By Mermaid (Guest Critic)
If you're set on seeing a comedy at the Cineplex, and are tired of all the special effects, and high action films, then Connie and Carla is what you're looking for. It entertains from beginning to end. Connie and Carla stars Nia Vardalos as Connie (the bride from Big Fat Greek Wedding), and Toni Collette as Carla. The two girls have been friends since childhood when they first practiced their act in the school cafeteria.

Many years have passed, but they haven't given up their dreams to be dinner theatre stars. They currently perform their act in the lounge at Chicago's O'Hare airport. They sing to laid-over pilots, intoxicated customers, and to their boss who likes the girls a lot.

One night while leaving the airport they happen upon a mob execution, and unfortunately for the girls, the mobsters discover that the girls were witnesses to the crime. They must high tail it out of town, but they don't know where to go or what to do.

They get the bright idea to head to Los Angeles, where they figure no one would look for them amongst the theatrical talent. They leave behind their mothers and two stupid boyfriends.

Upon arrival in LA, they decide to swear off men, and go under cover when they see a sign at a club looking for entertainers. What they don't realize is it's for a gay club. So they get the idea to put on gobs of makeup, big wigs, and sing their hearts out of win the drag queen contest.

Before you know it, the girls are the toast of the town. They turn the dismal club upside down. The queens at the club love their act and so does the owner. With a bit of convincing the girls get him to convert the club into a dinner theatre. The customers are coming in droves to see their act.

Meanwhile, the mob is hot on their trail and beginning to breathe down their backs. What will the girls do? Will they be able to perform at the club one last time or will the mob snuff them out before they sing their swan song?

There are plenty of twists and turns in the story that will keep you grinning from ear to ear. This cute and lighthearted film is a bit of a take off of Some Like It Hot, and Victor/Victoria, but contains enough changes to keep things moving along. I for one don't care! The talent does a wonderful job. It'll have you tapping your feet to the tunes, and you might even find yourself singing out loud. I've been to plenty of dinner theatres, and I would love to see an act like the one these girls and guys are performing.

Kudos to all involved in this film. Look for a cameo performance from Debbie Reynolds that makes everything perfect for the girls. Ms. Reynolds still looks great and gives a terrific performance of her own.

Mermaid