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The Next Best Thing
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Synopsis
Best buddies Abbie (Madonna), a heterosexual yoga instructor, and Robert (Rupert Everett), a gay landscaper, cope with failed relationships, the approach of middle age, and the AIDS-related death of a mutual friend by sticking together as a "family of choice." Drunk one night, they have sex, and when Abbie turns up pregnant, they decide to move in together and raise the child as decidedly unconventional co-parents. Flash forward several years and Abbie begins dating Ben (Benjamin Bratt), an investment banker. The new relationship causes tension between Abbie and Robert that ultimately leads to betrayal, courtroom confrontation, and a sudden denouement. Everett, a sometime writer of trashy comic novels such as Hello Darling, Are You Working?, reportedly supplied the film's concept and even additional dialogue, although Tom Ropelewski is the credited screenwriter. This was pop diva Madonna's first film role since the hoopla of Evita; she supplied a highly edited hit cover of Don McLean's "American Pie" and one other song for the soundtrack, which was released on her own Maverick imprint. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

Cast

Benjamin Bratt Ben
Illeana Douglas Elizabeth Ryder
Stacy Edwards Finn
Rupert Everett Robert
Neil Patrick Harris David
Lynn Redgrave Helen Whittaker
Madonna Abbie
Josef Sommer Richard Whittaker
Michael Vartan Kevin
Malcolm Stumpf Sam
Mark Valley Cardiologist
Suzanne Krull Annabel

Production Crew

David S. Lazan Art Director
Meredith Zamsky Associate Producer
Mali Finn Casting
Elliot Davis Cinematographer
Marcus Viscidi Co-producer
Richard S. Wright Co-producer
Gabriel Yared Composer (Music Score)
Ruth Myers Costume Designer
John Schlesinger Director
Peter Honess Editor
Gary Lucchesi Executive Producer
Lewis Manilow Executive Producer
Ted Tannenbaum Executive Producer
Peter Kohn First Assistant Director
Gary Jones Musical Direction/Supervision
Happy Walters Musical Direction/Supervision
Howard Cummings Producer
Leslie Dixon Producer
Linne Radmin Producer
Tom Rosenberg Producer
Howard Cummings Production Designer
Tom Ropelewski Screenwriter
Barbara Mesney Set Designer
Jan K. Bergstrom Set Designer
Noelle King Set Designer
Terry Rodman Sound Editor
Douglas Axtell Sound/Sound Designer
Year: 2000
Runtime: 108
Country: USA
MPAA Rating: PG13
for mature thematic elements, sexual content, partial nudity and language
Category: Feature

Genre
Comedy Drama

Color type
Deluxe

Sound
Dolby SR

Produced by
Lakeshore Entertainment

Release
March 03, 2000 (USA)
by Paramount