Twisting plot with laughs and thrills

Review: 'Birthday Girl' another Kidman gift

By Paul Clinton
CNN Reviewer

(CNN) -- Nicole Kidman is on a roll. "The Others" and "Moulin Rouge" -- both released in 2001 -- were very different films that brought the former Mrs. Tom Cruise high acclaim. Her latest film, "Birthday Girl," once again displays her astounding range.

With "Birthday Girl," Kidman has shrewdly chosen another project that lets her shine in her own spotlight -- especially now that she doesn't have to share that light with another world-class superstar. Kidman has definitely come into her own.

The Gus Van Sant film "To Die For" (1995) proved that she's adept at comedy, with the gift of impeccable timing. "Birthday Girl" isn't on the same level as Van Sant's dark comedy, but it's wicked enough to allow her to flow effortlessly from dramatic to hilarious. This talented woman is now on her own and whatever "it" is, Kidman's got it.

No English, but great sex

In "Birthday Girl," she plays Nadia, a chain-smoking mail-order bride who's advertised on a Web site called "From Russia With Love." Ben Chaplin ("The Thin Red Line," 1998) plays John Buckingham, a stereotypical mild-mannered bank clerk who throws himself on the mercy of this dubious Internet dating system. As he remarks at the beginning of the film, "Where does it say you have to meet the love of your life in the supermarket?"

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When Nadia arrives -- with a wardrobe that looks as if it's been ripped from the back of a Shanghai hooker -- things appear to be hunky-dory. After all, under the heavy makeup and cheap clothes, she's quite a babe.

But things begin to unravel fast. Before they can get back to John's humble home in the London suburb of St. Albans, John has become totally disillusioned with his attractive but tacky bride-to-be. Not only does she smoke like a chimney, but she also has lied on her application and can't speak but one word of English. The only word she knows is "yes."

Nadia busies herself with settling in while John makes increasingly desperate phone calls to the dating service -- which no longer seems to exist. But Nadia knows the most direct route to a lonely man's heart (hint: it ain't his stomach) and proceeds to seduce him repeatedly. This is something he could -- and does -- get accustomed to very quickly. Who needs conversation when you have great sex?

Gradually, the two do start to communicate, and slowly a real affection begins to build.

But poor John has no idea about the troubles that lie ahead. Enter Nadia's two shady Russian "cousins" -- Yuri (French film auteur Mathieu Kassovitz) and Alexei (another Frenchman, Vincent Cassel), who appear at John's door to celebrate Nadia's birthday. Suddenly, this cute little flick turns into a black comedy, one with many twists.

Sharp, intelligent dialogue

Kidman plays Nadia in "Birthday Girl."

"Birthday Girl" is a complete family affair. The film is directed and co-written by Jez Butterworth (best known as a British playwright); his brother, Tom Butterworth, is a co-writer; while a third brother, Steve, serves as the film's co-producer. These guys have amazing potential. Sydney Pollack serves as one of four executive producers on the film.

The dialogue is often sharp, scathingly witty, and displays a wry intelligence. The film's pacing builds nicely, and with a few notable exceptions, you won't know what's around the corner in this sometimes convoluted plot.

Chaplin does a decent job as a wide-eyed innocent who gets overtaken by passion. And he even manages to go from doofus to hero in a more or less believable way. Kassovitz and Cassel are excellent as the two con men with more nerve than brains.

Kidman once again shows that she's fearless as an actress and fiercely funny at the same time. By all knowledgeable reports, her Russian and her Russian-accented English are spot-on. (This reviewer's expertise of the Russian language begins with "Molotov cocktail" and ends with "vodka.")

"Birthday Girl" is an amusing joy ride, with some surprisingly violent moments. Combining such diverse elements isn't easy, but Nicole and her Butterworth buddies pull it off most of the time. This slight little movie won't stand up to the likes of "The Others," "Moulin Rouge" or "To Die For," but it's a charming diversion nevertheless.

"Birthday Girl" opens nationwide on Friday and is rated R.