|
Story of Us, The
|
MPAA Rating: R
|
|
Entertainment: +3 1/2
|
|
Content: -2 1/2
|
|
|
 |
|
Ben (Bruce Willis) and Katie (Michelle Pfeiffer) Jordan are finding that the very things which attracted them to each other are now, after 15 years of marriage, tearing them apart. Ben is a writer and a free spirit. Katie is a cross-word puzzle designer and keeps the family organized. The passion they once felt for each other is now fading as they find their personality differences insurmountable. After sending their kids, Erin (Colleen Rennison) and Josh (Jake Sandvig) to camp for the summer, Ben and Katie separate. While apart, they both reflect on the unique history theyve had as a family and receive different advice from well meaning friends, Rachel (Rita Wilson) and Stan (Rob Reiner). They realize restoring the marriage will require each looking at their problems from the perspective of the other person. This honest look at marriage is no day at the park, but, like the Jordan familys dinner table ritual of sharing daily highs and lows, THE STORY OF US will be a popular, emotional roller coaster ride for adult audiences. However, viewers from troubled family backgrounds may find some scenes disturbing.
Reiners character gives such advice as life is grey and love is lust, but, fortunately, Ben doesnt buy into this gloomy advice. Married men and women in segregated dinner groups discuss explicit sexual topics, including references to unconventional sex and self-gratification. Adultery, while not necessarily condoned, is assumed as the norm. In a retrospective scene, heavy petting accompanies a kitchen sex scene between Ben and Katie. Katie is partially undressed with bra showing, and Ben is obviously nude as hes seen running upstairs with uncovered rear in full view. The most disappointing element, however, in this potentially insightful and entertaining film is the gratuitous use of obscenity and profanity. 18 f-words and 20 regular profanities poison the dialogue. Regrettably, THE STORY OF US couches some positive messages about marital fidelity within an offensive wrapping of foul language and explicit sexual elements.
Preview Reviewer: Cliff McNeely
Distributor: Universal Pictures, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, (818) 777-1000
|
Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.
Crude Language: Many (18) times Mild 4, Moderate 14
Obscene Language: Many (25) times - F-word 18, s-word 5, other 2)
Profanity: Many (23) times Regular 20(GD 6, G 4, G forbid 2, JC 3, J 4, Swear to G 1), Exclamatory 3 (OMG 2, Oh G 1)
Violence: Few times mild (domestic disputes-couple throws objects at each other)
Sex: None; Implied Once (couple in kitchen, caressing, woman in bra)
Nudity: Once (male rear nudity - man wearing only apron); Near Nudity few times (woman in bra during sex and before bedtime)
Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: Many times fairly explicit (conversations about adultery, self-gratification, sexual climax, male/female anatomy, unconventional sex, love being lust; f-word used many in reference to sex)
Drugs: Few times (social drinking-wine, man drinks too much wine and verbally explodes)
Other: Frank look at marital problems, fidelity upheld, disturbing to viewers with troubled family backgrounds
Running Time: 100 minutes
Intended Audience: Married Adults
Click HERE for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this review.
|
