我们的故事 The Story Of Us 英语影评

This is the most formula-driven, by the numbers family drama/comedy to come down the line since "Stepmom." And, this is no complement. The script, by Alan Zweibel ("North") and Jessie Nelson ("Stepmom") is routine at best. A couple grows apart over the years as their qualities change to liabilities in each other's eyes. Things come to a head, they reach a breaking point and agree to separate. In the end, Ben and Katie realize that they are made for each other and they live happily ever after. This is all peppered with little, anecdotal flashbacks of the good times and bad as their marriage matured and they drifted apart. You could sleep through the last ten minutes and not miss a thing. There is nothing original or even involving in "The Story of Us."

The direction by Rob Reiner is the flattest I have ever seen from the man. Where "The Princess Bride" was magical, funny, romantic and adventurous, "The Story of Us" is lightweight, dull and limp in its telling the story of marriage turmoil when there really isn't anything wrong. This boy-meets-girl, boy-loses-girl, boy-gets-girl fluff is routine and directed without any passion by Reiner. I blame the screenplay by Alan Zweibel and Jessie Nelson.

Acting cannot be blamed. Willis and Pfeiffer are nicely matched as the couple in trouble. Willis is laid back as befits Ben. He's a good husband, provider, father and nice guy who drinks out of the carton when he can get away with it. Pfeiffer's Katie is an order freak who has to have things just a certain way. Willis and Pfeiffer try their best to breathe some life into their characters, but there really is nothing for them to hang on to. Supporting cast is led my Reiner and Rita Wilson as Stan and Rachel, the Jordan's Fred and Ethel Murtz. Wilson gets the most out her shrill, loud and opinionated best friend character. Reiner does his schtick with adequate amusement.

Paul Reiser is under utilized in his misguided friend role. Julie Hagerty as second best friend, Liza, does nothing. Colleen Rennison and Jake Sandvig, as the kids, play it squeaky clean-cut and trouble-free. Brief cameos by Jayne Meadows, Tom Poston Betty White and Red Buttons, as Ben and Katie's parents offer insight into the term - when a couple goes to bed, there are six of you there: you and your parents. Now there's a chilling thought!

There are too many interesting movies - at the theater or at home - that are better than "The Story of Us." "The Princess Bride," for example. I give "The Story of Us" a C.