For many films, a $5.96 million opening would be a blessing. Heck, for some independent filmmakers a $5.96 million total gross would be considered a blockbuster. For "New York Minute," the $5.96 million opening (according to IMDB) was the lowest opening ever for a film opening in over 3,000 theatres. Sometimes, there is justice in the world.

I've always been a bit troubled by the whole Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen thing...for years, they have been fantasy fodder for dirty old men. For years, there have been websites that have tracked their every move, logged their photos and counted down the days to their 18th birthday (which passed not long ago). Don't get me wrong...I can appreciate a beautiful girl as much as the next guy...but the whole Olsen thing has always struck me as a bit sick.

"New York Minute" was designed to serve as the Olsen twins' "Coming Out" party, if you will. It was their venture into feature films, a move away from direct-to-video films and their attempt to mature their "image" a bit. By the time all is said and done, the film may well make money...but, I feel a bit of relief in knowing that their "coming out" was ruined by meager earnings at the box office. With a budget of right around $30 million, the film brought in right around $15 million at the box office.

The film has very little positive going for it, except for Eugene Levy...who manages to brighten any film he is in. I just wish he would quit involving himself in garbage like "New York Minute." Mary Kate and Ashley have little in the way of acting talent, and are reaching the age where their cuteness is wearing thin. They both have irritating voices, and empty facial expressions that offer nothing in the way of character development. Supporting players such as Darrell Hammond, Andrea Martin and Andy Richter are basically wasted here. Of course, old "Full House" dad Bob Saget makes a cameo here.

The soundtrack adds nothing to the film, and while the film has some visual appeal it's really not used to its full advantage.

I can't fathom that even the dirty old men will find much to like with this film, considering its PG rating...so, this "New York Minute" should be left in a time capsule so that future generations can laugh at the crap that passed off as film at the turn of the millennium.

© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic