The Story of Us

Rating:
Summary: A junk "Two For The Road"!!!
Review: From watching this film it's obvious Rob Reiner saw the 1967 Audrey Hepburn-Albert Finney "Two For The Road" one too many times in his vapid attempt to put his own take on that marital-relation masterpiece! Stanley Donen, the director of that film, tried to do a comic-take 17-years later when he made the 1984 bomb "Blame It On Rio." Didn't work then, and doesn't work in Reiner's latest attempt either. But perhaps I'm being unfair--if I didn't see "Two" maybe I woulda liked this movie a little more, though I seriously doubt it. Although of course there are differences--this isn't a remake after all--Reiner is guilty of taking from Donen's film numerous themes and plot devices, the most glaring of all being the use of a crass tourist couple. Both are "marital/domestic relations" films that show how the passionate beginning gives way to the tedium, contention and disillusion bound to occur in any marriage or relationship--let alone a long-term one--and how difficult it is to work things through when a couple love each other but feel they are falling out of love. Though "Story" admittedly has some redeeming qualities such as the genuine efforts (albeit strained and a lot of times over-the-top) of Willis and Pfeiffer, it fails on many counts. It gets VERY boring at times (I had to force myself to keep watching--Wish I didn't waste my time as it turns out), and Eric Clapton's singing ("I'm sorry . . . so sorry . . .") is an unpleasant, dreary drone that could put on to sleep. Also, this kind of movie often deteriorates into wallowing melodrama if it isn't done right, and it definitely isn't done right here--I predict just a few years from now it'll be considered embarassingly dated, and rightly so. If you're interested in this type of movie watch the timeless "Two For The Road," justifiably by far the most realistic and best "marital relation" romances ever made with its edgy, acerbic, unflinchingly true-to-life script and whose magic many a filmmaker has been trying to recreate but almost always fails (like Reiner here!). On top of that, unlike the suprisingly tepid interaction between attractive leads of Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer, the beautiful duo of Albert Finney and Audrey Hepburn in "Two For The Road" exhibit palpable chemistry together.

Rating:
Summary: Watch COPS instead...
Review: This movie amounts to 120 some odd minutes of nothing but yelling, screaming and door slamming, followed by trite, overly-used, piano music that supposed to make you aware that an emotional moment is occuring. If only we could have such music in our every day lives....then we'd know exactly when to stare off in the distance, pensively, and rub our chins longingly.

Further, over the course of this couple's twenty year travesty, never once does the viewer truly know what the "fight" is over or about. ... ... Isn't the object (or desire) to afford yourself some type of "escape" by watching a movie? There sure as h*ll isn't some profound message being delivered....no great commentary on marriage....no "so, everyone lives like this..." or "we just gotta work it out..." messages either.

At any rate, it's a depressing, pointless, and predictable movie that was about 100 minutes too long. You want an idea of what to expect? Watch COPS and just look for the "domestic disturbance" calls they go on. The only difference is that the couples on COPS almost invariably appear in filthy, roach infested trailers, motel rooms, or apartments. In this flick, the couple appears in a living room a la Ethan Allen and Ralph Lauren. Substantively though, nothing is different. And, best of all, you can watch COPS for free.

Had this movie been the length of an episode of COPS, maybe it would have worked. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Avoid this like the plague. One of Bruce's, Michelle's, and even ol' Meathead's worst efforts.

Rating:
Summary: The Story of "All" of Us
Review: There's an underlying sadness that permeates this story of a marriage in trouble after fifteen years and two children that is so readily and immediately discernible that initially it becomes difficult to proceed. And you quickly realize that it's because "The Story of Us," directed by Rob Reiner, is indeed a story about loss, which is something that affects everyone in some way or another, at one time or another, and depending upon your personal frame of reference and experience, it's a story that is going to affect you on any number of levels. Because loss comes in many forms; sometimes it leaves nothing more than a blip on the surface of your Moon, while at other times it leaves a gaping crater on the landscape of your World, and whichever it is in your case, this film is going to address it and perhaps make you revisit a time or place that maybe you've locked away in the dim recesses of your memory for better or worse. One thing is certain, this film is going to make you take pause and reflect for a moment or two. Because "Us," anyway you slice it, is a film about you and me.

Reflection is the key word here, for Reiner has crafted a film that is steeped in it; it's the way the characters involved play through the drama of their immediate lives and attempt to get on with it. And it becomes an almost voyeuristic journey as you watch two people attempting to discover just what went wrong with their love, and not only when, but why. Katie Jordan (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Ben Jordan (Bruce Willis) had it all at one time, but something happened; something in the fifteen years between the merging of two lives into one, during which they brought two children into the world and knew true happiness, and the realization that things had changed suddenly. Or, perhaps, not so suddenly; and it's almost uncomfortable to be a part of it, observing from the sidelines and understanding what the principals involved simply can't seem to comprehend.

It's the little things that are doing them in, and they just don't see it. The main element being the inability to see themselves through the eyes of the other. And it's not that they're self-centered by any means, it just a matter of instinctively wanting to maintain the autonomy that makes them unique, which in the beginning was what attracted them to one another. It's a conundrum, and it's universal. It's a matter of two people needing to reach that point-- which according to the individuals involved is going to vary greatly-- at which they can step outside of themselves and truly align their spirit with that of their significant other. Some may call it unconditional love, but in reality it's something that goes beyond even that. It's like discovering the meaning of life, or the true meaning of love. And for some, it's something that unfortunately may forever fall just beyond their ability to grasp.

A dramatic film with comedic overtones-- inasmuch as life itself is often funny, even at the most inopportune times-- Reiner takes something of a "When Harry Met Sally" approach with it, which initially doesn't seem to work; after all, this is decidedly not a romantic comedy. But as the story unfolds you begin to realize that Reiner knows exactly what he's doing, because in retrospect, this is the way it goes in real life. Things may be disintegrating internally, but life goes on; where the good times and laughter prevailed before, it remains, undaunted by the strife it fails to recognize in it's midst. So, in the end, you have to give Reiner credit for having his finger on the pulse of reality, which at the beginning of the film comes across as somewhat pretentious, but by the end makes perfect sense and works beautifully in the telling of this story.

Michelle Pfeiffer turns in a heartfelt performance as Katie, proving once again what a gifted actor she truly is. Watching Katie, you know exactly what she is feeling and why, and Pfeiffer allows you to become emotionally involved to the point that you want to intervene and tell her you know what the problem is and how she can fix it. Her Katie is a good person, a loving wife and mother, and you desperately want things to work out for her. And it's frustrating to have to sit on the sidelines and be unable to help. Which says something about the caliber of her performance. It's that reality she brings to the character that draws you in so intimately, and it's one of the strengths of the film.

Another strong point is the performance of Bruce Willis, who as Ben continues to shed that tough guy, "Die Hard" persona and emerge as an extremely capable actor with a range that is expanding with every movie he makes, which he's demonstrated in such films as "Unbreakable" and "The Sixth Sense." Suffice to say that he's come a long way since his "Moonlighting" days.

The supporting cast includes Colleen Rennison (Erin), Jake Sandvig (Josh), Rita Wilson (Rachel), Rob Reiner (Stan), Julie Hagerty (Lisa), Tim Matheson (Marty), Red Buttons (Arnie), Jayne Meadows (Dot), Betty White (Lillian) and Tom Poston (Harry). Ultimately a satisfying experience, "The Story of Us" will touch some nerves and may reawaken some disconcerting feelings in many who see it, but like life, it's an emotional journey worth taking. It's a "Stop and smell the roses" kind of film, but without any maudlin sentimentality or melodramatics. Well acted and presented, it's a film that is definitely worth a look.

Rating:
Summary: This movie made me laugh and cry ! Wow!
Review: The first time I watched this movie of the Story of Us,
I was so overwhelmed by the sincerity of the movie. It was like someone came into my life and heard me speaking, screaming and laughing at the same time.
This story tells a story of what life is like for a married couple with children. The pitfalls and glories of marriage and what happens in between.
My husband and I have been thru all of this and more and I felt a real connection to this movie.
If you are married and or plan on getting married , please see this movie and understand it, because it is what a marriage is about.

Life and Us.

Rating:
Summary: This is pleasure and pain
Review: I never realize that Michelle Pfeiffer is beautiful or on the other word "clever, sexy and mysterious" not after I watch this movie on HBO... I saw Batman Returns, I saw her other movies, but this is the movie that shows her as a talented and almost perfect girl... yep, girl !!! and I am a fan of Bruce Willis too... He's funny and almost wise...
See this movie, it is good for building up your broken relationship again, I hope....

Rating:
Summary: Every married couple should see & learn
Review: I agree with what one of the reviewers said that young people will find this definitely boring when their lives are still full of passion & romance. Likewise, newly married couples will most likely raise their eyebrows & find this film unacceptable. But for all of us who have been in long relationships, we can find something in ourselves to relate to in this film --- whether you be the husband or the wife. I see a part of myself in Michelle & believe it or not, Bruce's characterization of the husband knocked some sense in my head & gave me a briefer on what or how my husband would feel/think on certain occasions.

Sometimes, we just get so comfortable with our spouses & tend to take them for granted. Yet, we often deny that something's going amiss in the marriage till everything has been blown out of proportion & it's too late to make any positive change(s). Seeing this movie made me realize the possible hazards & hopefully, would be able to do something to address these at an ealier stage.

Life is not a bed of roses & certainly marriage isn't. We have to realize that passion & fire dwindle out as we stay longer with the same person --- raising a family, battling the monthly bills, struggling through life's bitter daily realities. But if we love & truly respect a person, we can get through those "down" moments & manage to stay within the same city & not build a new one on top of it --- as Michelle has said in her quite long speech at the end.

Rating:
Summary: Harry and Sally Grow Up
Review: This movie answers the question, what would have happened to Harry and Sally? In When Harry Met Sally, we know that they live happily ever after, in The Story of Us, we see what happens to the marriage. Daily strife, miscommunication and boredom tear the couple apart.

Elegance and beauty are centerpieces to great writing and surprising warmth to Bruce Willis' character. Michelle Pfeiffer is beautiful (when is she not), and perhaps not too right for this role. All in all a pleasant, entertaining movie.

Rating:
Summary: Uninspired
Review: I hate to say this about a Rob Reiner film, but I have to say that this film is long on production values and short on depth.

The story is easy to watch, with good visuals, good acting, interesting dialog, and such.

But I kept watching for some level of understanding and insight, either from the characters, or at least from the filmmakers. But it never came. The characters stumble blindly through a dysfunctional relationship. Until the end, that is, when a feel-good ending is tacked on out of the blue. I would have expected much more with the resources they had to work with.

Rating:
Summary: What a waste of talent
Review: Considering the talent involved in this film both behind the camera and in front of it this movie is an absolute failure. While the premise of the movie is acceptable (although somewhat hackneyed these days) much of its dialogue and plot development fall far short of its full potential. The movie's only redeeming features are a few amusing scenes and genuinely funny lines. Principal actors Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer and director Bob Reiner are all capable of much better work. Another of my criticisms of this movie concerns the excessive use of the F-word. Considering the story being told and the type of characters telling it the frequency of the F-word is totally out of place in most instances. It is probably true to say that nowadays the F-word has been used so much in movies and elsewhere that it original meaning and impact have been so diluted that now it means practically nothing at all.

Rating:
Summary: To Be or Not To Be
Review: This movie is about the trials of marriage. It is the story of Katie and Ben, whose marriage of 15 years has reached its last thread. The two are trapped between their want to protect their two children and their need for separation. While the kids are off at summer camp, Katie and Ben must decide whether or not to call it quits. The theme of the movie is struggle. Throughout the movie, Katie and Ben are constantly fighting, most of the time over the same thing. They struggle with what to do about the marriage, they struggle with what to do about the kids, and they struggle with just getting along long enough to hold a conversation. The movie is categorized as a romantic-comedy, but personally I've seen funnier commercials. And maybe it's because I'm a teenager and I don't quite understand the whole marriage "thing", but to me it wasn't very romantic either. There are very few romantic scenes, although the final one does provide a great line, "There's a history here, and histories don't happen overnight. You know, in Mesopotamia or Ancient Troy or somewhere back there...there's cities built on top of other cities; but I don't want to build another city-I LIKE this city." The plot was pretty boring because Ben and Katie were constantly fighting over the same thing. In fact, the movie mostly revolves around them fighting. It gets pretty old after you see the same argument over and over again. Also, the movie demoralizes marriage and reinforces cheating. One might even go as far as saying that the movie is promoting an affair as a normal, acceptable thing. This movie is not aimed for an adolescent audience, or for those who do not like hearing the "F-bomb" being dropped two hundred times.