Jack Singer (Nicolas Cage) is a private detective whose living is made primarily by following around cheating spouses and getting information on what they're doing. This, understandably, has made him nervous about taking the matrimonial leap with Betsy/Donna (Sarah Jessica Parker), his girlfriend. In addition to this, Jack's Mother (Anne Bancroft) has made Jack make a deathbed promise that he will never marry because no girl is good enough for him.

Finally, however, Betsy tells Jack that it is either marriage or the end of their relationship. Jack can't stand the thought of losing her, and so despite his promise to his mother, they become engaged. Thus the couple ends up in Las Vegas where they plan to do a bit of gambling and then find a chapel.

In Las Vegas, Donna catches the eye of Tommy Korman (James Caan) because she looks just like his deceased wife, Donna. Tommy Korman is a high-roller who invites Jack to play poker. Jack loses his shirt. A deal is struck that if Korman can take Betsy for the weekend, the debt will be erased. After much objection, she finally agrees. Korman then whisks Betsy off to Hawaii to try and woo her away from Jack permanently.

This is one funny movie. Nicolas Cage does a terrific job as the man who realizes what he might have lost too late. Sarah Jessica Parker does a good job here, too, though at times Betsy's stupidity gets a bit cloying. James Caan is brilliant as the heart-sick tough guy. His manipulations to keep Betsy and Jack apart are truly evil. There comes a point when we realize he is not just love-sick; he is a dangerous and frightening man. Among his coconspirators are his right-hand man Johnny Sandwich (Johnny Williams) and the Hawaiian cab driver named Mahi-Mahi (Pat Morita) who takes Jack everwhere but where he wants to go.

Jack's attempts to get back together with Betsy are great. I found myself giggling with glee and rooting for him. I especially enjoyed his encounter with Ben Stein as the slow-as-molasses airport customer who has come to the airline itself to save some money on his tickets. We've all been stuck behind this guy (or someone related to him) at least once in our lives.

I especially enjoyed the variety of Elvis impersonators in this movie. Besides the 15 "flying Elvises" that the movie is famous for, there are Elvis impersonators from all corners of the globe and of all ages. Some of the Elvises are actually quite talented and are fun to watch in their own right. The music, almost all the King's, is a great back-drop to the movie.

This movie is pretty much family friendly. The language is mild and the only bed scenes are people cuddled together, but no sex. There is some violence, but even that is minimal. This is a film that can be enjoyedby both parents and children. A definitely thumbs up.



Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8