The Story of Us (1999) 1 1/2 stars out of 4. Starring Bruce Willis, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rob Reiner and Rita Wilson. Directed by Reiner.
I wish I could say I liked "The Story of Us." I found it enjoyable and entertaining, but at the same time, simplistic and shallow.
"The Story of Us" is a look at a marriage at a crossroads.
After 15 years and two kids together, Ben and Katie Jordan (Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer) have nothing left to say to each other.
As one of them narrates, the silences between the pair were louder than any arguments.
Yet the script by Alan Zweibel and Jessie Nelson fails to really show how Ben and Katie grew apart.
There is a lot of talk of neither one listening to the other, of the demands of parenthood and career creating wedges between them. And sequences highlighting these events are shown.
But the entire thing feels superficial and slight. Ben and Katie are presented as two highly educated and articulate individuals, so it is difficult to buy into the proposition that they cannot communicate.
Directed by Rob Reiner, "The Story of Us" is sunny and perky. And that is another of the film's problems It is bathed in a cheery glow that sabotages the supposed dark tone of its main plot.
For in essence, "The Story of Us" is a comedy. Thus it is difficult to seriously accept or be concerned with the disintegration of the Jordans' marriage.
You instinctively know from the outset what the outcome will be.
This is not to imply that "The Story of Us" is a bad movie. It is bubbly and warm, almost at odds with its storyline.
Willis and Pfeiffer are most likable. The only quibble is with Willis' various hair pieces, which become distracting as the film bounces back and forth through various flashbacks into the Jordans' relationship.
As usual, when he is not playing macho he-men, Willis gives a well-rounded performance. He allows Ben's vulnerability to show, as well as his character's rage and frustration with his situation.
Pfeiffer is luminous and golden. Her big, expressive eyes shine with joy or mist with sorrow.
Where the movie falls short is in explaining the estrangement between Ben and Katie. There problems seem so ordinary, so minor - and their love for each other seems so strong - that you wonder what their problems actually are.
An attempt to show their differences by bringing in their parents fails, as does the glimpses of the pair with various counselors. You just cannot take their estrangement on face value.
A talented supporting cast, featuring Reiner and Rita Wilson, work hard to help out Willis and Pfeiffer, but all are undone by a weak script that makes light of the main premise.
"The Story of Us" will satisfy fans of Willis and Pfeiffer, but that's about it. It contains several laughs, but very little insight.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette,IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or cbloom@iquest.net
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