I consider unfair that the Stepford Wives 2004 remake by Director Frank Oz, received such poor comments and bad reviews. Perhaps, it's that reviewers did not understand that it was an adaptation of the original 1970s movie to the social, fiscal and political situation that the nation was (and is) undergoing. The superb cast included recognized artists as Nicole Kidman, Glenn Close, Bette Midler and Christopher Walken.
The plot has been updated to the 21st century. Joanna, the most recognized TV celebrity of NY suffers an emotional crisis after one of their hosts portrayed on her Reality TV show shoots his wife, her six lovers and tries to kill Joanna on stage. After series of electroshocks, she regains memory now living in Stepford.
Even though she finds the wives from Stepford somewhat unique, it is not until she meets Bobbie (Bette Milder) and Roger (Roger Bart) that the three decide on finding out the mystery of why these women are so perfect. Worth mentioning that Bobbie and Roger had also suffered of depression and moved to Stepford thinking it was the perfect town. For the rest of the plot, rent the movie but watch it with an open mind and relate it to issues and situations that current social dogmas require most of the people to adapt.
It's all a comedy and a critique of stagnation and current conventionalist trends that some people and communities decide to adopt in order to survive certain situations. After watching this movie, it was so easy for me to relate it to many processes and issues that were happening five years ago...
Once I saw this 2004 adaptation did see 1970 original movie for the first time. By all means, the remake is much better than the original. If you can understand that it has been three decades of evolution for the society, you will enjoy the movie as much as I've done. Remember, the original movie was a thriller but the 2004 remake is a comedy criticizing social rules of the 21st century.
BTW, Fate had it that Roger Bart will be acting again with Matthew Broderick a year later in the film version of Mel Brooke's musical The Producers where he plays the role of Carmen Ghia.
