Next Best Thing, The (2000) Rating: Starring: Rupert Everett, Madonna, Benjamin Bratt, Lynn Redgrave, Josef Sommer, Michael Vartan Director: John Schlesinger Category: Drama, Comedy Studio: Paramount Pictures Subtitles: English Length: 107 mins Want to buy?           Best Friends Make The Best Mistakes. The sparks fly and laughs follow when Rupert Everett and Madonna team up for this irresistibly funny and heartwarming movie directed by John Schlesinger (Midnight Cowboy). Abbie (Madonna) and her friend Robert (Rupert Everett) would make the perfect couple -- except for one small complication:He's gay.Well, at least they don't have to worry about sex messing up their friendship.Or do they?One night, loneliness gets the best of them, and before they can scream "Reality Check", Abbie and Robert become lovers and, ultimately, parents.But when Abbie meets her dream man (Benjamin Bratt) Abbie and Robert's unconventional family is put to the test.Can best friends form the best of families, especially when one is gay?The answer emerges with it, warmth, and a bundle of wonderful surprises in The Next Best Thing.               Critic's Reviews James Berardinelli Reelviews Read Review