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The Truth About Cats & Dogs Review: There is a star-making moment about two thirds of the way into The Truth About Cats & Dogs. Brian is taking Abby's picture. She is drunk and competing with the beautiful Noelle for Brian's affections. We know that audience members project what they think a movie character is feeling into their every close-up, but Janeane Garofalo manages to pull off something very special with nothing more than a few intense looks. Intelligence, charm, desire, hope, fear, and self-loathing all fly from her eyes in equal measure. It is a devastating look that manages to crystallize the character of Abby, as well as showcase Garofalo's acting talent. Sure, when Brian takes Noelle's picture she is obviously more conventionally attractive, but Abby has already won the hearts of the audience. While Garofalo paints the perfect portrait of the smart but self-hating woman, Uma Thurman brings depth to a character who believes she is nothing other than a beautiful face. Thurman's character loves dessert, but never eats it for fear of ruining her looks. When Brian makes her eat a bite of cake, her eyes light up with repressed desire and she devours the rest of the piece. With ease and humor, the filmmakers establish that each of these women sees what they would like to be in the other. Their friendship is unforced and natural. The accomplishment of the film is that even as they treat each other badly in pursuit of Brian, never once does it seem out of malice and spite. These are two damaged women who momentarily let their insecurities get the better of their sweet natures. That the audience never turns on either of them is a testament to director Lehmann's easy touch, screenwriter Wells' smarter than necessary dialogue, and the skill of the two lead actresses. Yes, the film is simple and clichéd, but everything about the movie is a little better than it needs to be, which makes The Truth About Cats & Dogs a highly enjoyable romantic comedy. Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

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