A romantic comedy that struggled to find its footing both on and off screen
In short: The 2002 film Serving Sara is remembered less for its plot about a process server and a socialite than for its disastrous critical reception and the personal struggles of its lead actor. Despite a premise involving divorce law and cross-country chases, the production faced significant hurdles that left a lasting mark.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, the film stars Matthew Perry as Joe Tyler, a process server tasked with delivering divorce papers to Sara Moore, played by Elizabeth Hurley. The narrative hinges on a legal technicality: if served under New York law rather than Texas law, Sara stands to gain a larger share of her husband's assets. This leads the pair on a chaotic journey to track down her husband, Gordon, while dodging a rival process server and a bodyguard.
The production was notably difficult, as Matthew Perry was battling substance use issues during filming. He later expressed regret regarding his performance, noting that he was consuming significant amounts of vodka, Xanax, and Methadone while simultaneously working on the television show Friends. Production was halted for two months while Perry sought treatment, and he later re-recorded several scenes after achieving sobriety.
Critics were largely unforgiving, with the film receiving an 18 out of 100 on Metacritic and a 4% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers frequently described the humor as vulgar and the plot as incoherent, with some critics comparing it unfavorably to established classics like Midnight Run. The film was even included in a list of the 100 worst movies of all time by Rotten Tomatoes.
Financially, the project failed to gain momentum. With a production budget of $29 million, it earned only $5.7 million during its opening weekend in the United States. Its total domestic gross reached $16.9 million, with an additional $3.2 million from international markets. Ultimately, the film is often cited as a forgettable entry in the romantic comedy genre, overshadowed by its troubled behind-the-scenes reality.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Serving Sara
- Also: Serving Sara
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