360 reviews
I saw it recently for the second time, and even though the huge holes in the plot are still there, I liked it much more than the first time. Thinking of the holes, Coens are very talented artists - perhaps we, the audiences are supposed to be smarter than Miles Massey (George Clooney - perfectly cast) - the very successful, always victorious divorce attorney for the rich and famous? Massey is the author of unbreakable "Massey's Pre - Nup" but he is so bored and restless than maybe he is waiting for someone who would be able to break it? Enters cool and sensual Marylin Rexroth (who looks exactly like Catherine Zeta-Jones), the woman who is after "wealth, independence, and freedom" and who "eats the men like Massey for breakfast" with the glass of French red wine Château Margot, 1954. Thus starts the game of wills, wits and desires with twists in every turn. Some of them are surprising and clever, some - predictable. "Intolerable Cruelty" may not be the best Coens' film but it is enjoyable, stylish, and funny. At least two scenes closer to the end of the movie are absolutely hilarious.
- Galina_movie_fan
- Feb 6, 2005
- Permalink
Miles Massey (George Clooney) is a divorce attorney whose clientele consists primarily of the rich and powerful in the Los Angeles area. He's well known for an "ironclad" prenuptial agreement named after him and also known for taking his clients' spouses to the cleaners. But when he works his magic against Marilyn Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones), he may have picked on the wrong person.
I didn't find Intolerable Cruelty very funny. I might have chuckled a couple times. The dialogue was mostly affected and pretentious to my ears. The story wasn't very interesting to me. I really couldn't get myself to care what happened to Miles or Marilyn. I've liked most of writers/directors Joel and Ethan Coen's previous films, but Intolerable Cruelty seemed to me to have little of the inventiveness and cleverness of their past efforts. I have also liked most of the past films that George Clooney, Billy Bob Thornton and Geoffrey Rush have been in, but here they seemed to be turning in just okay performances for bad material. Heck, I even loved Clooney's turn at Batman (1997's Batman & Robin), Thornton's portrayal of a rocket scientist in Armageddon (1998), and Geoffrey Rush's eccentric millionaire in House on Haunted Hill (1999), but Intolerable Cruelty just didn't work for me.
Still, I can't say the film was a complete failure. I'm giving it a 6 out of 10, which is equivalent to a "D" in my way of looking at ratings. The performances might have been just okay, but they were okay, not awful. The Coens managed some interesting shots, such as Rush through the windshield of his car, where we mostly see a reflection of trees. That was unusual, and effectively conveyed the heat and brightness of a summer day the way a more traditional shot wouldn't have. The opening scene had promise to me. The Wheezy Joe subplot was fun. The slight suggestions of surrealism in Miles' boss were very enjoyable, although on the other hand, I found myself lamenting that surrealism wasn't the focus of the whole film.
Glancing at other reviews, obviously the film worked for some people. Maybe if you're more in the market for a realist drama cum light farce about divorce lawyers, you'd appreciate it more than I did. But for me, it has me rethinking my desire to collect all of the Coen brothers' films on DVD.
I didn't find Intolerable Cruelty very funny. I might have chuckled a couple times. The dialogue was mostly affected and pretentious to my ears. The story wasn't very interesting to me. I really couldn't get myself to care what happened to Miles or Marilyn. I've liked most of writers/directors Joel and Ethan Coen's previous films, but Intolerable Cruelty seemed to me to have little of the inventiveness and cleverness of their past efforts. I have also liked most of the past films that George Clooney, Billy Bob Thornton and Geoffrey Rush have been in, but here they seemed to be turning in just okay performances for bad material. Heck, I even loved Clooney's turn at Batman (1997's Batman & Robin), Thornton's portrayal of a rocket scientist in Armageddon (1998), and Geoffrey Rush's eccentric millionaire in House on Haunted Hill (1999), but Intolerable Cruelty just didn't work for me.
Still, I can't say the film was a complete failure. I'm giving it a 6 out of 10, which is equivalent to a "D" in my way of looking at ratings. The performances might have been just okay, but they were okay, not awful. The Coens managed some interesting shots, such as Rush through the windshield of his car, where we mostly see a reflection of trees. That was unusual, and effectively conveyed the heat and brightness of a summer day the way a more traditional shot wouldn't have. The opening scene had promise to me. The Wheezy Joe subplot was fun. The slight suggestions of surrealism in Miles' boss were very enjoyable, although on the other hand, I found myself lamenting that surrealism wasn't the focus of the whole film.
Glancing at other reviews, obviously the film worked for some people. Maybe if you're more in the market for a realist drama cum light farce about divorce lawyers, you'd appreciate it more than I did. But for me, it has me rethinking my desire to collect all of the Coen brothers' films on DVD.
- BrandtSponseller
- Feb 13, 2005
- Permalink
Miles Massey (George Clooney) is a tough L.A. divorce attorney, and he destroys Marylin Rexroth (Catherine Zeta-Jones) in her divorce with Rex Rexroth, a wealthy real estate developer and habitual philanderer. Marylin schemes to get even. First she quickly marries oil tycoon Howard Doyle. Then she makes Miles fall for her. Only it's all part of her scheme.
The Coen brothers try to give L.A. divorce lawyers the Coen treatment. The crazy Coen style is in evidence here. The fast-talking dialog is dense, but doesn't flow. The mannerisms are exaggerated without the humorous effects. The biggest problem is that divorce lawyers aren't funny, and even the Coen brothers can't make them so. Not just the lawyers, everybody is disgusting, scheming, sleazy, money grubbing lowlifes. They're just more beautiful while doing it. I don't care about anybody or anything in this movie. I don't care about Miles, and I don't care if Miles get taken, and I don't care if Miles is truly in love.
The Coen brothers try to give L.A. divorce lawyers the Coen treatment. The crazy Coen style is in evidence here. The fast-talking dialog is dense, but doesn't flow. The mannerisms are exaggerated without the humorous effects. The biggest problem is that divorce lawyers aren't funny, and even the Coen brothers can't make them so. Not just the lawyers, everybody is disgusting, scheming, sleazy, money grubbing lowlifes. They're just more beautiful while doing it. I don't care about anybody or anything in this movie. I don't care about Miles, and I don't care if Miles get taken, and I don't care if Miles is truly in love.
- SnoopyStyle
- Sep 13, 2013
- Permalink
- Poseidon-3
- Nov 18, 2003
- Permalink
'Intolerable Cruelty' has panache. Clooney delivers an impressive performance, one of his best that I have seen him in. When a bad movie comes out, it's easy to eat it alive and point out every dumb thing about it. Since this movie had something going, it's hard to point out the good points and why I liked it. Let's just say that 'Intolerable Cruelty' has a story, one that holds up until the movie sells out near the very end. But the acting and the story for one thing, I give credit for, held up quite well.
Miles Massey, successful divorce lawyer, meets his match (and maker), in Marilyn Rexroth a man-eater when, after her failure to win the ex-husband's fortune, goes for the Massey pre-nup in another marriage, to intrigue her opponent.
Two thirds through the movie, everything holds up so nicely. There is wit, charisma, character on the part of Clooney and Mrs. Douglas. The story is perfect and anyone should easily pick up on. The movie is near-perfect ... until towards the end, where wit turns to cheese, charisma goes to blandness, and character goes way to the Hollywood sell-out. I hate movies that don't stay true to themselves, but I can't blame most of this movie or the Coens. It was probably in their best interest all along.
Miles Massey, successful divorce lawyer, meets his match (and maker), in Marilyn Rexroth a man-eater when, after her failure to win the ex-husband's fortune, goes for the Massey pre-nup in another marriage, to intrigue her opponent.
Two thirds through the movie, everything holds up so nicely. There is wit, charisma, character on the part of Clooney and Mrs. Douglas. The story is perfect and anyone should easily pick up on. The movie is near-perfect ... until towards the end, where wit turns to cheese, charisma goes to blandness, and character goes way to the Hollywood sell-out. I hate movies that don't stay true to themselves, but I can't blame most of this movie or the Coens. It was probably in their best interest all along.
- Rex_Stephens
- Aug 1, 2004
- Permalink
I have seen this movie about three times, all three as late night HBO flicks. At first, I thought the movie was sort of lame and a little ridiculous, especially for the caliber of actors and actresses in it. But slowly, I began to like it. I was attracted to the, albeit, clichéd opposing relationship between Clooney's character and Zeta-Jones's. I enjoy clichés.
I thought their acting was less...acting, and more of realistic attempts at chemistry.
I liked the story, though I didn't always get the characters' actions and reactions.
Some of the camera work and cinematics were interesting; lighting effects made it almost a dreamy/artsy movie. I liked it in that aspect...the impulsive actions and colorful scenery. I wish it could've been more like that...it might've been better.
I thought their acting was less...acting, and more of realistic attempts at chemistry.
I liked the story, though I didn't always get the characters' actions and reactions.
Some of the camera work and cinematics were interesting; lighting effects made it almost a dreamy/artsy movie. I liked it in that aspect...the impulsive actions and colorful scenery. I wish it could've been more like that...it might've been better.
- jonjustdied
- Aug 8, 2005
- Permalink
"Coenized" story of star divorce lawyer, designer of an "unbeatable" prenuptial agreement. Very good Clooney, Zeta-Jones; like in the famed Sturges/Capra comedies, the entire supporting cast is funny. Like a Mad magazine strip, just about everything is slightly absurd. Every comic opportunity is taken, usually successfully. There's virtually no "filler." I usually try to infer underlying "messages" from movies. The Coen Bros. are about as interested in messages as the Marx Bros. (Clooney had a few Groucho moves here). That may limit their audience. Would this be as funny if we didn't know it was by the Coens or without Clooney/Zeta-Jones? Probably not. Is Zeta-Jones only funny because we know who she is? I don't think so.
Joel and Ethan Coen are Legends. Their range of films speaks in volumes, and in 'Intolerable Cruelty' they prove their stature once again. This Rom-Com has some really entertaining moments, fabulous direction & fantastic performances to give!
'Intolerable Cruelty' is tale of romance, between a ruthless gold-digger and a top-grade attorney. These 2 extreme opposites connect, disconnect and funnily enjoy their lives in here.
Joel and Ethan Coen's Screenplay is oven-fresh and packs in memorable and twisted characters. The writing, especially in the first-hour, is superb. The only shortcoming is it's climax, which doesn't leave an impact. This hiccup could've been worked on, for sure! As far as their direction goes, they are in top-form, like always. Cinematography by Roger Deakins is picture-perfect.
Performance-Wise: George Clooney is fantastic. The Oscar-winning legend, performs with unmatchable ease from beginning to end. Catherine Zeta-Jones looks each bit of a gold-digger and oozes sex appeal. Geoffrey Rush is exceptional in a brief role. Cedric The Entertainer is first-rate. Richard Jenkins leaves a mark, while Billy Bob Thornton gets nothing to do. Edward Herrmann is noticeable.
On the whole, Check out this flick, as it offers Cruel Entertainment! Thumbs Up!
'Intolerable Cruelty' is tale of romance, between a ruthless gold-digger and a top-grade attorney. These 2 extreme opposites connect, disconnect and funnily enjoy their lives in here.
Joel and Ethan Coen's Screenplay is oven-fresh and packs in memorable and twisted characters. The writing, especially in the first-hour, is superb. The only shortcoming is it's climax, which doesn't leave an impact. This hiccup could've been worked on, for sure! As far as their direction goes, they are in top-form, like always. Cinematography by Roger Deakins is picture-perfect.
Performance-Wise: George Clooney is fantastic. The Oscar-winning legend, performs with unmatchable ease from beginning to end. Catherine Zeta-Jones looks each bit of a gold-digger and oozes sex appeal. Geoffrey Rush is exceptional in a brief role. Cedric The Entertainer is first-rate. Richard Jenkins leaves a mark, while Billy Bob Thornton gets nothing to do. Edward Herrmann is noticeable.
On the whole, Check out this flick, as it offers Cruel Entertainment! Thumbs Up!
Intolerable Cruelty is tolerable to say the least without being to good. It is fulled with a predictable plot that is not original, but they make it original and catch you by surprise several times as well as make it hilarious. The story is predictable and all the stuff I already said. The screenplay is pitch perfect wit great characters and witty hilarious dialgue. The acting is very good, George Clooney and Catherine Zeta Jones are both good, but Billy Bob Thornton is amazing, he gives the surprise performance of the movie, we all knew he could do it but when he showed up giving such a great performance when I didn't even know he was in the movie, it kinda surprised me. The direction is very good, almost great. The visual effects are good, they really work but are also sometimes cheesy. The Coens worst movie, but by no means bad.
- JoshtheGiant
- Nov 16, 2005
- Permalink
Every time I tell someone that, the reply is always, "Wasn't there already a movie by that title?" Well, that's the whole point of the joke! I will tell you the honest truth, for the first thirty minutes I thought to myself, God, this the most pretentious piece of Hollywood garbage I've ever seen in my life. Yeah, Catherine Zeta-Jones is mighty fine to look at, (most fellas would agree with me on that), and George Clooney's physical beauty is fully visible for all the ladies to drool over, who could ask for anything more? Well, at first I was turned off by the shallow, superficial storyline, but as the evening progressed, so did my interest and attention span. The humor is totally sardonic, and sadomasochistic. Well, I would have given it a thumbs up, had I been Ebert and Roeper.
Well, it's damn beautiful to look at by all accounts, and I would advise anyone to see it for himself, to make one's own decision.
Well, it's damn beautiful to look at by all accounts, and I would advise anyone to see it for himself, to make one's own decision.
- sexy_superstud
- Mar 21, 2005
- Permalink
- panicoma-1
- Apr 21, 2005
- Permalink
Underrated gem for fans of film history. If you liked Hudsucker Proxy then you will like this. A fun farce with an old school romantic foundation.
I was betrothed to the Coen brothers at an early age. But while others feel betrayed by them and as of late are screaming for a divorce, I must say I still enjoy our relationship. I should be honest, we have an open marriage...I see other films, um I see a LOT of other films...and I think that's why I still cherish the Coens. When I'm alone with the Coen brothers they still treat me with respect and intelligence.
After watching this movie, scanning the DVD extras was a bit telling. First the Coens basically say they wrote this film for someone else..."take my wife, please" but it sort of boomeranged back to them. For them, and many of us Coen-dependents out there, this script calling for marquee matinée idols at the center pushed their patented oddball characters out to the fringes.
Secondly, on the DVD, there was a segment on the dresses designed for and worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Something didn't wash with Ethan and Joel bedecked in (possibly clean) tshirts and jeans trying to pump the importance of the audience waiting for the next costume change. I don't know, I felt like a little Robin Leach was clinging to their backs while they were making those comments.
Thus we wind up with both pretty smiles and prettier outfits pushing our beloved eccentrics further out of the center of the spotlight, and that's why I think people are unhappy with this film. I mean, Jeezy Peezy, a character named Wheezy Joe gets canonized in these reviews, but come on...we'd like anyone named Wheezy So-and-So. Maybe the Zeets should have demanded her character be called Wheezy Marilyn.
If only. Her character is so defined by cold calculation, that I think it undermines the chemistry between herself and Clooney. I also think that keeps this from being one of those true screwball romantic comedies. Where's the scene where she puts her hair up in curlers and let's down her guard...spills a little mirth on her expensive dress?? She insures that we are never laughing at her, by never letting us laugh when she's on screen.
Perhaps the Coens wanted to keep her assured and desirable, and then let Clooney got looney for her. The "You fascinate me" scene I think will fall flat for some folks, though for its quirkiness I liked it. But it was another instance wherein I felt like he was doing all the work in their relationship, and in this film.
But back to the weirdos for a moment, Billy Bob's initial cameo forced me to stop and rewind the scene (when he first meets Clooney's Miles Massey). Very funny, more ramble-on humor in films please. And less toilet plungers. For over the top, Jonathan Hadary's Heinz poured it on pretty thick. But again, I lapped it up, being so hungry for the peculiar.
All that being said, this surely isn't a mainstream movie. I enjoyed it, and trust me tales of the rich and fatuous usually have a strike against them for me. This story of a gold-digger on the silver-screen, garners at least a bronze from me.
7/10
PS If you are still pining away for the infatuation phase of your own relationship with the Coens, I'd strongly advise you to track down Ethan's book-on-tape, "Gates of Eden." For crying out loud it's got Steve Buscemi reading one of the hardboiled, well-oiled tales. Need I say more?!?
After watching this movie, scanning the DVD extras was a bit telling. First the Coens basically say they wrote this film for someone else..."take my wife, please" but it sort of boomeranged back to them. For them, and many of us Coen-dependents out there, this script calling for marquee matinée idols at the center pushed their patented oddball characters out to the fringes.
Secondly, on the DVD, there was a segment on the dresses designed for and worn by Catherine Zeta-Jones. Something didn't wash with Ethan and Joel bedecked in (possibly clean) tshirts and jeans trying to pump the importance of the audience waiting for the next costume change. I don't know, I felt like a little Robin Leach was clinging to their backs while they were making those comments.
Thus we wind up with both pretty smiles and prettier outfits pushing our beloved eccentrics further out of the center of the spotlight, and that's why I think people are unhappy with this film. I mean, Jeezy Peezy, a character named Wheezy Joe gets canonized in these reviews, but come on...we'd like anyone named Wheezy So-and-So. Maybe the Zeets should have demanded her character be called Wheezy Marilyn.
If only. Her character is so defined by cold calculation, that I think it undermines the chemistry between herself and Clooney. I also think that keeps this from being one of those true screwball romantic comedies. Where's the scene where she puts her hair up in curlers and let's down her guard...spills a little mirth on her expensive dress?? She insures that we are never laughing at her, by never letting us laugh when she's on screen.
Perhaps the Coens wanted to keep her assured and desirable, and then let Clooney got looney for her. The "You fascinate me" scene I think will fall flat for some folks, though for its quirkiness I liked it. But it was another instance wherein I felt like he was doing all the work in their relationship, and in this film.
But back to the weirdos for a moment, Billy Bob's initial cameo forced me to stop and rewind the scene (when he first meets Clooney's Miles Massey). Very funny, more ramble-on humor in films please. And less toilet plungers. For over the top, Jonathan Hadary's Heinz poured it on pretty thick. But again, I lapped it up, being so hungry for the peculiar.
All that being said, this surely isn't a mainstream movie. I enjoyed it, and trust me tales of the rich and fatuous usually have a strike against them for me. This story of a gold-digger on the silver-screen, garners at least a bronze from me.
7/10
PS If you are still pining away for the infatuation phase of your own relationship with the Coens, I'd strongly advise you to track down Ethan's book-on-tape, "Gates of Eden." For crying out loud it's got Steve Buscemi reading one of the hardboiled, well-oiled tales. Need I say more?!?
- ThurstonHunger
- Jun 24, 2004
- Permalink
Sane film buffs will truly despair at Yet more Hollywood Instant garbage ! Depressed at how far the depths of Hollywood's perpetual barren repetitive cycle of overpriced Pigs are embellished by Snake Oil hustlers..especially highly politicised & Propagandising stalwarts such as Clooney..Taking the Knee George ? Pathetic.
George Clooney stars as a self-loving whiter than white toothed lawyer who is becoming bored with his never-ending success. A challenge comes in the shapely form of Marilyn Rexroth (Catherine Zeta Jones) who wants to marry (or preferably divorce) her way to riches. With Clooney hired to represent her soon to be ex husband, he inevitably falls for the gold diggers charms.
Directed by the Coen brothers, a directorial team who have helmed oddball comedies such as 'Fargo' and 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' this is the team's first branch in to a high profile Hollywood film. Clooney, as the sharp suited lawyer, is excellent. Like Cary Grant or David Niven, Clooney is able to mock himself without compensating his screen appeal. Catherine Zeta Jones as the money hungry Marilyn is as sexy as her character demands from the scripted page. However, despite the quick fire dialogue, Intolerable Cruelty is simply not as funny as it thinks, it's cynical message of love and money taking away the romantic push it needs to place it in the league of the Tracy/Hepburn films the movie aspires to. Clooney's character also suffers from an over enthusiastic plot that later drives his character to attempt to commit a crime that totally contradicts the audiences perception of him. A battle of the sexes comedy that has sex appeal but no romance, Intolerable Cruelty is a film that reaches for the golden age of Hollywood but only touches the bronze.
Directed by the Coen brothers, a directorial team who have helmed oddball comedies such as 'Fargo' and 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' this is the team's first branch in to a high profile Hollywood film. Clooney, as the sharp suited lawyer, is excellent. Like Cary Grant or David Niven, Clooney is able to mock himself without compensating his screen appeal. Catherine Zeta Jones as the money hungry Marilyn is as sexy as her character demands from the scripted page. However, despite the quick fire dialogue, Intolerable Cruelty is simply not as funny as it thinks, it's cynical message of love and money taking away the romantic push it needs to place it in the league of the Tracy/Hepburn films the movie aspires to. Clooney's character also suffers from an over enthusiastic plot that later drives his character to attempt to commit a crime that totally contradicts the audiences perception of him. A battle of the sexes comedy that has sex appeal but no romance, Intolerable Cruelty is a film that reaches for the golden age of Hollywood but only touches the bronze.
- warnerclassic
- Oct 28, 2004
- Permalink
- dunmore_ego
- Nov 20, 2005
- Permalink
To read reviews of movies one must separate the two different styles. The first being people who dissect each aspect of a movie, from production, to cast, to lighting to just about anything to find fault in a film. And to compare one film with another previous film an actor/producer/director did is really useless. Then there are the others, whose only goal is to help you decide if the movie was entertaining or not.
Intolerable Cruelty was good movie. Was it great? Heck no, but most films nowadays are not great. The concept was basic enough, divorce attorney gets taken by a gold digger, and it had the potential to do it in a very cliché way. That was not the case with this film.
George Clooney was fantastic. I find myself enjoying all of his movies and realizing he's actually a pretty good actor. Much the same as I had to get over the `he's just a pretty boy' feeling about Tom Cruise. His character is so self-absorbed that even people around him don't notice much. He wins without effort, he has all the money he desires and is so bored he tears down his house, buys cars and has dental work done just to make life exciting. He needs a challenge outside the ordinary, an ability to completely destroy someone. Enter CZJ.
Catherine Zeta Jones was basically herself, window dressing in tight clothes. She isn't stretched too greatly for acting, but she doesn't need to be. She's a mean conniving woman who wants to get things done the easy way. She accomplishes this initially until Clooney gets her ex off the hook. She's lost, until her desires turn to Clooney and destroying him. Their infatuation with one another is sort of like one predator valuing the others ability to devour prey. Clooney is far more convincing in his `smitten' attitude, but the job is done nonetheless.
The story was very quirky and the side players were excellent. Wheezy Joe was a strange yet enjoyable diversion, mostly because his very ailment would make it impossible to do his job, yet they don't out and out say that. You are allowed to decide these things fro yourself. Billy Bob Thornton was fantastic, ever so briefly.
What happens is that you get a very odd twist on a stale storyline and yes, a decidedly obvious ending. But along the way I found myself declaring, `This movie is really strange' but liking it just the same. Is it great? No. But movies rarely are
Intolerable Cruelty was good movie. Was it great? Heck no, but most films nowadays are not great. The concept was basic enough, divorce attorney gets taken by a gold digger, and it had the potential to do it in a very cliché way. That was not the case with this film.
George Clooney was fantastic. I find myself enjoying all of his movies and realizing he's actually a pretty good actor. Much the same as I had to get over the `he's just a pretty boy' feeling about Tom Cruise. His character is so self-absorbed that even people around him don't notice much. He wins without effort, he has all the money he desires and is so bored he tears down his house, buys cars and has dental work done just to make life exciting. He needs a challenge outside the ordinary, an ability to completely destroy someone. Enter CZJ.
Catherine Zeta Jones was basically herself, window dressing in tight clothes. She isn't stretched too greatly for acting, but she doesn't need to be. She's a mean conniving woman who wants to get things done the easy way. She accomplishes this initially until Clooney gets her ex off the hook. She's lost, until her desires turn to Clooney and destroying him. Their infatuation with one another is sort of like one predator valuing the others ability to devour prey. Clooney is far more convincing in his `smitten' attitude, but the job is done nonetheless.
The story was very quirky and the side players were excellent. Wheezy Joe was a strange yet enjoyable diversion, mostly because his very ailment would make it impossible to do his job, yet they don't out and out say that. You are allowed to decide these things fro yourself. Billy Bob Thornton was fantastic, ever so briefly.
What happens is that you get a very odd twist on a stale storyline and yes, a decidedly obvious ending. But along the way I found myself declaring, `This movie is really strange' but liking it just the same. Is it great? No. But movies rarely are
George Clooney reminds me of the role he played in O' Brother, where art thou. A little nervous in some situations and a lot scared in others. But i really liked this movie. Then again i have always loved the Cohen brother's movies. My favorite part is of course when i noticed that Bruce Campbell had a cameo. Catherine Zeta-Jones plays the role of a money hungry gold digger, going through men like underwear. George plays a divorce lawyer who falls head over heels for Catherine. But who will trick who. Can you really trust a lawyer? And can you trust a woman who marries men just to divorce them and get half? Although it is not difficult to know what is going to happen, the road up to that point is very entertaining.
A romantic comedy with a twist. I give this movie a 7.
A romantic comedy with a twist. I give this movie a 7.
- udeaasykle
- Feb 26, 2004
- Permalink
The plotline of this movie requires a bit of a stretch in one's imagination with respect to the change in the heroine's pattern of gold-digging behavior. But with these beautiful characters it doesn't seem to matter. It was an entertaining comedy.
I enjoyed Intolerable Cruelty a lot, even with various people torturing Simon and Garfunkel songs throughout. Actually, "Bridge Over Troubled Water" on bagpipes wasn't too bad. The alliterative names were distracting, Miles Massey, Sarah Sorkin, Donovan Donaly, etc. There are more. Don't bother watching the extra features on the DVD. They are not only sparse, but irritating as well. George Clooney, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Geoffrey Rush turned in fine performances, and Paul Adelstein was delightful as Wrigley. Come to think of it, he was kind of wriggly
. I was surprised to see Rush in a supporting role, and more surprised to hear him sing. Oh, by the way, the subtitles/closed-captions made a mistake on the second line of "April Come She Will." Can't tell I'm a Simon and Garfunkel fan, can you? This was an enjoyable farce, and worth the time.
- herbandpatti
- Jan 12, 2006
- Permalink
This movie threw me for a loop. It was funny and good. But it had some strange pacing. No real build up to romance or anything. It's like suddenly they just were a thing.
I am truly unsure what to make of it. There seems to be major holes in the movie.
I have given it a 5 bc I like the actors. But other than that it really doesn't have much going for it.
Like how did they even fall in love? And why is a lawyer meeting with the OP client while they're represented (that could get u disbarred). He overall came across forceful and sleazy disguised as romance and wooing. But he did nothing to win her love or vice Versa, she was just hot.
I am truly unsure what to make of it. There seems to be major holes in the movie.
I have given it a 5 bc I like the actors. But other than that it really doesn't have much going for it.
Like how did they even fall in love? And why is a lawyer meeting with the OP client while they're represented (that could get u disbarred). He overall came across forceful and sleazy disguised as romance and wooing. But he did nothing to win her love or vice Versa, she was just hot.
- mps_animaxfriends
- Apr 4, 2023
- Permalink
I wouldn't have commented, except that I read too many reviews that mislead potential movie watchers.
This movie is exactly what it portents to be. A good comedy.
It's not a classic, but well worth your time. You'll enjoy it.
Clooney is excellent, and CZJ is the perfect counterpart. Plenty of recognizable names that seem to enjoy being involved, without the need to have huge billings...
Too bad these other reviewers can't just appreciate a fun movie. Don't pass on this movie, you'll be missing some good entertainment.
This movie is exactly what it portents to be. A good comedy.
It's not a classic, but well worth your time. You'll enjoy it.
Clooney is excellent, and CZJ is the perfect counterpart. Plenty of recognizable names that seem to enjoy being involved, without the need to have huge billings...
Too bad these other reviewers can't just appreciate a fun movie. Don't pass on this movie, you'll be missing some good entertainment.
- Quinoa1984
- Oct 10, 2003
- Permalink
Abysmal, abysmal, abysmal.
It is the worst film my wife and I have ever seen. Well, close to the worst. Except for the old "well connected" geezer scenes, it is NOT funny. The plot is ridiculous. A bad, boring story badly, boringly told. The leading lady, lovely but vacuous. A cardboard cutout. The leading man, ugly and unfunny.
The type of film where you wear out your watch battery looking at the time and how long you have been suffering through it. How any reviewer can see any merit in it is beyond my understanding. We were ashamed of walking out of the theatre at the end of the film. Why had we not walked out at the beginning. Have we no taste ?
André
It is the worst film my wife and I have ever seen. Well, close to the worst. Except for the old "well connected" geezer scenes, it is NOT funny. The plot is ridiculous. A bad, boring story badly, boringly told. The leading lady, lovely but vacuous. A cardboard cutout. The leading man, ugly and unfunny.
The type of film where you wear out your watch battery looking at the time and how long you have been suffering through it. How any reviewer can see any merit in it is beyond my understanding. We were ashamed of walking out of the theatre at the end of the film. Why had we not walked out at the beginning. Have we no taste ?
André
- André-3
- Oct 17, 2003
- Permalink