All About Steve
Although the movie is called All About Steve, the film is focused on the crossword-constructor obsessed with Steve. Mary lives in Sacramento and submits one crossword puzzle a week to the Sacramento Herald. Her mother, afraid that Mary will end up a spinster, sets her daughter up on a blind date with the son of a good friend. Mary is skeptical about the date, but when Steve arrives (and is extremely attractive) Mary immediately changes tactics.
Mary originally descends the stairs in a demure sweater and skirt, but after seeing her date, she retreats and changes into a more risque ensemble. With a ‘lady of the night’ look in place, she and Steve head out. He’s fine with the situation until he gets a call from his boss, and has to hit the road. As he’s saying his goodbyes, he casually mentions that he wishes Mary were able to hit the road with him. Mary quickly revises her weekly crossword, and all the clues are about Steve. Consequently, she is fired, but is able to hit the road.
Along the way, she befriends people who want to help her journey - a trucker and two protesters - and she manages to help and hurt Steve every time she catches up to him. Steve becomes very paranoid, and even dons a disguise, but Steve’s newscaster continues to provide Mary with the information she needs to find their next stop.
In the end, the newscaster’s prank backfires, and puts Mary in mortal danger. As other news stations cover the story, Steve steps up and realizes that Mary is a wonderfully unique individual, and not at all crazy. Mary is saved, and discovers that she actually has friends that care about her and she doesn’t need Steve to feel good about who she is.
The movie is extremely awkward to watch. The viewer feels like the worst sort of voyeur due to Mary’s social ineptitude. Steve isn’t much better, and his paranoia feels completely forced. This is all due to the writing, as Sandra Bullock and Bradley Cooper deliver acceptable performances. It’s worth a watch, but is best watched alone with the ability to squirm in solitude.