ENOUGH SAID (2013)

Genre: Drama
Director: Nicole Holofcener
Cast: Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener, Toni Collette, Ben Falcone, Eve Hewson, Tavi Gevinson, Tracey Fairaway
RunTime: 1 hr 33 mins
Rating: PG13 (Some Sexual References)
Released By: 20th Century Fox
Official Website: http://www.enoughsaidmovie.com/
 
Opening Day: 7 November 2013

Synopsis: A divorced and single parent, Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) spends her days enjoying work as a masseuse but dreading her daughter's impending departure for college. She meets Albert (James Gandolfini) - a sweet, funny and like-minded man also facing an empty nest. As their romance quickly blossoms, Eva befriends Marianne (Catherine Keener), her new massage client. Marianne is a beautiful poet who seems "almost perfect" except for one prominent quality: she rags on her ex-husband way too much. Suddenly, Eva finds herself doubting her own relationship with Albert as she learns the truth about Marianne's Ex. ENOUGH SAID is a sharp, insightful comedy that humorously explores the mess that often comes with getting involved again. 

Movie Review:

If we were to be ungracious about things, we would nitpick how the promotional poster of this Nicole Holofcener directed drama is oh so plain and uncreative. How is your average movie goer supposed to be whip out his bucks to step into the cinema just by seeing two head shots of James Gandolfini and Julia Louis Dreyfuss looking away, smiling at something in a distance? Of course, we are not that superficial to diss this movie, especially when the rest of the world is raving about it. There has to be something worth your 93 minutes, and yup, your money to catch this on the big screen.

Gandolfini’s death in June earlier this year probably has something to do with how reviewers are viewing this charming comedy about what life has in store for people approaching, ahem, middle age. This being the New Jersey born actor’s final leading role (Michael R Roskam’s Animal Rescue in 2014 will be his final appearance in a feature film), there is something bittersweet watching how the 51 year old star (who was also seen in other recent movies like Zero Dark Thirty and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone) play a man down and out on love.

Louis Dreyfus plays a woman who dates Gandolfini’s character, only to find out that he is the spouse of a friend. This leaves her in a dilemma whether she should risk her friendship and romantic partner if she reveals what she has learnt about them from one another.

To be honest, there isn’t a lot happening in this movie, except lots of talking. But hey, isn’t that most of our lives is about? The script by Holofcener is honest and true to life, and it sure helps that she has decided not to cast eye candy in the leading roles. Gandolfini, whom many readers may know as Tony Soprano from the critically acclaimed series The Sopranos (1999-2007) is perfectly cast as the male protagonist who is charismatic with his candid smile and adorable humour. Louis Dreyfus’s chemistry with him is spot on, as she portrays a divorced masseuse who makes a connection with a fellow divorcee, and bravely takes on what life holds for her.

The movie paints an honest picture of what love and life may be like for fifty somethings. There isn’t the glitz and glamour as many would hope for, and surely there is nothing to shout about when you have to deal with a rebellious kid, an unexciting job and the expectations to keep up with life. Therein also lies the beauty of life, as depicted by this movie – every moment you live is something that defines who you are, and what your life is about. There may be no dramatic car chases or life changing twists and turns, but that is exactly what most of us will be heading towards as middle age approaches.

The two leads are supported by a fine supporting cast which includes Toni Collette, Catherine Keener, Ben Falcone and Toby Huss, all delivering truthful portrayals of the people who make up our everyday lives. There may be nothing groundbreaking with this recommended movie, but it is a reflection of how far we have come, and what is in store ahead. 

Movie Rating:

(James Gandolfini and Julia Louis Dreyfus are perfectly cast in this movie which paints an honest and bittersweet picture of middle age)

Review by John Li