Hope Springs [2012]
Directed by: David Frankel
Written by: Vanessa Taylor
Starring: Meryl Streep, Tommy Lee Jones, Steve Carrell, Elisabeth Shue
Looking for a warm comedy à la Nancy Meyers or Nora Ephron? Then do not watch Hope Springs. Possibly the most mismarketed film of 2012, there’s next to nothing light and fluffy about this story of a marriage falling apart. There are a few laughs here and there, but the tone is serious and the pain is shown in a very straightforward manner, not hinted at behind a curtain of comedy.
The script could’ve used a tune-up, not really in its dialog but in character development (the husband was such an insensitive, mean asshole he was practically a cartoon) and it’s not going to win any awards (well, maybe at the Globes) but this one is worth a watch for its splendid cast.
Steve Carrell ditches the “depressed loser” act and gives what is possibly the best performance of his career. He’s nuanced and subtle and not on auto-pilot. Despite being stuck with a character that’s more of a cliché than a person, Tommy Lee Jones renders impressive work and, of course, so does the incomparable Meryl Streep in a very un-flashy role. If you feel good about your marriage (or are happily unwed), feel free to check this one out. If there’s trouble in paradise, please watch something else and avoid the imminent depression.
On another note, please listen to this beautiful song featured in the movie. It’s Sam & Ruby’s “Ain’t Love Something”. Fell in love with it from the very first notes.
Succinct review. Definitely want to see this one.
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Thanks, Amon! You could do worse than this one.
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I avoided this like the plague, I thought it looked awful. Maybe I was mistaken! Nice review man, I know you like your Meryl! 🙂
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It’s not great, but the acting is its strongest point. See it if you’re a fan of Jones, Streep or Carell.
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Hmmm, I have to admit I’m generally not a huge fan of Meryl Streep. The trailer doesn’t entice me at all so yeah, I’ll avoid this one Fernando.
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You’re breaking my heart, Ruth! LOL
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If I ever see this one it’s probably going to be for Carrel – I’m a huge fan of his and it’s awesome to read your kind words on his work here. I was blown away by his performance in “Seeking a friend…’ this year.
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I actually didn’t like his work in that one but he was very good in this one, very different from the roles he usually plays.
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Great review, I couldn’t agree more about the marketing. I enjoyed the emotional earnesty of the film but I’m very sure that a lot of people came in with the expectation of it being a romantic comedy and were sorely disappointed
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Thanks, Andy. Maybe it would’ve gotten a better reception if the marketing were honest.
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I think I might check this out. I like Steve Carrell’s work, but decided to avoid it after seeing the trailer. Nice review.
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It may not feature anything new or special that we haven’t already seen in rom-coms but what’s different here is that it focuses on the main couple, and nothing else. That gives us a great view of what it’s like to be an old couple, in a dull relationship. Great review.
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Thanks, man! 😉
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Another thing I wasn’t expecting was the scene in the movie theater with Streep and Jones. That was a bit of a shocker.
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Haha, yeah! That was unexpected. For us and of course for TLJ’s character, LOL!
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