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They say that turn about is fair play and Uma Thurman gets her shot as a 37-year-old divorced woman who hooks up with a 23-year-old hunk in Prime. Rafi Gardet (Thurman) is a recently divorced, career woman who is wooed by an artist, David (Bryan Greenberg) who is trying to find a way out from under his mother’s overly protective wing. Rafi’s psychiatrist, Lisa Metzger, (Meryl Streep) is all too happy about her newfound romance until she finds out the young hottie is actually her own son.

The problem is not so much the age difference as the fact that Lisa, and her ancestors, insist that David marry a Jewish girl and have Jewish babies. There are many funny scenes involving David’s family as they try to cope with Rafi’s differing religious background. The writing is top notch in handling circumstances that arise from both the age and religious differences. One is no more stated than the other giving it extra opportunity for humor.

Meryl Streep lives up to her acting reputation as she tries hard to balance being a controlling Jewish mom to her son while staying true and
professional with her patient. All the while without either of them knowing she is aware of their relationship. It is enjoyable watching her go through the many levels of emotions as she manages this turbulent turn of events. Streep has the ability to use subtle body language and restrained gestures that make the character’s feelings real. Where other actors might go over the top and make it campier, Streep’s style makes it convincing and captivating.

Thurman and Greenberg work well together on screen despite their obvious ten plus year age difference. At times their romantic encounters look more like choreographed dances due to both of them standing in at six feet tall. This height helps keep the age difference believable since Greenberg doesn’t visually overpower her in these moments. Parts of this movie look more like extended Levis commercials than scenes in a romantic comedy, due possibly to the statuesque model physiques of both actors combined with the casual Costume Design of Melissa Toth. There are lots of nice shots of New York as well, which always gives warmth to these types of films.

What I liked most about this film, which many may scowl at, was the ending decision by writer/director Ben Younger. His final call made this movie more real to life and sort of sets it apart from the normal Hollywood love muffin giving it a nice change of pace from the expected.  If this movie has any fault it is the tendency to over fill itself with events. The character s go through a lot which of course is pushed onto the viewer to try and digest before it is all said and done. They may have done better to loosen it all up a bit and allow the characters to just play. Never the less, this is a fun movie and most should find it kosher.

The Mungle (10/25/05)

Matt hosts the weekly syndicated Indie Rock Radio Show Spin 180. Plus with his wife Cindy they do a weekly radio feature, The Mungles on Movies. For additional reviews and interview clips visit the website www.mungleshow.com