'HOPE SPRINGS': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones as a middle-aged couple facing marriage relationship troubles who sign up for a week long counseling course under the tutelage of an expert doctor, in the matter, played by Steve Carell. The film was directed by David Frankel (who also directed Streep in the 2006 hit 'THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA', as well as helmed other family oriented comedy-drama films like 'MARLEY AND ME' and 'THE BIG YEAR') and written by first time feature film writer Vanessa Taylor (who was nominated for outstanding writing, of a film or show by a woman, at the 2012 Woman Image Network Awards). The movie is uncomfortable and depressing at times but it's also ultimately touching and inspiring. It's highlighted by the performances of Streep and Jones.
In the film Streep plays Kay and Jones plays Arnold. The two have been married for over thirty years and have found themselves growing apart to the point where they've been sleeping in separate rooms for several years (and haven't been intimate for even longer). Kay is deeply troubled over their long loss of affection for each other and finds inspiration in a book written by a marriage counselor named Dr. Feld (Carell). She uses her own money to sign them up for a week long course in Maine under the tutelage of Dr. Feld. Arnold sees nothing wrong with their marriage and refuses to go. He does end up reluctantly going at the last second though and spends most of the flight and the first couple days there complaining. Dr. Feld obviously has his work cut out for him but soon cracks begin to grow in the couple's uneasiness and progress begins being made. But is is too little too late?
The movie seems very insightful in what it's like to be married to someone for that long. Streep and Jones play a very convincing married couple and their chemistry is perfect. I found Carell to be a bit creepy at first as the doctor but he grows on you by film's end. The directing is very fitting and the script is smart and very touching. At times the emotions of what Jones and Streep's characters are going through loudly ring true and it's almost painful to watch. Ultimately the movie is uplifting though and has a valuable lesson to teach anyone wanting to commit to a relationship (or stay in one) for the long haul.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtQLe6PT3o
Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones as a middle-aged couple facing marriage relationship troubles who sign up for a week long counseling course under the tutelage of an expert doctor, in the matter, played by Steve Carell. The film was directed by David Frankel (who also directed Streep in the 2006 hit 'THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA', as well as helmed other family oriented comedy-drama films like 'MARLEY AND ME' and 'THE BIG YEAR') and written by first time feature film writer Vanessa Taylor (who was nominated for outstanding writing, of a film or show by a woman, at the 2012 Woman Image Network Awards). The movie is uncomfortable and depressing at times but it's also ultimately touching and inspiring. It's highlighted by the performances of Streep and Jones.
In the film Streep plays Kay and Jones plays Arnold. The two have been married for over thirty years and have found themselves growing apart to the point where they've been sleeping in separate rooms for several years (and haven't been intimate for even longer). Kay is deeply troubled over their long loss of affection for each other and finds inspiration in a book written by a marriage counselor named Dr. Feld (Carell). She uses her own money to sign them up for a week long course in Maine under the tutelage of Dr. Feld. Arnold sees nothing wrong with their marriage and refuses to go. He does end up reluctantly going at the last second though and spends most of the flight and the first couple days there complaining. Dr. Feld obviously has his work cut out for him but soon cracks begin to grow in the couple's uneasiness and progress begins being made. But is is too little too late?
The movie seems very insightful in what it's like to be married to someone for that long. Streep and Jones play a very convincing married couple and their chemistry is perfect. I found Carell to be a bit creepy at first as the doctor but he grows on you by film's end. The directing is very fitting and the script is smart and very touching. At times the emotions of what Jones and Streep's characters are going through loudly ring true and it's almost painful to watch. Ultimately the movie is uplifting though and has a valuable lesson to teach anyone wanting to commit to a relationship (or stay in one) for the long haul.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEtQLe6PT3o