This film has suffered very, very bad publicity and very, very bad reviews. But if you choose to see it open-minded, you might just get to like this mess.

"The Next Best Thing" initially sets itself up as a comedy. Robert (played by Rupert Everett) is always there for his best friend Abbie (Madonna), especially when it comes to comfort her over her terrible taste in men. And since he's also keen on men, he gives her a few pointers along the way. However, after a few drinks (and an unbelievably entertaining Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers act), Abbie gets pregnant. The viewer is then quite surprised when the whole thing turns serious and chaotic as Robert and Abbie decide to live and raise the baby together, and then struggle with problems concerning their family, friends and Abbie's new sweetheart (Benjamin Brett).

Now, the good thing about this film are its stars. Although it's hard to believe that it's taken them 30 minutes of the film to sleep together and that Madonna can't find a man in L.A., they are irresistible. Everett is top-notch as always and Madge has rarely seemed as much at home with a part as she does in this film. They are able to pull off the comedic parts and are good enough when the film surprisingly evolves into a study of family life.

However, the second half of the film doesn't really work. The problem is that "The Next Best Thing" is made of too many different influences and styles connected with very loose bonds. Are you able to go through a sitcom, a melodrama, and a courtroom drama in one film? Yes , it's quite possible to watch the ups and downs of this glamorous couple, but it can be difficult to digest the way they are developed.
This film has suffered very, very bad publicity and very, very bad reviews. But if you choose to see it open-minded, you might just get to like this mess. "The Next Best Thing" initially sets itself up as a comedy. Robert (played by Rupert Everett) is always there for his best friend Abbie (Madonna), especially when it comes to comfort her over her terrible taste in men. And since he's also keen on men, he gives her a few pointers along the way. However, after a few drinks (and an unbelievably entertaining Fred Astaire-Ginger Rogers act), Abbie gets pregnant. The viewer is then quite surprised when the whole thing turns serious and chaotic as Robert and Abbie decide to live and raise the baby together, and then struggle with problems concerning their family, friends and Abbie's new sweetheart (Benjamin Brett). Now, the good thing about this film are its stars. Although it's hard to believe that it's taken them 30 minutes of the film to sleep together and that Madonna can't find a man in L. A., they are irresistible. Everett is top-notch as always and Madge has rarely seemed as much at home with a part as she does in this film. They are able to pull off the comedic parts and are good enough when the film surprisingly evolves into a study of family life. However, the second half of the film doesn't really work. The problem is that "The Next Best Thing" is made of too many different influences and styles connected with very loose bonds. Are you able to go through a sitcom, a melodrama, and a courtroom drama in one film? Yes , it's quite possible to watch the ups and downs of this glamorous couple, but it can be difficult to digest the way they are developed.