Review of Hope Springs (2012) by Thomas W — 02 Jan 2013

I should preface this review by saying I like Meryl Streep ... I really do and I think she is one of the best American actresses to ever grace movie screens; but I did not care too much for her latest, Hope Springs, as it is NOT A COMEDY.

While it is a decent relationship drama about a couple who have been married over thirty years, it has been promoted and billed as a comedy (Streep was just nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a COMEDY) and I found nothing funny about this film whatsoever.

It is actually a very good drama about two people trying to rekindle old feelings or find romance at an older age; but there is nothing funny about this ... I think after the story began to develop and this is the movie that unfolded before my eyes I actuallly became offended by the film (it pretending it was a comedy).

Meryl Streep (One True Thing, The Devil Wears Prada) and Tommy Lee Jones (Lincoln, The Fugitive) are a married couple who go on a retreat she wants to go on to "save" aspects of their marriage.

Steve Carell (Dan in Real Life, Crazy Stupid Love) is the famous couple's therapist offering them advice. As his advice is heartfelt, professional and sincere, his scenes aren't even comedic. Am I supposed to laugh at Jones' Arnold be uncomfortable with what he has become? It just isn't a funny movie .

.. and billed as such is a blatant misdirection. This would merit three stars if it were simply a drama; but it apparently isn't what the director had hoped for ... which makes it a failure in my opinion.

Watch it for the drama and I am certain you won't be laughing.