Maid to Order

Maid to Order is a 1987 romantic and fantasy comedy-drama film starring Ally Sheedy, Beverly D'Angelo, Michael Ontkean, Valerie Perrine, Dick Shawn, and Tom Skerritt. The story is set in a realm of eccentricity, hilarity, a touch of fantasy, and all manners of human emotions that draw audiences in, making it a stellar piece of cinematic work.

Key to the story is the character Jes Montgomery, played by Ally Sheedy, who is a spoiled, thoughtless, and affluent daughter of a business tycoon. This reckless young woman takes her privilege for granted, treating others with contempt and disrespect, caring only for parties and leisurely enjoyments without giving any consideration to the consequences of her lifestyle. Her father, Charles Montgomery, played by Tom Skerritt, is a billionaire widower and business mogul who coddles Jes. For instance, bailing her out whenever her irresponsible actions land her in trouble.

Jes's world takes an unexpected turn when her outlandish behavior causes the fairy godmother, Stella Winston, played by the fascinating Beverly D'Angelo, to take matters into her hands. Stella, portrayed as a classy, modernized version of the traditional fairy godmother, works her magic, and the once-privileged Jes suddenly finds herself stripped of her riches and forced to navigate the ‘real’ world.

Jes's ordeal starts when she wakes up in a diner in Los Angeles, far from her luxurious home, unaware of what just hit her life. Now broke and stranded, she has to take the only available job as a maid, becoming the unlikely employee of a humble yet functional household, the Starkeys. This house includes a hip musician named Nick McGuire, embodied by charismatic actor Michael Ontkean, and head housekeeper Audrey, portrayed by Valerie Perrine, who takes a strict line with Jes initially.

As the movie progresses, we see Jes unfolding out of her delicate cocoon into a force to reckon with. Her privileged past seems like a distant memory as she grows to understand the value of honest work, compassion, and real friendship. The role played by Ally Sheedy is both inspirational and transformative, as she beautifully portrays the journey from an affluent, uncaring girl to a humble, empathetic, and responsible woman.

Michael Ontkean adds to the mix as the love interest and brings further complexity and charm to the story. This additional layer of romance further enriches the narrative as it shows Jes that there is more she can want from life than just material riches.

Beverly D’Angelo gives life to the character of the fairy godmother, Stella, demanding authority and wisdom, with a layer of enchantment underscoring her performance. Tom Skerritt and Dick Shawn, as the affluent but helpless father and his butler, add further depth and emotion to this unique narrative.

Maid to Order follows classic fairy tale structures yet departs from them in meaningful ways, thus delivering a strikingly modern feel that sets it apart from its predecessors in the genre. It provides a moral lesson yet does not shy away from the complexities of life, making it a memorable film that touches upon the essence of humanity, love, and redemption.

Infused with magical realism and lighthearted humor, this movie takes audiences on a fantastical journey that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Layered performances, excellent chemistry among the cast, and an engaging storyline all make Maid to Order a must-see cinematic treat. It encourages one to explore life beyond its face value and emphasizes the beauty of appreciating the simple and genuine experiences that life provides.

The movie's directing, done by Amy Holden Jones, is crisp and engaging. The screenplay, also penned by Amy Holden Jones and Perry Howze, has valuable life lessons, moments of levity, and little surprises that capture viewers' interests. Furthermore, the film's cinematography allows audiences to experience the different worlds that the protagonist dwells in, whereas the musical scores add a whimsical, magical charm to it.

In conclusion, Maid to Order is a refreshingly original take on the classic 'rags-to-riches' tale but spins it as a 'riches-to rags' narrative. It's a magical, comedic, and heartwarming portrayal of a young woman's journey of self-discovery and growth.