The Story of Us
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Movie Reviews of The Story of Us
Movie Review: The Story of "All" of Us
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Movie Review: A bit frustrating yet a wonderful great movie.
Summary: 4 Stars
...[In this] movie, Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) been married for 15 years, and it seems that their whole marriage is based on misunderstanding, screaming, and blaming each other. They love their kids greatly, provides everything for their kids, and yet in the midst of providing for their kids, they became so engrossed with the task, that they shifted from the reason on why they got married to a point of emptiness, where marriage provides nothing except the kids. Katie is so engrossed with everything that she have to do in the house, that it creates this frustration that she is not doing enough, no one to help her nor understand her, not even her husband Ben. She get cynical with life, and became real meticulous with every small details in life. Ben on the other hand, was still the same carefree person, not shifting from where he was when he was a teenager (We all know that marriage mean commitment, and sometimes a man like me just have to grow up that's all). There were constant fighting, with Katie accusing Ben of not understanding her, and Ben yells back stating that Katie worries too much about things that she shouldn't be worried about. Since counselling did not work, they decided to live apart temporary when their kids went to summer camp. It seems that when they are apart they missed each other, and yet when they are together they fight. This movie shows the discovery of each others, what they are going through, who had they became. It is the time where they redefine what marriage is all about - and going back to the first place that they first started.I think this movie applies to many family. It is so easy to just use the "divorce" word when everything goes wrong. It is easy not to understand the other party. We let pride, anger, stubborness and worries cloud our judgment. It is easy to give up, not concentrating on what is real. It is easy to forget on why a couple even got married in the first place. This movie is real, those fights are real, the screaming are real, and yet the love and history that they share are real too. It is the discovering of the love and history that one share that will create a better marriage. Or save a marriage. Rob Reiner (director of "When Sally Met Harry" "The American President") did a great job in sending these messages through. This movie is honest and I think that even though watching it can be really frustrating sometimes - but looking at the core of the movie, it is worth it because it is real love that is keeping them together.
Eric Clapton acoustic guitar with Marc Shaiman composition complements the movie greatly. The soundtrack is awesome. I would have give it four and half stars if Amazon allows it. Enjoy!...
Movie Review: Every married couple should see & learn
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Movie Review: this is not a date movie
Summary: 4 Stars
The film's underlying current as a drama makes a significant difference to how the movie is perceived; until the very end of the film, the viewer has no idea if the couple will make it. Whether the couple rekindles their relationship is secondary to figuring out why they are unhappy and what made them like each other to begin with.
A blogger suggested that this film is Harry and Sally from When Harry Met Sally... (Collector's Edition) only 15 years later. This makes a lot of sense to me.
"The Story of Us" explores the ultimate question of what happens to the "happily ever after" in cinema and in real life? When we see two characters fall in love in a romantic comedy are we ever applying the truth of the domestic struggles they will face on their story? Do we ever stop and wonder what will happen to them in 5 years? In 10 years? Or as in the case of "The Story of Us", in 15 years?
Both leading actors are good in this film, but Bruce Willis shows acting prowess that he is usually not allowed or asked to demonstrate. Willis is a superb comedian, but he is also very good at displaying the inner turmoil of his character, the inner struggle than a man internalizes in a failing relationship.
Rita Wilson is also superb as the female friend of the couple.
Movie Review: A really interesting marriage film
Summary: 4 Stars
First, I have to say this movie gave me a far different reaction than most relationship films. As a female most "chick flicks" usually make me side with the woman, in this I had to side with the man. Out of the two, he seemed to want to make the marriage work more the most. The character, Katie, was extremely unappealing to me. This movie shows how accepting a certain role in your marriage can completely ruin it in the end. He was sort of a lovable goof while she was a pretentious, too controlling shrew. In the scene where they had their first date, I was saying "oh no, trouble" as she began to straighten her forks and napkins trying to make everything look "perfect". It shows a lot of the things women do wrong in a relationship especially the scene where they were getting ready to make love in the kitchen and she stopped to write a letter to their kids at camp. To me, this is a movie that people who are about to get married should watch.
Only problem I had was at the end. Her "speech" almost made me nauseous. In some ways, Michelle Pheiffer's character was a little too stereotypical but then, there are women like her so I just might be so different that I don't get it. Still overall a really great movie I will see again. I loved the cameo with Rita Wilson. She was hilarious.