1st watched 1/18/2003 - 7 out of 10(Dir-Lasse Hallstrom): Well-played drama about being in love, making mistakes, and trying to stay in love. This is a heart-breaking movie to watch because it is so much like real life and it is played out so well by those involved. The Direction by Hallstrom is magnificent because of the way he lets the story do the talking and doesn't hurry us to conclusions. Basically, this is a story about a woman(Julia Roberts) who finds out that her husband(Dennis Quaid) is cheating on her and then everything gets mixed up from this point on. There are many other relationships that are also very vital to the story just like they would be in real life. There are parents(who struggle with some of the same things), there is a sister(who tries to lend a helping hand) and there is a child in the middle of everything just trying to survive. By the end, we believe that everything is going to be all right but it is very obvious that much damage has been done. Roberts is superb as usual and everyone plays out their parts very believably. This is one of those movies that is one of a kind, but not one you'd want to watch very often for it hits deep within our souls(especially those who have gone thru similar experiences) and therefore I think it failed when released because the exec's didn't know how to sell it to make money but none-the-less it is a classic in my book on relationships. The choice of the title also didn't make sense because the song really has nothing to do with the movie. Again, I think this was a marketing mistake and not the filmmakers.
47 Reviews
Underwhelming comedy-drama with A-list talent...
moonspinner553 December 2005
Sterling cast, featuring not only Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid but also Robert Duvall, Gena Rowlands and Kyra Sedgwick, in a handsomely-made but rather ordinary, women's TV-type light drama (with barbed language added). Roberts plays harried working mom down South who discovers husband Quaid has been unfaithful; they fight, discuss divorce, fight some more, while Roberts gets advice from her well-to-do parents (they ponder the situation when the answers should be obvious). Pleasant cast nearly masks the fact this is completely rote material (with Sedgwick as Roberts' p.o.'ed sister who gets in the proverbial crotch kick). Pokey, overly-familiar, overlong film with too few laughs and too much inane banter. Photographed by the famous Sven Nykvist, who indeed gives the picture a rich, glossy look. ** from ****
Mediocre movie from Lasse Hallström, not on the level we use to watch from him
johnny-0810 July 2008
When it comes to directors like Lasse Hallström, I always expect maximum, best, masterpiece. After movies that he made back in Finland and brilliant "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" I think that my expectations were justified. Sadly, this movie came just behind Gilbert so I can live with one mediocre movie after a huge success with Gilbert and then later movie like "The Cider House Rules", "Chocolat"...
Hallström likes to make family movies, where he can expose the whole family with all their pluses and minuses. In this case, story was written by Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise), typical 'women are always good' writer. In the middle of the story we've got Grace Bichon (Julia Roberts), who founds out that her husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) is unfaithful. With her daughter, she decides to come back home at ranch. There she must face her traditional father Wyly (Robert Duvall) and mother Georgia (Gena Rowlands), who seems to be doing whatever Wyly wants. The only person who fully understands her is her sister Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick).
I disagree that there is nothing to talk about in this movie. Yes, this movie has some obvious problems: the script is not brilliant which is mostly seen in situations that we've all seen before and characters like Eddie, Wyly and Georgia are written on a way that there is nothing for actors to act. But all Hallström characters are alive (you can identify with them) and about family problems that are presented in this movie there is plenty to talk about. For example, what strong woman like Grace does when she's cheated, how to explain her young daughter that her dad isn't living with them any more; the whole relationship of Bichon's after infidelity. On the other hand, we've got relationship between two sisters, between Wyly and Georgia King and so on. So we've got plenty stuff to talk about only if you think about it for a while. What this script lacks is quality writing of male characters. Duvall's and Quaid's characters are simply not developed enough.
About acting part, I must admit that Julia Roberts is very good in this role, just like Kyra Sedgwick and Brett Cullen (his character is the only male character that is made right). Duvall, Rowlands & Quaid have nothing to act, like I said before. But I read one comment that says that Duvall shouldn't act in any movie. That is what made me angry so I had to write it. Man is a screen and stage legend!
So to end, if you can watch this family drama about marriage, infidelity and love. It's not the best choice coming from Hallström but it's a bearable one.
Hallström likes to make family movies, where he can expose the whole family with all their pluses and minuses. In this case, story was written by Callie Khouri (Thelma & Louise), typical 'women are always good' writer. In the middle of the story we've got Grace Bichon (Julia Roberts), who founds out that her husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) is unfaithful. With her daughter, she decides to come back home at ranch. There she must face her traditional father Wyly (Robert Duvall) and mother Georgia (Gena Rowlands), who seems to be doing whatever Wyly wants. The only person who fully understands her is her sister Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick).
I disagree that there is nothing to talk about in this movie. Yes, this movie has some obvious problems: the script is not brilliant which is mostly seen in situations that we've all seen before and characters like Eddie, Wyly and Georgia are written on a way that there is nothing for actors to act. But all Hallström characters are alive (you can identify with them) and about family problems that are presented in this movie there is plenty to talk about. For example, what strong woman like Grace does when she's cheated, how to explain her young daughter that her dad isn't living with them any more; the whole relationship of Bichon's after infidelity. On the other hand, we've got relationship between two sisters, between Wyly and Georgia King and so on. So we've got plenty stuff to talk about only if you think about it for a while. What this script lacks is quality writing of male characters. Duvall's and Quaid's characters are simply not developed enough.
About acting part, I must admit that Julia Roberts is very good in this role, just like Kyra Sedgwick and Brett Cullen (his character is the only male character that is made right). Duvall, Rowlands & Quaid have nothing to act, like I said before. But I read one comment that says that Duvall shouldn't act in any movie. That is what made me angry so I had to write it. Man is a screen and stage legend!
So to end, if you can watch this family drama about marriage, infidelity and love. It's not the best choice coming from Hallström but it's a bearable one.
A story about husbands, wives, parents, children and other natural disasters.
Old Joe10 April 2003
This is a very clever movie, made with serious intentions, coming out with both a funny and serious side to it. I am talk about the Julia Roberts drama, Something to talk about'. I have seen many movies that look into the issues concerning relationships and infidelity, such as 2002's, unfaithful'. Yet this film looks at a different side of the problems that can hurt a relationship and also shows that one couples problems can be the talk' of the town.
Grace Bichon has a picture perfect life. She helps manage her father's riding-stable and has a great husband and little daughter. That is until she discovers that her husband Eddie is deceiving her with another woman. After confronting him in the middle of the night on the streets of their small home town, she decides to stay at her sister Emma Rae's house for a while, to make up her mind. Breaking out of her everyday life, she starts to question the authority of everyone, especially her father's, thus causing a stir in her parent's marriage, too.
What a great story this film has. I love the way that the audience get the chance to experience what a place it is that poor Grace has to live. It also shows that being part of a relationship is not an easy thing. Another clever addition to the story is the use of gossip, which is perfectly incorporated and performed by the movie's actors. You really believe that this town's people want to know what is going on in the lives of the Bichon family' and that is ultimately why it was called Something to talk about'. This all being said, the film has many characters that I did not like, which is credit to the film's story, allowing me to actually like it. The screenwriter for Something to talk about', is Callie Khouri, who did a film last year, that I want to see, called Devine secrets of the Ya-Ya sisterhood'. Callie wrote a most enjoyable script from where I see it.
There are flawless roles from all involved in the movie. This movie's main star is a gal I like, that being Julia Roberts. I remember reading that someone said Robert's needed to do this movie, to save her career from going down the wrong path. Well she shone in this most likeable of roles. I love the way that her character goes through so many emotions, especially the hot-headed temperament, but for good reason. I had to laugh when Grace is so abrupt, asking all her friends at a meeting, has anyone and everyone in the town been sleeping with her husband. The next line is priceless.
The men in Grace's life are not so great. Husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) is in a most uncomfortable of situations, which he put himself in. Eddie is upstaged by Grace's sister, Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick), who brings Eddie to his knees. Then add in the scene when Grace tries to get revenge on her husband. It is a movie that shows Eddie has done many things wrong. What Grace does might seem a little extreme, but I have no doubt that hurt people will go to such lengths to feel better about themselves and their situation. Grace's father, Wyly King (Robert Duvall) is a man who cares not so much for his family, but more about the disgrace one of his daughter's will bring to the family name, reputation and business. I was shocked when he blurts out All of our friends complain about how their kids grow up and run off and they never hear from them anymore. Why the hell can't that happen to us?'
Director Lasse Hallstrom did a good job with this movie. He certainly seemed fascinated in making a movie which shows how dysfunctional a family really can be, and on more than one level in this film. There was also one name that came up as a bit of a surprise to me in the casting credits, that being Goldie Hawn. She was executive producer of the film, and in some way, you can feel the comedic touch she brought to the film.
Something to talk about' hit home personally for me, as I have been part of a family break up, via one parent being unfaithful to the other. It is very hard for kids to understand what is going on when parent's relationships are disintegrating right in front of them. I have resigned to the fact my parents will never be back together again, but this film shows that not all relationships are a lost cause as I am sure they are not. Julia Robert's role in the film was so compelling from where I see it, as she was well within her rights to be as upset as she was. Her role justifies to me, why she is a star in Hollywood today. I guess the only downer for me in this film was the language, which I found just a little slack and disturbing. Roger Ebert said in his review of the film: that Something to talk about' is the kind of film where you start out wondering how all these people are related, and end up knowing all to well'. I could not agree more, but I guess that is what you get when people start to gossip and talk!
CMRS gives Something to talk about': 4 (Very Good Film)
Grace Bichon has a picture perfect life. She helps manage her father's riding-stable and has a great husband and little daughter. That is until she discovers that her husband Eddie is deceiving her with another woman. After confronting him in the middle of the night on the streets of their small home town, she decides to stay at her sister Emma Rae's house for a while, to make up her mind. Breaking out of her everyday life, she starts to question the authority of everyone, especially her father's, thus causing a stir in her parent's marriage, too.
What a great story this film has. I love the way that the audience get the chance to experience what a place it is that poor Grace has to live. It also shows that being part of a relationship is not an easy thing. Another clever addition to the story is the use of gossip, which is perfectly incorporated and performed by the movie's actors. You really believe that this town's people want to know what is going on in the lives of the Bichon family' and that is ultimately why it was called Something to talk about'. This all being said, the film has many characters that I did not like, which is credit to the film's story, allowing me to actually like it. The screenwriter for Something to talk about', is Callie Khouri, who did a film last year, that I want to see, called Devine secrets of the Ya-Ya sisterhood'. Callie wrote a most enjoyable script from where I see it.
There are flawless roles from all involved in the movie. This movie's main star is a gal I like, that being Julia Roberts. I remember reading that someone said Robert's needed to do this movie, to save her career from going down the wrong path. Well she shone in this most likeable of roles. I love the way that her character goes through so many emotions, especially the hot-headed temperament, but for good reason. I had to laugh when Grace is so abrupt, asking all her friends at a meeting, has anyone and everyone in the town been sleeping with her husband. The next line is priceless.
The men in Grace's life are not so great. Husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) is in a most uncomfortable of situations, which he put himself in. Eddie is upstaged by Grace's sister, Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick), who brings Eddie to his knees. Then add in the scene when Grace tries to get revenge on her husband. It is a movie that shows Eddie has done many things wrong. What Grace does might seem a little extreme, but I have no doubt that hurt people will go to such lengths to feel better about themselves and their situation. Grace's father, Wyly King (Robert Duvall) is a man who cares not so much for his family, but more about the disgrace one of his daughter's will bring to the family name, reputation and business. I was shocked when he blurts out All of our friends complain about how their kids grow up and run off and they never hear from them anymore. Why the hell can't that happen to us?'
Director Lasse Hallstrom did a good job with this movie. He certainly seemed fascinated in making a movie which shows how dysfunctional a family really can be, and on more than one level in this film. There was also one name that came up as a bit of a surprise to me in the casting credits, that being Goldie Hawn. She was executive producer of the film, and in some way, you can feel the comedic touch she brought to the film.
Something to talk about' hit home personally for me, as I have been part of a family break up, via one parent being unfaithful to the other. It is very hard for kids to understand what is going on when parent's relationships are disintegrating right in front of them. I have resigned to the fact my parents will never be back together again, but this film shows that not all relationships are a lost cause as I am sure they are not. Julia Robert's role in the film was so compelling from where I see it, as she was well within her rights to be as upset as she was. Her role justifies to me, why she is a star in Hollywood today. I guess the only downer for me in this film was the language, which I found just a little slack and disturbing. Roger Ebert said in his review of the film: that Something to talk about' is the kind of film where you start out wondering how all these people are related, and end up knowing all to well'. I could not agree more, but I guess that is what you get when people start to gossip and talk!
CMRS gives Something to talk about': 4 (Very Good Film)
Taking a Second Look at an Older Movie!
gradyharp19 August 2006
Odd to term a 1995 film as an 'older movie', but SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT was rather dismissed in its initial release as a bit of fluff: looking at the film now reveals a tight little message movie garnished with a fine writer (Callie Khouri - 'Thelma and Louise', 'Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood'), and first class director (Lasse Hallström - 'Casanova', 'An Unfinished Life', 'The Shipping News', 'Chocolat', 'The Cider House Rules', 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape' etc), and a cast that has not only grown in importance from the time of this film but has also become acknowledged as the creme of the cinema.
The story is rather slight: Grace (Julia Roberts) is a Southern Belle horse trainer married to handsome but womanizing Eddie (Dennis Quaid) who discovers to her amazement that Eddie is dating other women. This throws Grace into a rage that affects her family, her family's typical Southern response to appearances, and ultimately awakens not only Grace but also every member of her family to secrets that allow them to take charge of their prettified hollow lives! Grace's sister Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick, in yet another of her sensational roles) is a perky, spitfire of a woman who seems to be the only member who has her act together; her mother Georgia (Gena Rowlands) and father Wyly (Robert Duvall) are both able to reveal the old South and the new individuality they achieve; Brett Cullen, Haley Aull, and Muse Watson are all excellent in their roles.
One of the most entertaining aspects of this entertaining film is the confrontation between 'old manners' and new reality - with some heady lessons for all of us to observe and allow chuckles. It is a tight little film that deserves another visit on DVD.
The story is rather slight: Grace (Julia Roberts) is a Southern Belle horse trainer married to handsome but womanizing Eddie (Dennis Quaid) who discovers to her amazement that Eddie is dating other women. This throws Grace into a rage that affects her family, her family's typical Southern response to appearances, and ultimately awakens not only Grace but also every member of her family to secrets that allow them to take charge of their prettified hollow lives! Grace's sister Emma Rae (Kyra Sedgwick, in yet another of her sensational roles) is a perky, spitfire of a woman who seems to be the only member who has her act together; her mother Georgia (Gena Rowlands) and father Wyly (Robert Duvall) are both able to reveal the old South and the new individuality they achieve; Brett Cullen, Haley Aull, and Muse Watson are all excellent in their roles.
One of the most entertaining aspects of this entertaining film is the confrontation between 'old manners' and new reality - with some heady lessons for all of us to observe and allow chuckles. It is a tight little film that deserves another visit on DVD.
funny feminist film with good performances
blanche-214 September 2005
I was very entertained by "Something to Talk About." I didn't consider it a big, important movie, I just took it as light fun. I have read some of the other comments, and it seems not everyone reacted to it that way.
I thought this was a great cast. Robert Duvall and Gena Rowlands were fabulous, as was Kyra Sedgwick. Dennis Quaid is beyond adorable - and there is one of the flaws in the film. How could you trust that man for one second and be surprised when he cheats? The other flaw is how he managed to be in college with Julia Roberts, unless she was a child wunderkind. As for Julia Roberts, I prefer her in this kind of film rather than heavy drama, because I don't care for her very external acting. She was more believable in this and, especially at the end, she sparkled.
I personally loved the ending, and for all you who wonder, I absolutely think they get back together. I think infidelity hurts and yes, it maybe even hurts enough that, in the heat of anger, you might try to poison your husband. I also think you can get past it, and I think this character did.
I agree that often, when women cheat in films, it's somehow justified and the man who cheats is vilified. In life, that's not always true. Life is a lot more complicated than that. Obviously, this was written from a woman's point of view. As I said, I took it for what it was. It was entertaining. I had to think when I watched "Camille Claudel."
I thought this was a great cast. Robert Duvall and Gena Rowlands were fabulous, as was Kyra Sedgwick. Dennis Quaid is beyond adorable - and there is one of the flaws in the film. How could you trust that man for one second and be surprised when he cheats? The other flaw is how he managed to be in college with Julia Roberts, unless she was a child wunderkind. As for Julia Roberts, I prefer her in this kind of film rather than heavy drama, because I don't care for her very external acting. She was more believable in this and, especially at the end, she sparkled.
I personally loved the ending, and for all you who wonder, I absolutely think they get back together. I think infidelity hurts and yes, it maybe even hurts enough that, in the heat of anger, you might try to poison your husband. I also think you can get past it, and I think this character did.
I agree that often, when women cheat in films, it's somehow justified and the man who cheats is vilified. In life, that's not always true. Life is a lot more complicated than that. Obviously, this was written from a woman's point of view. As I said, I took it for what it was. It was entertaining. I had to think when I watched "Camille Claudel."
Disappointing....
Jenfranbax23 January 2005
Warning: Spoilers
First let me start off by saying that Julia Roberts is from Georgia...Her accent is real! This was a disappointing movie. Julia Roberts and Kyra Sedgwick have great chemistry as sisters and they LOOK like they could actually be related. Dennis Quaid-check, Robert Duvall-check, Gena Rowlands-check...Cast is awesome. Writing is sassy and on the money. The problem is the way the story turns on it's head. When Grace poisons her husband it is not at all funny..and takes the story in another direction. We think we are watching a movie about this lying cheating lout who does his woman wrong and her questioning her life and her choices afterward. We feel bad for HIM when he makes it sound like she drove him into another woman's arms because she didn't give him enough affection. She actually feels bad, but it is already too late, as she has already made him sick from the poison. He decides he doesn't want her back after all and goes ahead and gets a nasty lawyer.
Along the way her mom (Rowland)decides to take action on her husband (duvall) who has been fooling around for years. Not making much sense here. All this surrounds a equestrian competition that is supposed to bring these people together. Kind of stupid. I also want to bring attention to the fact that Julia Roberts was about 27 when she made this. Too young to have this older kid, and Dennis Quaid looks a good 10 years her senior, and they were in college together?? Kyra Sedgwick is going for over the top sassy here...We get the point after she knees Quaid in the jewels early on..yes yes she is a tough cookie. All that said, I will watch Julia Roberts in anything. I am her target demographic after all. Her most unwatchable movie is still watchable to me on a snowy Sunday afternoon such as today.
Along the way her mom (Rowland)decides to take action on her husband (duvall) who has been fooling around for years. Not making much sense here. All this surrounds a equestrian competition that is supposed to bring these people together. Kind of stupid. I also want to bring attention to the fact that Julia Roberts was about 27 when she made this. Too young to have this older kid, and Dennis Quaid looks a good 10 years her senior, and they were in college together?? Kyra Sedgwick is going for over the top sassy here...We get the point after she knees Quaid in the jewels early on..yes yes she is a tough cookie. All that said, I will watch Julia Roberts in anything. I am her target demographic after all. Her most unwatchable movie is still watchable to me on a snowy Sunday afternoon such as today.
different tact on marriage cheating
SnoopyStyle19 October 2016
Grace Bichon (Julia Roberts) seems to have a happy life with husband Eddie (Dennis Quaid) and daughter Caroline. She dutifully does work with the other wives in the Charity League and runs her father's horse stable. Then she catches Eddie with his mistress on the streets. She leaves with her daughter to stay with her father Wyly King (Robert Duvall), mother Georgia (Gena Rowlands), and sister Emma Rae King (Kyra Sedgwick). There is a horse jumping Grand Prix coming up. As the couple toys with divorce, Grace is pursued by a suitor. Her parents push her to stay in her marriage and her sister joins her in anger.
How one takes this movie depends on how one views cheating. The standard female empowerment would require the wife to overcome the cheating husband and find a new man or find her inner self. This one takes a different tact and it could annoy some people. The actors are solid. Their rom-com personna may not fit the more complicated take on cheating.
How one takes this movie depends on how one views cheating. The standard female empowerment would require the wife to overcome the cheating husband and find a new man or find her inner self. This one takes a different tact and it could annoy some people. The actors are solid. Their rom-com personna may not fit the more complicated take on cheating.
Something to Balk About
jupiter2-618 November 2002
Let's see.. in a large bowl, mix together effortless acting, extremely overlit sets, a made-for-tv, afterschool special script, cliches about how all men are either pigs or ineffectual and all women know what they want, obligatory, gap-filling scenes involving an easy listening pop tune where all the major characters get to dance together and, finally, the inevitable soft ending where the world gets back
together, somewhat changed but somehow still the same, and you'll have this
"home ec" project of a film. I'm not sure which was worse; the film's existence, the money I paid to see it or the fact that Julia Roberts was actually paid $12 milllion to act out of this bag. That money should have gone to the "continuity department" to do its job and actually pay attention tot how many hairstyles Julia Roberts goes through in each and every scene.
together, somewhat changed but somehow still the same, and you'll have this
"home ec" project of a film. I'm not sure which was worse; the film's existence, the money I paid to see it or the fact that Julia Roberts was actually paid $12 milllion to act out of this bag. That money should have gone to the "continuity department" to do its job and actually pay attention tot how many hairstyles Julia Roberts goes through in each and every scene.
Julia Good !
Intermissionman_12 January 2020
Rather than dropping this movie into a category, such as, Drama, Romance, or Comedy I think the film maker's wanted it to be a "feel good movie".
This family story is written just write, so all the Hollywood hotshots had to do was plug in the right actors and BOOM,everyone involved is Happy, including most importantly people who enjoy a good film.
The dynamic cast for "Something to Talk About" is led by the Females in this one, how do Julia Roberts, Gena Rowlands, and Kyra Sedgewick sound. They are teamed with Robert Duvall and Dennis Quaid, and play a Southern Family who operate a Riding Stable.
If you are a Fan of any of the Movie Stars aforementioned, I assure you that watching this Movie will not only put a smile on your face, but tickle your heart, as well. For those of you out there who may be dead, or for some odd reason don't like the cast, here are a few more good reasons to view this movie.
1. Adultery, Good Music, and because I say so !!
2. the director is Lasse Halstrom
3. Screenwriter is Callie Khouri
4. Julia Roberts drops the "F" Bomb a few times
5. Beautiful Horses
6. Have seen "DQ and The Sharks" live
7. You enjoy a movie with characters named Grace, Eddie, Wyly, Georgia, EMMA RAE,
and Caroline.
8. The 104th minute of a 105 minute Movie
This family story is written just write, so all the Hollywood hotshots had to do was plug in the right actors and BOOM,everyone involved is Happy, including most importantly people who enjoy a good film.
The dynamic cast for "Something to Talk About" is led by the Females in this one, how do Julia Roberts, Gena Rowlands, and Kyra Sedgewick sound. They are teamed with Robert Duvall and Dennis Quaid, and play a Southern Family who operate a Riding Stable.
If you are a Fan of any of the Movie Stars aforementioned, I assure you that watching this Movie will not only put a smile on your face, but tickle your heart, as well. For those of you out there who may be dead, or for some odd reason don't like the cast, here are a few more good reasons to view this movie.
1. Adultery, Good Music, and because I say so !!
2. the director is Lasse Halstrom
3. Screenwriter is Callie Khouri
4. Julia Roberts drops the "F" Bomb a few times
5. Beautiful Horses
6. Have seen "DQ and The Sharks" live
7. You enjoy a movie with characters named Grace, Eddie, Wyly, Georgia, EMMA RAE,
and Caroline.
8. The 104th minute of a 105 minute Movie
A rare Lasse Halstrom error
Boyo-24 February 2002
Boy, is this movie lame or what?
Any interest in the movies' characters is SOLELY provided by Krya Sedgwick as the wise-cracking, potty-mouthed sister of the lead actress..can't place her name right now.
Anyway, the lead finds out her husband (Dennis Quaid) is cheating, and this comes as a surprise to her even after it was pointed out that his nickname in college was 'Hound Dog'.
Possibly she thought it was her duty to not see his indiscretions. She was raised in a town very concerned with two things - doing the right thing, and talking about it when someone else is caught doing the wrong thing. Her parents (Robert Duvall and Gena Rowlands, who make any movie they are in better than it normally would have been) are in denial as well, about life in general but mostly about their own relationship.
Nothing much really happens. In that way it reminded me a little of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', but that was never boring for a minute.
Soundtrack is distracting - each new scene begins with a swell of music, so if you're falling asleep, just listen for the music..that's the start of the next, and hopefully better, scene.
But take my advice - it doesn't get any better. My heart goes out to Kyra, whose work is wasted in this boring vehicle.
Any interest in the movies' characters is SOLELY provided by Krya Sedgwick as the wise-cracking, potty-mouthed sister of the lead actress..can't place her name right now.
Anyway, the lead finds out her husband (Dennis Quaid) is cheating, and this comes as a surprise to her even after it was pointed out that his nickname in college was 'Hound Dog'.
Possibly she thought it was her duty to not see his indiscretions. She was raised in a town very concerned with two things - doing the right thing, and talking about it when someone else is caught doing the wrong thing. Her parents (Robert Duvall and Gena Rowlands, who make any movie they are in better than it normally would have been) are in denial as well, about life in general but mostly about their own relationship.
Nothing much really happens. In that way it reminded me a little of 'What's Eating Gilbert Grape', but that was never boring for a minute.
Soundtrack is distracting - each new scene begins with a swell of music, so if you're falling asleep, just listen for the music..that's the start of the next, and hopefully better, scene.
But take my advice - it doesn't get any better. My heart goes out to Kyra, whose work is wasted in this boring vehicle.
Bad title, good movie
preppy-315 April 2004
A Southern woman (Julia Roberts) finds out her husband (Dennis Quaid) is cheating on her. This sets off complications that involve her whole family-her fiery sister (Kyra Sedgwick), gruff father (Robert Duvall) and understanding mother (Gena Rowlands).
This plot has been done many times before and there are no real surprises--but it has a good pro-female script. That's no surprise--it was written by Callie Khouri who also wrote "Thelma & Louise". The dialogue is sharp and adult and the stars give it their all.
I've never really been a big fan of Roberts but she is very good here faking a credible Southern accent. She has a GREAT scene when she confronts her club about her husband's infidelity. Sedgwick is just fantastic as her sister--full of fire and having a great time. Surprisingly Rowlands wasn't that good at first--way too muted but she eventually got better and is wonderful in a scene in which she tells off Duvall. Quaid and Duvall are lousy in their roles...but they're given NOTHING to work with--this picture is about the women. The only male character with any depth is Jamie (Brett Cullen)--very handsome, intelligent and caring--a real great performance.
A word of advice--this movie is VERY R rated. There's tons of swearing (especially from Sedgwick) and VERY frank sexual dialogue--it is NOT for the kids (unless it's an edited for TV version). It's an adult movie.
Predictable but well-done. Worth catching.
This plot has been done many times before and there are no real surprises--but it has a good pro-female script. That's no surprise--it was written by Callie Khouri who also wrote "Thelma & Louise". The dialogue is sharp and adult and the stars give it their all.
I've never really been a big fan of Roberts but she is very good here faking a credible Southern accent. She has a GREAT scene when she confronts her club about her husband's infidelity. Sedgwick is just fantastic as her sister--full of fire and having a great time. Surprisingly Rowlands wasn't that good at first--way too muted but she eventually got better and is wonderful in a scene in which she tells off Duvall. Quaid and Duvall are lousy in their roles...but they're given NOTHING to work with--this picture is about the women. The only male character with any depth is Jamie (Brett Cullen)--very handsome, intelligent and caring--a real great performance.
A word of advice--this movie is VERY R rated. There's tons of swearing (especially from Sedgwick) and VERY frank sexual dialogue--it is NOT for the kids (unless it's an edited for TV version). It's an adult movie.
Predictable but well-done. Worth catching.
Full of funny lines!
macpherr7 August 1999
Julia Roberts (Notting Hill, Runaway Bride) plays Grace Bichon, a working woman who works for her dad and keeps leaving her only daughter behind every place she goes. The casting by Marion Dougherty is brilliant. Mother/Julia Roberts; daughter /Brett Cullen; and sister/Kyra Sedgwick have the same speech pattern and same lips! There is something about their mouths that makes them really match. The cast is full of pros: Dennis Quaid (The League), Gena Rowlands (Hope Floats), and one of my favorites Robert Duvall (Wrestling Ernest Hemingway, The Apostle). He is of the top actors of the American Cinema, Oscar winner and many times nominated for all the prestigious awards available.Two treasures! Dennis Quaid and Robert Duvall. They can surely transform themselves! Eddie Bichon, played by Dennis Quaid, is cheating in his wife and she raises an uproar. She gets the entire family, friends and town are all involved, and Grace makes a point of going out of her way to spread the news of who is cheating and with whom. The movie gets funny as Grace takes vengeance at her own hands including giving Eddie a near death experience with her special chemistry in cooking helped by a special recipe from her Aunt. Kyra Sedwick (Singles, Phenomenon) has so many funny lines. She is my favorite character in this movie. Kyra Sedwick was nominated for Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for this part. I think that those supporting roles are really good and many times the actor can explore his or her craft more than the actor who has the lead. I have the tape and enjoy watching it. I love: the customs, the stable, horses, and equine competition atmosphere in the movie.
My favorite line: "Sometimes a near death experience helps to keep things in perspective" Emma Rae is in bed almost falling asleep: Grace "Are you up?". Emma Rae: " Not technically!" My favorite Scene: Emma Rae kicking her brother -in -law after she helped him to come in the second floor of the house through the window. Nice looking movie! Good for the eyes! Full of fine lines!
My favorite line: "Sometimes a near death experience helps to keep things in perspective" Emma Rae is in bed almost falling asleep: Grace "Are you up?". Emma Rae: " Not technically!" My favorite Scene: Emma Rae kicking her brother -in -law after she helped him to come in the second floor of the house through the window. Nice looking movie! Good for the eyes! Full of fine lines!
Nothing to Talk About
aschachte13 September 2004
It was nothing to talk about. Just a sorry chick flick that made no sense at all. Robert Duvall cheated on his wife and she took him back because she watched him riding a horse. Huh? And more senseless stuff like that was all through this thing.
I found only two interesting things about this movie. There was a weird camera angle on the staircase using a fisheye lens. They used this shot a lot. The camera angle was mildly interesting for a while. And there was a guy in the movie named Frank Lewis. This was only interesting because I worked for someone named Frank Lewis at the time I watched it.
Guys - don't let some girl make you watch this movie!
I found only two interesting things about this movie. There was a weird camera angle on the staircase using a fisheye lens. They used this shot a lot. The camera angle was mildly interesting for a while. And there was a guy in the movie named Frank Lewis. This was only interesting because I worked for someone named Frank Lewis at the time I watched it.
Guys - don't let some girl make you watch this movie!
Another story of infidelity
DPerson62620 June 2003
This time it is the man who is unfaithful but the ending is different. When we watched "A Walk on The Moon", "Unfaithful" and "The Bridges of Madison County" we saw three married women have torrid affairs but who were portrayed as sympathetic characters. They ended up staying with their husbands (though the husband in "Unfaithful" probably ended up in prison) while still in love with the men with whom they committed adultery. The husbands who were aware of their wives unfaithfulness, and the one who didn't, all opted to "stand by their women" and were portrayed as being at fault by virtue of working too hard and not paying enough attention to the wives.
But here the shoe is on the other foot. The husband is the one who strays and he is portrayed as being at fault, even though his wife has become distant and unresponsive to him. The double standard is obvious. Kyra Sedgwick was by far the most enjoyable character in the film. She was outstanding as the protective sister of betrayed Julia Roberts. The b*ll kicking scene is painful, but funny. I really liked her and will be looking for more of her work in the future.
The setting is a horse farm that is ruled over by the patriarch played by Robert Duvall. Grace is his assistant manager and carries much of the load. Her husband (Dennis Quaid) is caught cheating on her and she moves out of their bedroom to her sisters apartment. Though her husband is truly repentant and struggles to get her back she is unrelenting and eventually returns to school and we are left wondering if there is ever a reunion. I enjoyed the movie but was struck by the difference in the treatment of male infidelity versus that of the female. I give it a 7/10.
But here the shoe is on the other foot. The husband is the one who strays and he is portrayed as being at fault, even though his wife has become distant and unresponsive to him. The double standard is obvious. Kyra Sedgwick was by far the most enjoyable character in the film. She was outstanding as the protective sister of betrayed Julia Roberts. The b*ll kicking scene is painful, but funny. I really liked her and will be looking for more of her work in the future.
The setting is a horse farm that is ruled over by the patriarch played by Robert Duvall. Grace is his assistant manager and carries much of the load. Her husband (Dennis Quaid) is caught cheating on her and she moves out of their bedroom to her sisters apartment. Though her husband is truly repentant and struggles to get her back she is unrelenting and eventually returns to school and we are left wondering if there is ever a reunion. I enjoyed the movie but was struck by the difference in the treatment of male infidelity versus that of the female. I give it a 7/10.
families outlook is a receipt for disaster
lark4010 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
this is my 79 review and this film is a dramedy of sorts with a all star cast with Julia Roberts playing Grace King Bichon who manages her father stable and constantly looking after horses and thinks everything is OK in her life with Dennis Quaid playing Eddie Bichon with whom they have one child so as grace goes to meet her husband who makes deals on properties she see him with another man she flips and everything her life goes dizzy and and her reactions to this cause ripples in her family worrying about the implications of 2 business deals her husband is having so turns to her family but Robert Duvall who plays Wyly King is stuck up to care about her problems because of his infidelities and her being a member a cooking club her problems don't seem to be a issue with members as rumors fling around bout her husband so after kicking Eddie out he tries to worm her back but she makes a show off her self and her family by causing rows in public nights out so she moves in to her sisters room her parents don't want her to move in as she already left but her issues cause friction father and mother having their own issues and Gena Rowlands playing Georgia King kicks Wyly King to funny effect he has to crawl and beg Kyra Sedgwick playing Emma Rae King is the sister who suffers through her sisters sadness great story about husbands wives children and other natural disasters that come along to effect the king family its good but not great
Error/goof found
doctortalus27 January 2006
Warning: Spoilers
As a resident the Carolina Coast, one sees the appellation "Lowcountry" on many things including a goodly number of businesses and other entities both public and private. As a descriptor, it is both ubiquitous and quite accurate.
Thus , my wife and I were quite surprised to see "Lowcountry Locksmith" on a vehicle in a film that was set in the Kentucky Horse country. I try to catch incongruities and goofs in films as hobby, but my wife spotted this particular one. Knowing that a good portion of this film was shot in the Beaufort, South Carolina area, we enjoyed a quick laugh during that scene.
Thus , my wife and I were quite surprised to see "Lowcountry Locksmith" on a vehicle in a film that was set in the Kentucky Horse country. I try to catch incongruities and goofs in films as hobby, but my wife spotted this particular one. Knowing that a good portion of this film was shot in the Beaufort, South Carolina area, we enjoyed a quick laugh during that scene.
W. A. W. O. F. ( What a waste of film)
ktfortwo29 November 2005
Senseless plot, forgettable characters, and no redeeming value. The only reason it gets a three in my book is because I saw it on a date with the love of my life. Indeed, this is proof positive that even bad films can spawn relationships that last a lifetime! The very idea that someone could actually forgive someone for cheating simply because she sees him riding a horse is simply crazy at best, if it were that easy I'd have bought a horse eons ago! Also, some of the camera angles were interesting at first, but as the plot and the overall content of the film left much to be desired, the angles began to really get on my nerves after a while. Had the film given more in the areas of plot, content, and believable, likable characters, I probably would saying what a innovative genius the director was. Anyways, pop this this one in at 2am after you've missed several buses to dreamland. I guarantee you'll be on the the next bus.
Familiar but pleasing nonetheless
DennisLittrell18 June 2001
Director Lasse Hallstrom attempts to combine two venerable Hollywood genres and several subplots in this nonetheless agreeable morality tale about the bad effect adultery can have on your marriage. Part women's POV romantic comedy and part Dixie family dynamics saga, this is a generational story about what it takes to make a marriage work. It's a little scattered and loose fitting and underdeveloped in parts, but there's enough warmth and bright comedy to make up for the defects, and the cast is fun to watch.
The script by Callie Khouri is familiar but clever with some good human observations and some nice twists. I notice that Khouri also wrote Thelma and Louise (1991), which may explain why, in this flick, it is the men who learn (and need) most of the hard lessons. Robert Duvall plays the still feisty patriarch, Wlyly King, who really needs to learn to loosen the reigns a little, while Dennis Quaid, who plays Grace's adulterous husband, needs to appreciate what he's got and to stop catting around. Kyra Sedgwick as Grace's sister helps him by kneeing him right where it hurts the most, and Grace, accidentally on purpose, nearly poisons him. (All part of his well-deserved and to be continued penance.) Sedgwick sparkles while being careful not to upstage "America's Darling" too often while Gena Rowlands as the mother is steady and sure.
Julia Roberts has become a great star and a great actress, and she is one of my favorites, but there is no question that she felt not entirely comfortable in this part. From the details of the script you can see that she is supposed to be a somewhat ditzy and naively outspoken woman, a southern belle with spunk, a mind of her own, and a desire to be something more than her father's daughter or her husband's wife. Julia got most of it right except for the ditzy part. She either wouldn't bend (maybe her agency advised against looking too weird) or Hallstrom didn't insist because Julia played this like Bogart always played Bogart, just like herself. You can see that the character of Grace Bichon is a bit out in left field because she leaves her daughter places or forgets to take her as she drives off in the morning. And then there was that outrageous confrontation at the woman's club where she stands up and demands to know how many other women have been sleeping with her husband. Something to talk about indeed!
But Julia stays Julia, and so the character is never developed as written. Nonetheless Julia Roberts is always wonderful, and although there is not here the effortless and nearly flawless style she was then developing, a style that culminated in her Oscar winning performance in Erin Brockovich, there is the undeniable down to earth charm and warmth that has made her so beloved by audiences that she can command something like twenty million dollars per.
Robert Duvall obviously had a lot of fun with his part, but I wonder if he realizes how much he looks like a bantam rooster in those riding tights!
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
The script by Callie Khouri is familiar but clever with some good human observations and some nice twists. I notice that Khouri also wrote Thelma and Louise (1991), which may explain why, in this flick, it is the men who learn (and need) most of the hard lessons. Robert Duvall plays the still feisty patriarch, Wlyly King, who really needs to learn to loosen the reigns a little, while Dennis Quaid, who plays Grace's adulterous husband, needs to appreciate what he's got and to stop catting around. Kyra Sedgwick as Grace's sister helps him by kneeing him right where it hurts the most, and Grace, accidentally on purpose, nearly poisons him. (All part of his well-deserved and to be continued penance.) Sedgwick sparkles while being careful not to upstage "America's Darling" too often while Gena Rowlands as the mother is steady and sure.
Julia Roberts has become a great star and a great actress, and she is one of my favorites, but there is no question that she felt not entirely comfortable in this part. From the details of the script you can see that she is supposed to be a somewhat ditzy and naively outspoken woman, a southern belle with spunk, a mind of her own, and a desire to be something more than her father's daughter or her husband's wife. Julia got most of it right except for the ditzy part. She either wouldn't bend (maybe her agency advised against looking too weird) or Hallstrom didn't insist because Julia played this like Bogart always played Bogart, just like herself. You can see that the character of Grace Bichon is a bit out in left field because she leaves her daughter places or forgets to take her as she drives off in the morning. And then there was that outrageous confrontation at the woman's club where she stands up and demands to know how many other women have been sleeping with her husband. Something to talk about indeed!
But Julia stays Julia, and so the character is never developed as written. Nonetheless Julia Roberts is always wonderful, and although there is not here the effortless and nearly flawless style she was then developing, a style that culminated in her Oscar winning performance in Erin Brockovich, there is the undeniable down to earth charm and warmth that has made her so beloved by audiences that she can command something like twenty million dollars per.
Robert Duvall obviously had a lot of fun with his part, but I wonder if he realizes how much he looks like a bantam rooster in those riding tights!
(Note: Over 500 of my movie reviews are now available in my book "Cut to the Chaise Lounge or I Can't Believe I Swallowed the Remote!" Get it at Amazon!)
How is This Feminist?
deetdee1223 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
I know Callie Khouri thinks she's this huge feminist, but as one, I'm always mystified as to how she arrived at that conclusion. I've never seen Thelma and Louise, but I do watch Nashville (though it's already lather, rinse, repeat and the first season isn't even over!) and I've also seen Divine Secrets (also, just god awful).
All three vehicles have verrrry similar elements and a lot of elements seem more like the plot lines of a 1950's pot boiler, not something reasonably modern (and I was turning 30 in 1995, so yeah, I "get" the time frame of this film).
Each one features a whiny, spoilt, Southern (usually) Daddy's girl who remains in whatever small community she and her family are near royalty in. Despite the fact that she either hates it there or is at least deeply frustrated by it. This, of course, shows how "sensitive" our heroine is (actually it shows that she can't poop or get off the pot).
She also generally is only able to TRULY love her high school sweetheart (weird since Khouri is on her second marriage, to someone she didn't meet until late in life). She also has deep regrets about not being able to achieve her girlhood dreams, even though it's typically something with relatively few obstacles, fairly modest and well, sometimes just life for us mere mortals.
In the film Julia/Grace wanted to be a large animal vet and didn't have that much school left to achieve this. She dropped out because she was pregnant and had to get married. But unlike the typical Southern woman, who would now sadly toil at Walmart or Piggly-Wiggly, Julia works for Daddy, managing his fancy stables.
Although she "doesn't have time" to return to school (even though somehow I suspect Daddy might be a fairly flexible employer in the scheduling department), she does have time to be an active Junior League Member. Not to mention, she's still able to work around large animals and care for them. She just isn't a vet.
Really, very little happens other than everyone chewing scenery and infidelity coming out all over the place. In the end, Julia goes back to Vet school (how she's now able to do this on one income, and move into her own pad with her daughter is never explained, I'll just guess, Daddy).
She also takes back pathologically serial cheater Dennis Quaid. Why? Basically cause they dance sexy to Bonnie Raitt in front of everyone (even though a way nicer, cuter dude wants her, but he, of course isn't her high school twu wuv) and he fixes her a nice dinner.
Yeah, that's some serious lady empowerment, there!!! Just be pretty, have a rich daddy and ultimately forgive that loser and your life will go from crap to awesome!!!
All three vehicles have verrrry similar elements and a lot of elements seem more like the plot lines of a 1950's pot boiler, not something reasonably modern (and I was turning 30 in 1995, so yeah, I "get" the time frame of this film).
Each one features a whiny, spoilt, Southern (usually) Daddy's girl who remains in whatever small community she and her family are near royalty in. Despite the fact that she either hates it there or is at least deeply frustrated by it. This, of course, shows how "sensitive" our heroine is (actually it shows that she can't poop or get off the pot).
She also generally is only able to TRULY love her high school sweetheart (weird since Khouri is on her second marriage, to someone she didn't meet until late in life). She also has deep regrets about not being able to achieve her girlhood dreams, even though it's typically something with relatively few obstacles, fairly modest and well, sometimes just life for us mere mortals.
In the film Julia/Grace wanted to be a large animal vet and didn't have that much school left to achieve this. She dropped out because she was pregnant and had to get married. But unlike the typical Southern woman, who would now sadly toil at Walmart or Piggly-Wiggly, Julia works for Daddy, managing his fancy stables.
Although she "doesn't have time" to return to school (even though somehow I suspect Daddy might be a fairly flexible employer in the scheduling department), she does have time to be an active Junior League Member. Not to mention, she's still able to work around large animals and care for them. She just isn't a vet.
Really, very little happens other than everyone chewing scenery and infidelity coming out all over the place. In the end, Julia goes back to Vet school (how she's now able to do this on one income, and move into her own pad with her daughter is never explained, I'll just guess, Daddy).
She also takes back pathologically serial cheater Dennis Quaid. Why? Basically cause they dance sexy to Bonnie Raitt in front of everyone (even though a way nicer, cuter dude wants her, but he, of course isn't her high school twu wuv) and he fixes her a nice dinner.
Yeah, that's some serious lady empowerment, there!!! Just be pretty, have a rich daddy and ultimately forgive that loser and your life will go from crap to awesome!!!
what to do... what to do.
ksf-211 May 2022
When grace (julia roberts) finds out her husband (dennis quaid) has been messing around, she is devastated. Her family and friends all tell her to get past it, but she doesn't want to get past it. So she spills the beans at the women's club meeting about all the juicy town gossip. Her sister, played by kyra sedgwick, is the only one one her side. She also gets all the best lines! She and duvall steal the show. Grace's parents are played by robert duvall and gena rowlands, both old pros. Its got a few flaws. The daughter is gone for most of the film. I hope the sister or grace's parentals are watching her! The daughter's accent comes and goes. Looks like she only worked on two films. And it's not made clear how much grace's mom knew about the troubles in her own marriage. It's mostly good. Directed by lass hallstrom. Also did cider house rules and gilbert grape. He was nominated for three oscars. Story by callie khouri.... she won the oscar for writing thelma and louise.
A total waste of good talent.
RiverMan-319 September 2000
I am loathe to say something this negative, but must. One of the worst movies I ever have been dragged in front of the VCR by my fiancee to watch. It is not enjoyed but endured, especially, I would think, by males - as you will see for yourself (or, I hope, not). What was Robert Duvall thinking when he agreed just to go through the motions for this dud? And Julia Roberts?? The one note of hysterical she maintains throughout is not acting. At least the scenery in Beaufort, S.C. (also the location of "Big Chill") is interesting. Overall, what a disappointment.
Delightful film
evraymer17 April 2004
This is a delightful film about a Southern belle, Grace King Bichon
(Julia Roberts), who chafes under the domination of her
brook-no-dissent father, and is cheated on by her husband. Grace
works for her father on his horse farm, and her suppressed
resentment of his iron rule has likely helped derail her marriage to
Eddie. In any event, the film is ultimately about the love and
strength of family relationships and the power of forgiveness, as
well as finding one's own path in life. All actors turn in great
performances: Julia Roberts as the heroine and wronged wife;
Robert Duvall as the family patriarch; Gena Rowlands as the
beautiful and devoted spouse and mother; and Kyra Sedgwick as
the transgressive sister. Dennis Quaid as Grace's philandering
husband is very appealing, so it's hard not to be rooting for he and
Grace to reconcile. Finally, good cinematography and a portrait of
gracious Southern living make this film an enjoyable view.
(Julia Roberts), who chafes under the domination of her
brook-no-dissent father, and is cheated on by her husband. Grace
works for her father on his horse farm, and her suppressed
resentment of his iron rule has likely helped derail her marriage to
Eddie. In any event, the film is ultimately about the love and
strength of family relationships and the power of forgiveness, as
well as finding one's own path in life. All actors turn in great
performances: Julia Roberts as the heroine and wronged wife;
Robert Duvall as the family patriarch; Gena Rowlands as the
beautiful and devoted spouse and mother; and Kyra Sedgwick as
the transgressive sister. Dennis Quaid as Grace's philandering
husband is very appealing, so it's hard not to be rooting for he and
Grace to reconcile. Finally, good cinematography and a portrait of
gracious Southern living make this film an enjoyable view.
Is it just me or is the tag line a little misleading?
Pookyiscute4 June 2006
There are some films that move you. There are some films that make you laugh. There are some films that make you cry. And then there are some films, that mislead you with the tagline, cover of the film and in some cases the preview. This is one such film. After waiting eleven years to finally see this movie, I wondered why I had anticipated it so much. What a let down this film was. I was expecting some cute, romantic comedy with Julia Roberts and Denis Quaid, who would argue, and make-up every other scene, and share equal screen time. Wow, was I wrong. No wonder Quaid's name came last on the credits at the beginning of the film. He's hardly worth mentioning.
The film is circled more or less on a horse ranch that Grace (Roberts) works on, which is owned by her rich father. She finds her husband (Quaid) one afternoon, cheating on her, and the whole movie is dedicated to her being angry with him, and refusing to forgive him for having cheated on her. However, the reason the tag lines and previews are misleading, is because the movie is more focused on the horse ranch, rather than on her personal situation.
I found the movie quite frankly boring, and really of not much interest. Kyra Sedgwick was excellent, and I think I liked her the most out of everyone in the film. I'm not a Robert Duvall fan, so don't ask me what I thought of him, I don't know why he gets casted for any parts, in any films. Gena Rowlands was good as usual...and well what can you say about the sexy and terrific Denis Quaid? He was his usual charming self, and how could you blame anyone for liking him? Julia Roberts, was certainly not at her best, but then better than her non-deserving Oscar award winning performance in "Erin Brockovich."
The movie was flat, and lacked so much that it had potential for.
I highly not recommend this film, and suggest you check something more along the lines of "Notting Hill" or "Pretty Woman" if you're looking for a good Roberts flick. And if it's Quaid you're interested in, go with, "Innerspace" or "In Good Company". You won't go wrong with any of those, however this one will let you down right from the beginning, and the end won't do you much good either. Because that was not you're typical ending to a film like this. Good luck with it...you're going to need it.
The film is circled more or less on a horse ranch that Grace (Roberts) works on, which is owned by her rich father. She finds her husband (Quaid) one afternoon, cheating on her, and the whole movie is dedicated to her being angry with him, and refusing to forgive him for having cheated on her. However, the reason the tag lines and previews are misleading, is because the movie is more focused on the horse ranch, rather than on her personal situation.
I found the movie quite frankly boring, and really of not much interest. Kyra Sedgwick was excellent, and I think I liked her the most out of everyone in the film. I'm not a Robert Duvall fan, so don't ask me what I thought of him, I don't know why he gets casted for any parts, in any films. Gena Rowlands was good as usual...and well what can you say about the sexy and terrific Denis Quaid? He was his usual charming self, and how could you blame anyone for liking him? Julia Roberts, was certainly not at her best, but then better than her non-deserving Oscar award winning performance in "Erin Brockovich."
The movie was flat, and lacked so much that it had potential for.
I highly not recommend this film, and suggest you check something more along the lines of "Notting Hill" or "Pretty Woman" if you're looking for a good Roberts flick. And if it's Quaid you're interested in, go with, "Innerspace" or "In Good Company". You won't go wrong with any of those, however this one will let you down right from the beginning, and the end won't do you much good either. Because that was not you're typical ending to a film like this. Good luck with it...you're going to need it.
Southern men and southern women - for dumb dummies
lovefaithtruth2 December 2008
Pretentious and a huge waste of talent.
Julia Roberts is a great actress and has a fantastic smile – a smile so un-really radiant that it becomes unreal pretty soon. That’s the risk she runs. And so does the movie.
Dialogues for the single sister are good while the movie is quite pretentious and a drag at times.
Dennis Quaid is fantastic. The story borders on the most idiotic generalization – southern men think with their southern asset and the women don’t have brains at all. Pretty idiotic fare.
Gene Rowlands mom lacks depth and looks like she is on prescriptive medication - she takes a 180 degree turn in the middle of the movie. And Duvall's character is so foolish it hurts.
The only saving grace is the dance sequence - but then I can bet there have been infinitely better results than this.
Julia Roberts is a great actress and has a fantastic smile – a smile so un-really radiant that it becomes unreal pretty soon. That’s the risk she runs. And so does the movie.
Dialogues for the single sister are good while the movie is quite pretentious and a drag at times.
Dennis Quaid is fantastic. The story borders on the most idiotic generalization – southern men think with their southern asset and the women don’t have brains at all. Pretty idiotic fare.
Gene Rowlands mom lacks depth and looks like she is on prescriptive medication - she takes a 180 degree turn in the middle of the movie. And Duvall's character is so foolish it hurts.
The only saving grace is the dance sequence - but then I can bet there have been infinitely better results than this.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
