The Next Best Thing

Abby and Robert are best friends and roommates who decide to have a child together. After Robert gets another woman pregnant, their unconventional parenting arrangement becomes complicated when Robert falls in love with a woman and wants full custody of their son.

The film received generally negative reviews from critics, with many criticizing the weak script and the performances, though some praised the chemistry between the lead actors. It was also a box office disappointment.

• The film is a predictable and unfocused romantic comedy.
• Madonna and Rupert Everett have some chemistry, but it's not enough to save the weak plot.
• The movie struggles to find its tone, veering between comedy and drama without success.

Google audience: Audience reviews suggest that while some enjoyed the performances of Madonna and Rupert Everett and found the premise interesting, many felt the movie was underdeveloped and lacked emotional depth. The handling of the sensitive themes was also a point of contention.

Director John Schlesinger, known for directing films like 'Midnight Cowboy' and 'Marathon Man,' considered 'The Next Best Thing' to be one of his least favorite films he directed.