The Object of My Affection

REVIEW
A romantic comedy of unrequited love given a '90s, gay twist, The Object of My Affection is a pleasant if lightweight tale which is at its best when not trying too hard to be the cutting-edge romp it only occasionally is. Aniston is extremely engaging as Nina, a Brooklyn social worker who invites gay teacher George (Rudd) to move in with her when he gets dumped by his two-timing boyfriend. Acting more like girlfriends, the two become close with Nina falling in love with the unattainable George. To further complicate matters, Nina learns she is pregnant and decides to dump her boyfriend, hoping that George will act as surrogate father. Very matter-of-fact in its gayness for a Hollywood film, The Object of My Affection is alternately insightful and artificial. Rudd is appealing as George, and Hawthorne brings a quiet dignity to the role of an aging critic.