from Film Forum, 04/18/02The Sweetest Thing may also be the emptiest and most appalling thing. Cameron Diaz, Christina Applegate, and Selma Blair star in this romantic comedy that, according to most critics, is neither romantic nor comedic. In it, three flirtatious girls give up on the search for Mr. Right and decide to settle for Mr. Right Now—without realizing this makes each of them Miss Wrong.
Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "It's been twelve hours since I walked out of The Sweetest Thing, and I have to admit that I still have no idea what the title is supposed to reference. There is precious little about this film that could be considered 'sweet.' The sexual and romantic game playing [have] nothing to do with love."
Holly McClure (Crosswalk) says, "This movie is demeaning to women in general and, overall, insulting to men and their intelligence."
"The Sweetest Thing is actually quite sour," declares the USCCB's critic. "Its painfully stupid plot is a thinly veiled excuse to have the female leads parade around in their underwear."
Mainstream critics are equally offended by the film. Jeffrey Wells (Reel.com) writes, "I'd like nothing better than to be soothed or tickled by a clever, sexy romantic comedy. But I lasted a grand total of two-and-a-half minutes with The Sweetest Thing before walking out in disgust."
