Accidental Love

Beset by production problems since it began in 2008 it is almost a miracle that romantic comedy Accidental Love is with us at all. It needed to be released though, there is far too much talent involved in the production for it not to be released. Originally directed by David O. Russell (under a pseudonym of Stephen Greene) the film stars Jessica Alba as a Alice, a small-town roller skating waitress. In the middle of a proposal from her Police Officer boyfriend, played superbly here by James Marsden, Alice is accidentally shot in the head by a nail gun. Her lack of health insurance renders her unable to have the nail removed, leading to increased mood swings and hypersexual behavior as a result of brain damage. Alice heads to Washington, DC to campaign for those with bizarre injuries. After seeing his campaign advert on tv Alice seeks the help of fresh faced newly elected congressman Howard Birdwell. Birdwell however, Played by Jake Gyllenhaal, has no sway, is at the lowest rung of the ladder in Washington and is mercilessly bullied by Rep. Pam Hendrickson, played by Catherine Keener. After falling for Alice, Birdwell resolves to help her. But it won’t be easy. Along the way they need to call on the help of a great many people including the formidable lobby group the Girl Guides.

Whilst this film may not be the satire that David O’ Russell may have envisioned and blighted by production problems woorthy of a film itself, Accidental Love does have many moments going for it. It has a cast to die for. Alba and Gyllenhaal are excellent comic actors and they shine here. James Marsden is excellent as the alpha male Police Officer Scot and Tracy Morgan brings his 30 Rock persona to this film which is a delight. It is also a roll call of who you would like to see cameo in a comedy Beverly D'Angelo and Kirstie Alley to name but a few. Alley is particularly good as the drunken auntie who with her veterinarian experience tries some home surgery on Alba. It is also worth watching for the Gyllenhaal scene at a man’s retreat which he plays brilliantly- and the girl guides are a riot. Go and find Accidental Love it’s great fun