp wit, he’s believed he’s mastered the art of manipulating women, until his virgin sixteen year old nephew, Nick (newcomer Jesse Eisenberg) pays him a visit in hopes of learning seducing techniques in a wild one night crash-course from his Uncle the seemingly expert, on sexual conquest. This “what women really want” talky premise has been done before, however the clever dialog, self-hating lifestyle, New York City feel and jerky camera work, give this more a solid independent movie feel than big studio fare. Isabella Rossellini is fabulous as Roger’s boss and sometimes girlfriend, as well as Jennifer Beals and Elizabeth “Striptease” Berkley together giving both guys an experience they’ll soon not forget. Campbell’s convincing performance will not soon be forgotten and neither will Eisenberg’s natural and adolescent sweetness.
