The Bachelor (1999)

9% of critics liked it
(67 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(34,835 ratings)

In this romantic comedy, Chris O'Donnell plays Jimmie, the grandson of an eccentric millionaire. At the reading of his grandfather's will, Jimmie learns that he stands to inherit $100 million on his 30th birthday. There's only one stipulation: Jimmie has to be married to get the money. And he is… More In this romantic comedy, Chris O'Donnell plays Jimmie, the grandson of an eccentric millionaire. At the reading of his grandfather's will, Jimmie learns that he stands to inherit $100 million on his 30th birthday. There's only one stipulation: Jimmie has to be married to get the money. And he is going to turn 30 in 24 hours. Jimmie and his sweetheart (Renee Zellweger) have already been talking about marriage, but she thinks it's wrong to marry for the money. The Bachelor co-stars James Cromwell, Brooke Shields, and singer Mariah Carey in her acting debut. This story was filmed before in Buster Keaton's silent classic, Seven Chances. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 42 min.
Directed By: Gary Sinyor, Steve Cohen
Written By: Steve Cohen
Genres: Comedy, Romance

In Theaters: Nov 5, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Apr 18, 2000

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
Viewers have almost two hours to become thoroughly disgusted
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
If you go in hoping for a funny-sweet wedding comedy that deserves to stand with Four Weddings and a Funeral or My Best Friend's Wedding, The Bachelor will leave you standing at the altar.
Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
You know a movie is desperately overreaching when Peter Ustinov, affecting a dreadful southern accent as Jimmy's grandfather, must yell into a megaphone for no apparent reason: 'The human condition!'
Betsy Sherman, Boston Globe
Probably the best that can be said about The Bachelor is that it gave a lot of work to female extras.
Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The funny thing is, nobody who made The Bachelor seems to notice that the script pinpoints its own formulaic emptiness before wheezing on to its foregone happy ending.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
O'Donnell, former teen idol/Boy Wonder, has always proven to be far less beefcake than rice cake.
Betsy Bozdech, Reel.com
Although it's got plenty of saccharine romance, The Bachelor ... doesn't offer much in the way of a believable plot, humor, or compelling stars.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
when it comes to delivering punchlines or finding the laughs in a speech, O'Donnell is way out of his area of expertise, and that's exactly what he's called upon to do throughout 'The Bachelor,' a wholly irritating stab at a fluffy romantic farce.
Brent Simon, Entertainment Today
A terrible film that witlessly unfurls its limp narrative. If you've seen the trailer, you've seen the film.
Blake French, NutzWorld
we care so little and know so little about the characters, we feel tiresome and slumberous
Harvey S. Karten, Compuserve
An old-fashioned comedy that shouldn't work but does.

Read all 11 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Martin S

I saw it in the middle of the day....and that's it rightful place....if you see it in the middle of the night...it would probably suck pretty bad....but hey...you can't turn down chris o'donnell
Tim S

Not that great.
Wahida K

Batman`s Sidekick. Unlike his role as Robin, I like watching Chris O`Donell other Movies. This Movie is like a Fun Slide so are we Singles. lol It was nice to see he didnt want to marry the girl because out of Egoistical reasons. In my opinion this is not really a typical Chick… More
Batman`s Sidekick. Unlike his role as Robin, I like watching Chris O`Donell other Movies. This Movie is like a Fun Slide so are we Singles. lol It was nice to see he didnt want to marry the girl because out of Egoistical reasons. In my opinion this is not really a typical Chick Flick. I think guys will enjoy it too. Great Cameo appearence by some great singers and actress. I like the tiny bit with Brooke Shields. alot of lolsThe Scene where he(Chris O`Donell)decides to rest in the church and awakens to find hundreds of brides waiting for himreminded me of the Dummy of Jeff Dunham: Achmed the Dead terrorist and HIS 72 Virgins. Must have been heaven for Achmed. lol Fav bit and a beautifull Scene Jimmie runs up the street, climbs a fire exit ladder and shouts for Anne. With the would-be brides, Marco and Jimmie's colleagues in hot pursuit, the priest then conducts the service over the police loudspeaker from inside a police car as brides attack the car. Anne convinces them to be happy and let it be her day. They cheer and everyone has cake. Marco gets a surprise when he finds his wife joined the crazy brides, but they're OK with it. The clock strikes 6:05 p.m. and all is well...until the bridal bouquet is thrown for another couple.
Jason S

Eh.
Candy R

Rom com about a man who feels he has to propose to his girlfriend but it all goes horribly wrong.
Dean M

Charming leads and clever gags sell this romantic comedy, a remake of Buster Keaton's 1925 silent classic, Seven Chances. This update breathes fresh life into a tired and creaky old premise: In order to ratain a whopping inheritance a confirmed bachelor must… More
Charming leads and clever gags sell this romantic comedy, a remake of Buster Keaton's 1925 silent classic, Seven Chances. This update breathes fresh life into a tired and creaky old premise: In order to ratain a whopping inheritance a confirmed bachelor must marry a woman - any woman - in just slightly over a day.
Leigh R

It was okay.
Sanjaya &

I'll love the "Runaway Bride" scene....
Deb S

The plot is not exactly original but this is a fun movie and I enjoyed it. Chris O' Donnell stars as a bachelor who must marry in 24 hours in order to inherit a one-hundred million dollar inheritance from his grandfather. But there is a big catch - this grandson must marry by… More
The plot is not exactly original but this is a fun movie and I enjoyed it. Chris O' Donnell stars as a bachelor who must marry in 24 hours in order to inherit a one-hundred million dollar inheritance from his grandfather. But there is a big catch - this grandson must marry by 6:05PM on his 30th birthday, must stay married for at least 10 years, cannot spend more than one night a month apart from his wife, and must have children. Otherwise, all assets, including the billiards factory, will be sold. Only there is a problem: neither his present girlfriend nor his ex-friend are willing to do this. Also starring Renee Zellweger, Brooke Sheilds, Sarah Silverman, Jennifer Esposito and Mariah Carey. Also starring Artie Lang as Marco, O'Donnell's best friend and partner in crime.
Sarah B

Thiis is the reason why I felt so sorry for O'Donnell after Batman and Robin.
Anthony V

Nothing you haven't see before.
Leo L

Great movie! Absolutely hilarious.