Posted: 11/10/2009

Spread

by Elaine Hegwood Bowen

In a movie that shows a bit more of his acting chops, Ashton Kutcher plays a young, cute, studly womanizer named Nikki who goes after older women. That is until it seems he meets the woman of his dreams, actually his female match. Her name is Heather, and she’s an unemployed waitress with whom he falls in love.

Up until now, Nikki has successfully swooned and mesmerized women, lately a successful lawyer named Samantha, played by Anne Heche. She has a beautiful body, and a million dollar pad, completed with piano and pool. She allows Nikki to go home with her after having known him for just a few minutes. Afterward they are joined at the hip, with her supporting her in exchange for his sexual favors. Nikki pulls this off well; he even manages to throw a party, sleep with other women and get caught only to “kiss away the hurt” from Samantha’s face and heart, and he continues his charade again. Both he and Samantha know that the relationship is one of convenience and Nikki begins to grow tired of the entire scene.

He agonizes over Heather when she won’t return his calls, as Samantha watches and agonizes over what to do about his infidelity. It seems unfair that Nikki would fall for someone else, as Samantha really is the one craving all his attention. But she knew the deal and knew that Nikki could only be a “kept man.”

But what Samantha didn’t realize was that money can’t buy everything. Eventually, Nikki leaves the house and bums around a bit; picking up various women. He and Heather hang out more, but he finally realizes that Heather is, in fact, working various men for her upkeep, also. She’s also actually engaged to a rich guy in New York.

Spread is “wickedly funny and wildy sexy.” It’s a movie about the trials and tribulations of sleeping your way to a life of privilege in Los Angeles, the city of hopes and dreams.
Nikki’s relationship with Heather forces him to re-examine what is really important in life, but it might just be too late. Heather has plans all her own.

Spread is a good movie, has great Los Angeles scenes and provides a peek into the lavish lives of the rich. Other supporting cast members include Margarita Levieva, Sebastian Stan, Rachel Blanchard, Maria Conchita Alonso and Sonia Rockwell.

“Kutcher works perfectly as the soulless young buck “Nikki” who uses his looks to get what he wants,” says Screen Daily’s Mike Goodridge.
Catch Spread on DVD, available from Anchor Bay November 10.
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Elaine Hegwood Bowen is an editor, writer and film critic in Chicago.

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