On the Rocks

Big fan of Coppola but this film was not good. I basically forgot I'd seen it within hours.

I couldn't disagree more with the bad reviews.This is a quiet film about a woman losing herself in her various roles as mother, wife, daughter, writer. It is also about communication (much like Lost in translation) and misunderstanding, about growing up and finding the confidence to define oneself as a woman apart from your father's shadow. In the end it is about love and relationships (also New York looks great). This is not a shallow film as some would have it, it is just not pretentious or full of pseudo-intellectual dialogue like most Baumbach or Ethan Hawke films. It's light -weight, real, tender and feminine and we need more of these. You can always rely on Bill Murray's charisma but Rashida Jones' sensitive performance is still the focus here.

I really loved this film. The chemistry of Jones and Murray was a real driving force, and both characters were, to me at least, very well rounded, interesting and funny. I think it was shot beautifully, and all of the short scenes really conveyed the mundanity of her life, and the monotony of adulthood. I loved the semi redemption of Murray's character, with some people unable to forgive his actions, but his relationship with his daughter struggling through. I just found the whole thing very real, and affecting, and overall I loved it.

This movie seems likes its been made 1,000 times before. Nothing new really. Technically, I was very surprised at the constant sound issues. There are more than a few times when dialogue was added to a scene and it is obvious to the audience. Quite surprising from a well respected director. One thing that got tired quickly was the stereotypical notion that men cheat. Every 5 minutes, we are reminded that men cheat. They have no choice. This is a lie that keeps being told over and over. Today one is not supposed to stereotype any group, but apparently it is still ok to stereotype men. The truth is that just as many married women cheat as much as men, if not more, and studies reflect this. Ironically, this movie makes such an effort to be politically correct, but decides its perfectly ok to have the most ugly and baseless stereotype around apply to men.

A pointless bore fest, Bill Murray adds some sparkle and humour, Jones gives a solid performance but, it's dull dull dull, and utterly pointless. What a waste of 96 minutes.