Hope Springs

Every genre usually has a distinct defining factor that totally describes that particular genre... except for comedy. I guess what one person perceives as very funny, another could look at it and believe the film could be funnier. As with the case of "Hope Springs"-- where the trailer depicted it much funnier, it really was much more subtle.

After thirty-one years of marriage, a middle-aged couple, Kay and Arnold (Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) attend a week long intense marriage counselling seminar officiated by Dr. Bernie Feld (Steve Carell) in Hope Springs, Maine. Kay is the one who prompted the need for this, so Arnold begrudgingly went, of course, expecting nothing. But as the problems start to unveil, they begin to realize this seminar is going to basically decide the fate of their strained, weak, totally banal and routine existence called a marriage.

Others to round out the cast are Jean Smart as Eileen, Kay's friend, Ben Rappaport as Brad, their son, Marin Ireland as Molly, their daughter, Patch Darragh as Mark, their son-in-law, Brett Rice as Vince, Arnold's friend, Becky Ann Baker as Cora, the waitress, Elisabeth Shue as Karen, the bartender, and Mimi Rogers as Carol, the neighbor.

This was wonderfully directed by David Frankel ("Miami Rhapsody" '95, "The Pennsylvania Miners' Story (TV movie) '02, "The Devil Wears Prada" '06, "Marley & Me" '08, "The Big Year" '11). Frankel has this innate ability to emit so much emotion, whether it be restrained or not, out of his actors. It's incredible. Surprisingly, this was written by virtual newcomer to theatrical films, Vanessa Taylor ("The Amazing Mrs. Novak" (TV movie) '09).  All that I can say is the amazing Ms. Taylor. This was written as though a consummate veteran writer had gotten hold of it. She WILL definitely receive more work deservedly.

The real kudos of this has to go to Streep and Jones equally.You'd swear they were married for a long time, especially a failing one. The nuances of awkwardness, nervousness, anxiety, pain, anger and fear were so well delivered here. Interestingly, I kept waiting for Carell to have a joke or two come out of his mouth, and not once did he. He just played the role as Dr. Feld straight-on-- no diversions. His role was amazingly refreshing.

In a season with so many films to grab your juggler, it's so nice to see a film that is played out that is not only entertaining, but one with a message without slugging you in the face and will keep you thinking or talking well after the film's end.

Out of 4 stars: 4                       Rated: PG-13                    100mins.