Product: Prime
Rating: 4.0
Would that more Romantic Comedies be this Honest!
PRIME is one of those films that perhaps viewing the DVD comments by the cast and crew first before watching the film would enhance the appreciation. This is a solid little work by writer/director Ben Younger who has created a story, somewhat autobiographical, and engaged the interest and devotion of some very fine actors to bring off this simple but very honest view of love and its permutations.Rafi (Uma Thurman) is a recently divorced, successful fashion worker (she sets up camera shoots for high fashion photographers) who is in therapy with the sensitive and understanding therapist Liza Metzger (Meryl Streep) who supports Rafi's need for love and encourages her to put her bad marriage behind her and find someone who will appreciate her. Reluctantly re-entering the dating scene Rafi meets young artist-wannabe David Bloomberg (Bryan Greenberg) and a chemistry develops between them that eventually results in their meaningful bonding. There are problems to face: Rafi is a 37-year-old Gentile divorcee and David is a 23-year-old Jewish unemployed kid. But the biggest problem is that Rafi's therapist and David's mother are one and the same person! Lisa is conflicted, wanting to provide on-going therapy for Rafi whom she sincerely cares about while insisting that David marry a Jewish girl and not be involved with an older woman! The manner in which this problematic triad is worked through, and it is a bumpy ride, is the story of the film.The atmosphere of this on the surface illogical story is so well realized - the Jewish family scenes are very funny, the warmth of the relationship between Rafi and David say a lot about love despite hurdles, the inner struggle Lisa faces with her own therapist - that the movie is a natural joy to watch. Meryl Streep gives a fine turn as Lisa, and Uma Thurman and newcomer Bryan Greenberg deliver a wholly credible couple with a fine screen chemistry. This is far more than the usual 'chick flick': this is a little look at human interactions, sensitively related by a fine cast and crew and a film that deserves serious attention as what Romantic Comedies can really be. Recommended. Grady Harp, March 06