Crush MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -3 1/2

Three professional 40-something English women commiserate over cigarettes and liquor in this man-bashing comedy. Head mistress of the local school, Kate (Andie MacDowell) has never been married, policewoman Janine (Imelda Staunton) is the single mom of a rookie policeman, and physician Molly (Anna Chancellor) has three ex-husbands. These three best friends spend many hours sharing horror stories of their most recent attempts at love. Then one day Kate meets Jed (Kenny Doughty), a 25-year-old organist, whose funeral music moves her to tears. Immediately the two begin a passionate love affair, much to the chagrin of Molly and Janine, who plot to break up Kates new romance. Unlikable characters and a flimsy storyline will amuse few viewers. The films lovely English village setting and romantic soundtrack earn its only positive entertainment mark.

For a strict headmistress who demands high morals of her students, Kates behavior sets an appalling example. She and her friends chain smoke, drink heavily and curse frequently. Kate attempts to lecture while high on marijuana, but her thoughts are so vague, she dismisses the puzzled class. Ten minutes after meeting Jed in a church, the two engage in graphic sex in the church cemetery. Kate and Jed are shown sneaking around to have sex in empty schoolrooms, her friends living room or the backseat of a car. To break up the two lovers, Molly attempts to seduce Jed while Janine videos the betrayal. All three women appear to have the morals of alley cats, judging by the stories they exchange about previous affairs. Molly finally realizes why she dislikes men, when she kisses another woman. Offensive language includes many obscenities and a few regular profanities. CRUSH crashes with vulgar language and graphic sexual content.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics, 550 Madison Ave., 8th Flr., NY, NY 10022