Tap tap tap. This thing on? Ahem...
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the joining of Thursday and Movie Picks in holy matrimony. First, I'd like to thank the wonderful Wanderer at Wandering Through the Shelves for hosting our ceremony. At her behest, we'll begin by discussing movies about married couples. It is only right that I comply since I actually suggested this topic of conversation. If you wish to be allowed a word during today's nuptials, please stop by her site, get on one knee, and with all sincerity, ask to be included...
Okay, it's not really that hard. Just go by there and find out what's going on. She'll explain it. As for me, I chose three very different looks at marriage. One is a comedy, one is the complete opposite of a comedy, and the other is a documentary with a definite sense of humor and a healthy dose of WTF is wrong with these people? Let's get started...
I Think I Love My Wife
(2007)
Chris Rock's movie career has been hit-and-mostly-miss. This is one of his better, yet overlooked efforts. He plays a guy whose marriage is in a rut. More to the point, his wife, played by Gina Torres, just doesn't seem to be at all interested in sex any longer. As us guys will tend to do in such situations, he daydreams about getting it on with other women. Daydreams threaten to turn into reality when an ex-girlfriend in the form of Kerry Washington shows back up in his life and seems intent on seducing him. Nothing here re-invents the rom-com wheel, but it is an enjoyable and somewhat mature look at marriage.
Elena
(2011)
We journey into Russia for this one. And it's not for the faint of heart. Elena has been married to the wealthy Vladymir for a couple of years. They share a quiet and respectful, if seemingly dispassionate relationship. They each have an adult child from a previous marriage that the other can't stand. The crux of the matter is that her deadbeat son is begging for a large sum of money and his ingrate of a daughter wants nothing to do with him. This is a slow-burn character study that takes us in some unexpected directions and leaves us lots of questions to ask ourselves or whoever watches with us.
The Queen of Versailles
(2012)
Finally, we have a marriage of ridiculous proportions. We meet Jackie and David Siegel in mid/late 2007 as they are building a rather gaudy 90,000 square foot home to replace the already outrageous mansion they currently live in with loads of kids, dogs, and servants. If that weren't preposterous enough, they've even named the place Versailles. He made his money in the time-share business and took her for his trophy wife years ago. She mostly shops. A lot. That's what the film was supposed to be about. Unfortunately for them, reality intervened in the way of the bottom falling out of the economy in early 2008. Suddenly, David is hemorrhaging money and, well, things change. This is a fascinating look at an extremely wealthy couple struggling with being less wealthy. I know, who cares about rich people problems? However, this particular set of problems form an excellent documentary.
and...
My full reviews of
Have never heard of Elena...Queen of Versailles I heard a lot of positive things so I am curious about it because of the positive reviews...but because it is about wealthy people being less wealthy, which isn't really an attractive premise, it gets bumped down my to-watch list a lot.
ReplyDeleteNot many have seen Elena. I get that about QoV, but it is really good.
DeleteI've wanted to watch I Think I Love My Wife for some time but the negative reviews keep me at bay, maybe I'd see it some time. Queen of Versailles is also on my watch list. Elena's premise sounds intriguing and up my alley. Great picks!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I'm definitely in the minority on ITILMW, so approach with caution. QoV is very good. I can't recommend Elena highly enough. I thought it was one of 2011's best.
DeleteI've never seen any of these, but Elena sounds very interesting! Queen was on HBO quite a bit I think, I remember seeing it on TV anyways.
ReplyDeleteI love Chris Rock, I should give I Think I Love my Wife a chance. Great picks!
If you're a fan of Rock definitely check that one out. It is better than it's been given credit for.
DeleteI've only seen Elena, but love that your included it! Brilliant film, and stunning performance.
ReplyDeleteIt is brilliant. I'm just glad someone else has seen it.
DeleteGreat post! I haven't seen any of these, and they all look good. I don't remember seeing Chris Rock in anything, other than a few stand up comedies. I do love his expression in that movie still. Kind of a cross between "WTF" and "here we go again." :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, you nailed it! Overall his movies have been underwhelming, but this is a fun.
DeleteI keep hearing good things about Elena. Definitely on my watchlist. I didn't realize Kerry Washington was in I Think I Love My Wife - may have to watch that now, since I love Gina Torres, too. I LOVE Queen of Versailles. The Wal-Mart trip! SO GOOD.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Elena is moving up your to watch list. Yes, Kerry Washington, yes. OMG, the Wal-Mart trip is hilarious!
DeleteI haven't seen any of these Dell, but great recommendations here. I like Gina Torres so I'd give I Think I Love My Wife a shot. The Queen of Versailles sounds interesting too, a combination of repulsive and fascinating, ahah.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what QoV is. The Siegels arebthat train wreck you can't look away from.
DeleteQueen of Versailles always seemed so interesting to me. Alas, I never saw it. I feel the same way about Chris Rock movies, yet I haven't seen many. This one seemed to get a bit of praise. Need to give it a try. Have never heard of Elena, but it sounds pretty interesting. Cool picks!
ReplyDeleteI like all three quite a bit, obviously. However, if there's one I would call a must see - it's Elena.
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