Customer Reviews

The Story of Us

5 star:		(45)
4 star:		(31)
3 star:		(13)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(23)

 

 

Occasionally shallow, occasionally moving, 'The Story of Us' is a rollercoaster ride through a couple's relationship, focusing on the myriad moments that defined their love, hate, and indifference. Structurally, the film is almost a clone of Rob Reiner's earlier 'When Harry Met Sally', complete with actor-to-audience monologues, flashforwards and flashbacks, and wisecracking supporting characters who are occasionally more interesting than the leads.

The subject, a marriage that is unravelling, does not necessarily make for a great theatre date movie (I can't see somebody saying, "Hey, baby, let's go see 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf' to get in 'the mood'"), but on video, the film's many subtleties and moods can be truly appreciated.

The two leads, Bruce Willis, as a laid-back, disorganized comedy writer, and Michelle Pfeiffer, as a tightly-wound writer of crossword puzzles, have a lot of charm, but give uneven performances. One wishes that Willis' intensity and energy in the restaurant scene with Rob Reiner and Rita Wilson, or Pfeiffer's, in the climactic speech at the film's conclusion, could have been maintained through the entire film. There are a few too many moments where the actors coast, for the film to be truly great.

The high point of the film comes near the conclusion, when Pfeiffer flashes back through a montage of the major moments of her marriage. Until this sequence, the relationship doesn't have an emotional core, something to really make us sympathize with the couple. Reiner depends heavily on the stars' charisma to involve us, but the nature of the story works against this. This isn't a knock at Willis and Pfeiffer; I'm not sure Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan could have pulled it off, either!

The supporting cast is very good, particularly Reiner and Wilson (she's making a career of playing wise-cracking friends to neurotic women in big films!), Paul Reisner and Julie Hagerty (nice to see her back, she looks marvellous!), and Tim Matheson, (who manages to make a divorced, lonely dentist, trying to connect, not come across as his character in 'Animal House'.) Watch, also, for a funny cameo by Betty White, Red Buttons, Jayne Meadows, and Tom Poston, literally manifesting the line about six people being in a married couple's bed.

'The Story of Us' is not as good a film as it might have been, but it does offer some excellent moments, and the upbeat ending offers hope that, through understanding, relationships do not have to self-destruct.

This isn't a bad message to pass along!

A suprizingly stinging movie to those who have been divorced or who have had marital troubles.

So what's not to like about Bruce Willis and Michele Pfeiffer ideally mated in a movie? Well, dispite the fact that they are beautiful film stars, they are portrayed as a man and a woman with unfortunately normal problems that hit pretty much on target to myself and my wife (both second marriages).

He is wild eyed and spontaneous, she is preoccupied with the car not having wiper fluid. He likes sex with as the mood strikes, she wants to make sure that they haven't forgotten to put tooth fairy quarters under the pillows. I could go on and on, but if you have been in a long term relationship, this will hit you hard somewhere, because even the beautiful people with lots of money have pretty much the exact same kind of problems keeping things working right, man and woman wise.

Would have been 5 stars with a divorce at the end, but after 90 minutes of fighting, we get a last second syrupy ending. You can feel it coming, but still worth seeing.

Think of the title: "beautiful people act out the fight we just had yesterday".

Recommended for adults only, kids will yawn and newlyweds will remark "this could never happen to us".

There's an underlying sadness that permeates this story of a marriage in trouble after fifteen years and two children that is so readily and immediately discernible that initially it becomes difficult to proceed. And you quickly realize that it's because "The Story of Us," directed by Rob Reiner, is indeed a story about loss, which is something that affects everyone in some way or another, at one time or another, and depending upon your personal frame of reference and experience, it's a story that is going to affect you on any number of levels. Because loss comes in many forms; sometimes it leaves nothing more than a blip on the surface of your Moon, while at other times it leaves a gaping crater on the landscape of your World, and whichever it is in your case, this film is going to address it and perhaps make you revisit a time or place that maybe you've locked away in the dim recesses of your memory for better or worse. One thing is certain, this film is going to make you take pause and reflect for a moment or two. Because "Us," anyway you slice it, is a film about you and me.

Reflection is the key word here, for Reiner has crafted a film that is steeped in it; it's the way the characters involved play through the drama of their immediate lives and attempt to get on with it. And it becomes an almost voyeuristic journey as you watch two people attempting to discover just what went wrong with their love, and not only when, but why. Katie Jordan (Michelle Pfeiffer) and Ben Jordan (Bruce Willis) had it all at one time, but something happened; something in the fifteen years between the merging of two lives into one, during which they brought two children into the world and knew true happiness, and the realization that things had changed suddenly. Or, perhaps, not so suddenly; and it's almost uncomfortable to be a part of it, observing from the sidelines and understanding what the principals involved simply can't seem to comprehend.

It's the little things that are doing them in, and they just don't see it. The main element being the inability to see themselves through the eyes of the other. And it's not that they're self-centered by any means, it just a matter of instinctively wanting to maintain the autonomy that makes them unique, which in the beginning was what attracted them to one another. It's a conundrum, and it's universal. It's a matter of two people needing to reach that point-- which according to the individuals involved is going to vary greatly-- at which they can step outside of themselves and truly align their spirit with that of their significant other. Some may call it unconditional love, but in reality it's something that goes beyond even that. It's like discovering the meaning of life, or the true meaning of love. And for some, it's something that unfortunately may forever fall just beyond their ability to grasp.

A dramatic film with comedic overtones-- inasmuch as life itself is often funny, even at the most inopportune times-- Reiner takes something of a "When Harry Met Sally" approach with it, which initially doesn't seem to work; after all, this is decidedly not a romantic comedy. But as the story unfolds you begin to realize that Reiner knows exactly what he's doing, because in retrospect, this is the way it goes in real life. Things may be disintegrating internally, but life goes on; where the good times and laughter prevailed before, it remains, undaunted by the strife it fails to recognize in it's midst. So, in the end, you have to give Reiner credit for having his finger on the pulse of reality, which at the beginning of the film comes across as somewhat pretentious, but by the end makes perfect sense and works beautifully in the telling of this story.

Michelle Pfeiffer turns in a heartfelt performance as Katie, proving once again what a gifted actor she truly is. Watching Katie, you know exactly what she is feeling and why, and Pfeiffer allows you to become emotionally involved to the point that you want to intervene and tell her you know what the problem is and how she can fix it. Her Katie is a good person, a loving wife and mother, and you desperately want things to work out for her. And it's frustrating to have to sit on the sidelines and be unable to help. Which says something about the caliber of her performance. It's that reality she brings to the character that draws you in so intimately, and it's one of the strengths of the film.

Another strong point is the performance of Bruce Willis, who as Ben continues to shed that tough guy, "Die Hard" persona and emerge as an extremely capable actor with a range that is expanding with every movie he makes, which he's demonstrated in such films as "Unbreakable" and "The Sixth Sense." Suffice to say that he's come a long way since his "Moonlighting" days.

The supporting cast includes Colleen Rennison (Erin), Jake Sandvig (Josh), Rita Wilson (Rachel), Rob Reiner (Stan), Julie Hagerty (Lisa), Tim Matheson (Marty), Red Buttons (Arnie), Jayne Meadows (Dot), Betty White (Lillian) and Tom Poston (Harry). Ultimately a satisfying experience, "The Story of Us" will touch some nerves and may reawaken some disconcerting feelings in many who see it, but like life, it's an emotional journey worth taking. It's a "Stop and smell the roses" kind of film, but without any maudlin sentimentality or melodramatics. Well acted and presented, it's a film that is definitely worth a look.

The story line for this movie is perfectly believable. It has to do with love conquering all...especially time. Being married and around one another all the time tends to weigh on you sometimes. This movie shows what happens when two people drift apart without realizing it, and their struggle to find their way back (and decision on whether or not they should even try). The comedy is hilarious, but most importantly the movie is touching--just try not to cry. This movie is a must buy.....

I love a good romantic comedy every once in a while, but often times I'm left with the feeling "this does not happen in real life...... please!" This is a much more realistic movie. For those of you that don't have the "perfect" marriage, you will be able to relate to "The Story of Us."

Michelle Pfeiffer and Bruce Willis are excellent. They are basically at a point in their marriage when they are considering divorce, and one of their main concerns is their kids.

I felt most of the material in the movie to be very realistic with a good bit of humor intertwined to lighten the mood at times.

If you are not married or have never been in a long term relationship, you probably won't get the movie. My husband and I watched it together and both enjoyed it.

This film should be required viewing for anyone even thinking about getting married. Many people believe in the simplistic "happily ever after" concept. This film shows what real marriage is all about. Anyone who's ever been in a failed marriage will immediately recognize themselves and their former spouses. And anyone who plans on getting married needs to see that real life has nothing to do with roses and candlelight. This is the most accurate depiction of married life I've ever seen in any film.

I watched this video with my husband and I must say that no movie I have ever seen has so accurately portrayed married life as I know it. At one point I was a bit embarrassed that tears were flowing so freely down my face - and I looked over at my husband, and tears were running down his face, too. And he NEVER cries.

The title is perfect -- the Story of Us was about US, too. The trials of marriage, and the joys, and at the end, Pfeiffer described marriage exactly as I see it. It was wonderful to watch in a movie! It was validating - it wasn't the romanticized, idealized version of marriage that would leave someone feeling like their marriage is lacking. Nor was it a cynical look at marriage. It is a celebration of the marriage in the face of the realities of life.

My husband said we should watch this one twice a year for the rest of our lives - and I agree.

I wholeheartedly recommend this one to any married couple. Anyone who hasn't been married might not like this one, but that's okay. I believe the intended audience is for those of us who have experienced marriage for some time.

If you like this genre of movie---romantic comedy, family drama type [Grand Canyon, One Fine Day, Parenthood etc.]...than you will enjoy this movie. It is a favorite of mine. I'd rate it 4.5 stars. I've read some reviews that were critical of the performances. I don't agree. The stars and the cast did a terrific job.

My favorite part is the end...I can watch it over and over.

Marriage isn't easy...and you don't get nominated for Best Marriage of the Year...unlike BEST COUPLE at your senior prom. But it is beautiful too. I love the moments highlights...those shared points the two of you cherish.

And to love your kids..and want what's best for them...demands the best you can offer them in your marriage. Maybe you can't make it...but this movie makes the point: Don't give up easily...cause there's a lot to lose.


Standtall

I really enjoyed watching this movie. As a woman who has been married for 11 years (and dated my husband for 6 years prior to marriage), I could really enjoy and appreciate the movie for what it is. It is a story about THEM and THIER relationship. I can definately relate to a lot of the different situations in the movie, and you can bet that the writers and director of this movie could as well. If you are a person who enjoys watching different types of movies, you will enjoy this one. I don't only watch one type of movie, and I find that documentaries, action, romance, sci-fi, thrillers, adventures, comedies, stand-up, even the slap stick humorous movies can be entertaining if written well. This movie was well written, acted, and directed and I absolutely loved it.

This is an outstanding real life movie. I think anyone who considers divorce should watch this movie first. The life situations are so real that you feel like you are part of their relationship. It has great acting by both. Everyone has relationship problems sometimes, this movie makes you realize why you want to save it and than anything can be saved!!! A+++++++++++++