MOVIE - INTOLERABLE CRUELTY - Review Rating $$$$$ (OUT OF 10)

STARRING - George Clooney (Miles Massey), Catherine Zeta-Jones (Marylin Rexroth), Geoffrey Rush (Donovan Donaly), Cedric the Entertainer (Gus Petch), Edward Herrmann (Rex Rexroth), Billy Bob Thornton (Howard) & Richard Jenkins (Freddy Bender).

DIRECTOR - Joel Coen (Fargo, Raising Arizona & O Brother, Where Art Thou?)

It's hard to pinpoint where the Coen Brothers went wrong with Intolerable Cruelty but it quickly becomes apparent, as you watch the movie, that this is not their best effort. One thing that I'm sure of is that the quirky charm, evident in their rich characters in Fargo and O Brother, Where Art Thou?, is missing here.

The characters in those films had numerous layers to them while the main protagonists in Intolerable Cruelty are the shallowest of human beings. The problem that presents, despite great performances, is that these characters are already charactitures of themselves who are immune to further comedic skewering. The end result is that the first joke, at their expense, is the only joke and it grows old quickly.

Another problem, with Intolerable Cruelty, is an extension of the first. None of the characters are remotely sympathetic. Without somebody to cheer for the film meanders to a superficial redemption of love and the institution of marriage. Ninety minutes of cynicism cannot be overcome by 10 minutes of personal growth and self-reflection especially when it lacks compelling sincerity.

If you ever had a bad relationship you will appreciate a few moments in the film and, as noted above, the all-star cast do turn in first rate performances. If your in the mood for true insightful wit, characteristic of previous Coen Brothers' films, you'd be much better off deciding to rent A Mighty Wind.

Intolerable Cruelty is a very cynical look at marriage that has a few memorable moments but ultimately misses the mark.

Running time - 100 minutes

Check out my TOP 10 MOVIES OF 2003 & WORST MOVIES OF 2003 lists.

Alternative Reviews:

Roger Ebert's Review

Peter Travers / Rolling Stone Review

Rotten Tomatoes Reviews

Intolerable Cruelty Official Web Site

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