"Mr. Jealousy" is a somewhat tedious heavily narrated Woody Allen-esque intellectual musing of relationship issues, specifically jealousy, with a NYC Gen-X milieu. A romantic-comedy tale of a tentative Stoltz's affair with a too experienced Sciorra, this emotionally sterile and somewhat heady flick is not likely to evoke more than an occasional chuckle nor milk a single tear nor give anyone the warm and fuzzies. Okay stuff for those into microscopic examinations of relationships though not likely to have broad appeal. (C+)

Perennially jealous Eric Stoltz (as Lester Grimm) is an aspiring writer and substitute teacher. He finally meets the right woman – Brooklyn art museum tour guide Annabella Sciorra (as Ramona Ray). She's a little clumsy, but very pretty. They make a great couple, but Mr. Stoltz is unnaturally jealous of Ms. Sciorra's old boyfriends – especially successful writer Chris Eigeman (as Dashiell Frank). To learn more about the man, Stoltz joins Mr. Eigeman's group therapy, posing as his friend Carlos Jacott (as Vince). They become friends. Further complicating matters, Mr. Jacott joins the group posing as another character. Although they pretend to be each other, "Vince" and "Leo" contribute nicely...

This story of relationships and jealousy is largely the work of writer/director Noah Baumbach. Characters are very well-played, but we do not care about their pairings. Stoltz could have hooked up with Marianne Jean-Baptiste (as Lucretia) or John Lehr (as Lint) for all it mattered. "Lint" had no luck, but he showed everyone's name pointed to their purpose. Director Peter Bogdanovich appropriately appears as "Dr. Poke". Narration seemingly inspired by Woody Allen and/or Francois Truffaut is a dead weight on the proceedings, but soundtrack music by Dean Wareham and Luna helps. Obviously skilled, Mr. Baumbach has succeeded in making a good film – but, one that it's difficult to like.

***** Mr. Jealousy (9/11/97) Noah Baumbach ~ Eric Stoltz, Annabella Sciorra, Chris Eigeman, Carlos Jacott

This film caught me by surprise on cable one night, and I went out and rented it again to show my friends. Eric Stoltz and Annabella Sciorra look gorgeous and have a wonderful chemistry together, and Chris Eigeman (from 'Metropolitan' and 'Barcelona') is the perfect Brett Easton Ellis-esque foil. It's rare to find a funny film about romantic jealousy, but this is it. Carlos Jacott just about steals the film with his impersonation of a British gentleman, and the rest of the cast is superb. The cinematography is sumptuous and the music is perfect. A great date movie..