Laws of Attraction

Plot synopsis:
High-powered divorce attorneys Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) and Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) have seen love go wrong in many scenarios—so, how good could their own chances be? As two of the top divorce lawyers in New York, Audrey and Daniel are a study in opposites. She practises law strictly by the book; he seems to win by the seat of his pants, or by "cheap theatrics," as Audrey says in one scene.
Soon the two lawyers are pitted against one other in several high-profile divorce cases, including a nasty public split between rock star Thorne Jamison (Michael Sheen) and his dress-designer wife, Serena (Parker Posey). The settlement hinges on an Irish castle, Caisleán Cloiche, or "Rock Castle," that each spouse wants. Audrey and Daniel travel to Ireland to chase down depositions, and both stay in the castle; although Audrey, at least, is reluctant to acknowledge their mutual attraction, they find themselves attending a romantic Irish festival together. After a night of wild celebration, they wake up the next morning to discover they have wed. Audrey is shocked, though Daniel takes their apparent marriage in his stride.
The pair return to New York and find news of their wedding printed on Page 6 of the New York Post the following day. Audrey suggests that the two maintain the semblance of a marriage for the sake of their careers, and Daniel moves into the guest room of Audrey’s apartment. Although in the courtroom they continue to fight the Jamisons’ high-profile divorce case with the gusto they have always shown, at home they settle into domestic life together. While disposing of garbage one day, Daniel accidentally discovers some sensitive information about Audrey's client, Thorne Jamison, which he reveals in the next day's court proceedings. Audrey feels betrayed and asks for a divorce, which Daniel agrees to give, citing his love for her.
Next, their famous clients each return to the castle in Ireland, even though they are not permitted to be there pending division of assets. Judge Abramovitz (Nora Dunn) sends their respective counsellors to Ireland to inform them of this, but on arrival they discover that the celebrity couple has reunited on the anniversary of their wedding. Audrey and Daniel then learn that the “priest" who performed their own marriage ceremony is in fact the Jamisons' butler, and the “weddings" he presided over at the festival were simply romantic celebrations.
Daniel returns immediately to New York, alone, but with Audrey fast on his heels, as she realizes that she has fallen in love with him. Confronting him in the grocery store below Daniel’s Chinatown office, Audrey asks Daniel if he is willing to fight to save their relationship. In the romantic final scenes, the couple are married in a private ceremony in Judge Abramovitz’s chambers, with Audrey's mother as the sole witness.

Tags: comedy, romantic

Review:
Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) and Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) are New Yorks finest divorce attorneys, but when celebrity Couple (Parker Posey and Michael Sheen) raise the stakes in their divorce, Audrey and Daniel set out to make their cases and end up getting hitched themselves.
For the sake of their reputations they must pretend that they are really in love.Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan have a very good on-screen chemistry, and they are helped by some nice direction and a good script; there's plenty of laughs in this romantic comedy, but it's not a real tearjerker like some others in the genre.7/10 A fine effort.
Pierce Brosnan is great, in some scenes even better then Moore, reminds me of Cary Grant, James Stewart in their best work (Bringing up Baby, The Philadelphia Story...).
Julianne Moore is wonderful as usual, playing the rather uptight divorce lawyer, impressed despite herself with Brosnan's physical attractions.
Frances Fisher almost steals the film with her over-the-top, much-married, society fashion character, distinctly contrasting with Julianne Moore's more stuffy persona (reminiscences of Edina and Saffy in Absolutely Fabulous?).I cringed at the scenes in Ireland, but this film does not pretend to be anything other than a sweet-thing romantic comedy of deliberate game-playing.
Sarah Jessica Parker and her sex-mad cronies aren't (thankfully!) in this, but Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore are.Every now and then, they make a lightweight comedy romance with English actor Hugh Grant, and someone like Jennifer Lopez or Sandra Bullock, and it falls apart because Grant can't act.
Well, this one boldly casts Irish-born Bond actor Brosnan with stage-actress Moore.It's not a "wet hanky" romance (as some reviewers were evidently expecting) but a tale of one-upmanship between two rival lawyers in Manhattan, both immediately likable characters, with romance, spy cameras and Irish dancing thrown in.
However outside of the court, the couple find a certain chemistry growing between them but surrounded by so many divorces and arguments how could anything good come of it?Billed as a big name romantic comedy in the mould of sparky screwball romances of the forties and fifties this comedy at times is great fun but at others falls terribly flat.
It is strange that McKenna's script is so slick when it is in the "banter" stage but so heavy with syrup and silly cliché towards the end, almost like all the talent was put into the first half, leaving nothing for the latter stages.Brosnan and Moore do try hard to make it work and mostly they succeed, but the material does gradually leave them out in the open.
Brosnan does well for the majority as he charms his way through but Moore can't seem to slide between the film's levels  she works with the snappy comedy stuff but when the emotional stuff comes she seems to drift between rom-com level acting and trying to go deeper.
Instead, it simply takes stereotype rogue A (Pierce Brosnan, disheveled and charming), stereotype career woman B (Julianne Moore, neurotic and uptight), throws them together as opposites who'll inevitably attract in stereotype situation C (they're New York's best divorce lawyers on opposite ends of the same cases) and adds a perky sheen of class with stereotype soundtrack D (it's New York, it's quirky so it's got to be cod-Gershwin, right?).
This film, about two opposing divorce counsels, played by Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore, had no merits to speak about.
Only Frances Fisher, as Ms. Moore's mother, managed to redeem a tiny piece of this ghastly film.When I had initially heard that Julianne Moore received bad marks for her "comedic" talents, I thought surely, the critics must be being a bit unfair to this very fine actress.
Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan freshly pair up in McKenna's splendid 'Laws of Attraction'.
The banter exchanged between Brosnan and Moore is the reason why this movie can pass as a comedy.
Pierce Brosnan is witty, charming, cute "as per Frances Fisher in the film", and above all, incredibly gifted in this role.
But the courtroom scenes are unpleasant, and the two leads (Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore) both seem uncomfortable in their roles.
In New York, the efficient, insecure and single divorce lawyer Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) faces the charming, unethical but also efficient divorce lawyer Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) in a litigation case.
When they wake up in the next morning, they have to face the new reality of husband and wife."Laws of Attraction" is a charming and delightful romantic comedy, mostly supported by the gorgeous and sweet Julianne Moore, and the handsome and charming Pierce Brosnan.
Julianne Moore plays her role well as does Pierce Brosnan and they manage to carry the film but their isn't a whole lot of chemistry between them.
Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore go the Tracy-Hepburn route in "Laws of Attraction," a romantic comedy that, unlike the films of that earlier pair, rarely rises to the level of its two notable stars.
The couple bicker, squabble and wrangle over issues both personal and professional - all the while falling madly in love with each other.Though bright and humorous at times, "Laws of Attraction" can't overcome the trite predictability of its storyline or the stereotypical nature of its characters.
Brosnan and Moore are both attractive and energetic performers, but the screenplay lacks the kind of madcap sophistication that was the defining trait of those films of the '40's that this movie wants so desperately to emulate.
Peter Howitt's "Laws of Attraction" is an excuse to present two attractive actors in a light comedy that should have been much better than what one sees on the screen.Julianne Moore is one of the great actresses working in the American cinema these days.
The characters and plot in this movie are entirely believable, all the actors are a delight to watch, the dialog is witty, and the Irish setting adds a nice touch.
Julianne Moore is wonderful and so is Pierce Brosnan and I don't even like him very much.
As a self-confessed adorer of the divine Julianne Moore, and an armchair admirer of Mr Brosnan (Grrr ladies!!) I did have high hopes!I don't think LAWS OF ATTRACTION is an out and out failure.
I know comedy deals often in stereotypes, but really - the Ireland sections of the film seem to me 'Ireland for America' - parts that are so cliched one expects three leprechauns to dance across the screen.If you love Julianne and/or Pierce, you might just get something from this.
Overall, the movie is cute.Pierce Brosnan is handsome and can act some.Julianne Moore does her job well, but it's not a very hard job to begin with.
"Laws of Attraction" is a highly derivative comedy starring Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore, and Francis Fisher.
Brosnan and Moore play two aggressive New York attorneys who fight bitterly through divorce cases but an attraction keeps getting in their way.I wouldn't have wanted to pay $10.00 to see this in the theater, though I like the actors in it very much.
Personally, i had always thought Pierce Brosnan was a good actor but i had never observed Julianne Moore closely before so i was joyful when i watched the movie.In fact, films about advocate usually have a general context which is based on affairs of the advocates who had met because of their clients but the performances and story had made this movie different and better than the others.
I absolutely loved this movie, Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore are the perfect on-screen couple!
I do like the subgenre of "screwball comedies" like the films from the 30's/40's that others have referenced.This movie although it had beautiful/talented lead actors with good chemistry & lovely scenery failed to meet my standards in plot/dialogue/character.The biggest problem was Moore's character who was the ultimate stereotype of successful woman who is actually insecure, needs a man, and has to gorge on junk food secretly to bolster her self-confidence etc.
This light little confection features Pierce Bronsan and Julianne Moore doing very likable work as two top-flight New York divorce attorneys who find themselves opposing each other in court, but quite compatible in their personal lives.
In "Laws of Attraction", it is the lead actress, Julianne Moore, who plays the straight man (as it were) to her male counterpart, Pierce Brosnan.Brosnan can do this kind of comic repartee in his sleep, from long experience as Remington Steele on TV and James Bond on film.
After all, the film was produced by his own company, Irish Dreamtime.The repartee and the chemistry between Brosnan and Moore is the best thing about this movie.
Laws of Attraction (2004) ** (out of 4) Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) is a very successful divorce attorney who spends most of her nights alone in her apartment eating junk food.
Audrey swears up and down that she isn't afraid of relationships but instead just can't get involved because she's too busy with her clients' needs.While taking on a major divorce case she meets her new opposing attorney, the very handsome Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) who has yet to lose a case.
She brought nothing new to her character and didn't have half the charm of Brosnan.With the all too familiar story and the lack of any real chemistry between the stars there really isn't much left in the film.
When the movie starts and we get out first glimpse of Juliane Moore's character I have to say I was not looking forward to the rest of the film.
You must see this film if you like Brosnan (He's so cute !), comedy and romantic films..
"Laws of Attraction" is a predictable, formulaic romantic comedy which pits Brosnan and Moore against each other as top divorce attorneys of very opposite dispositions and personalities both in the courtroom and out.
Brosnan and Moore had great on-screen chemistry and it instantly made you like their great characters.Though the storyline may resemble many other romance/comedy films the cast brings something different to the table that makes you fall in love with the film.
The three best features of this commendable way to spend an evening are (1) the storyline and script (which is clever) (2) The acting and the chemistry between Brosnan and Moore (which makes it almost believable) and the cinematography, which, particularly for the scenes in Ireland, is well done.In my opinion, one of the features of a good romantic comedy is that it engages the viewer in a story that makes them imagine or daydream about the wonderful magic of romantic love.
Brosnan and Moore have a chemistry that makes this happen.One test of a good film is an affirmative answer to the questions: Would you like to see this again?
From the trailers, it makes you think this is what the whole movie is about.I thought Moore and Bronson were good together and had some cute scenes.FINAL VERDICT: This is nothing original.
"Laws of Attraction" is the story of two high-powered New York divorce attorneys, Daniel Rafferty (Pierce Brosnan) and Audrey Woods (Julianne Moore) who are on opposite sides of a case involving a punk rocker and his estranged wife.
He fits right in.Although Juliana Moore is less convincing, it is easy to become immersed in Brosnan's character, as he has a way of "becoming" the person he is playing.Most of all, however, I was won by the secondary theme of the movie -- which was that something worth having is worth fighting for...
Laws of Attraction (2004) Pierce Brosnan, Julianne Moore, Parker Posey, Michael Sheen, Nora Dunn, Frances Fisher, D: Peter Howitt.
Attractive star-couple has effortless delivery and good looks to bolster this serviceable if good-fun screwball-romance, but the moronic script makes Moore, who at least tries, an inconsistent character and comedy is surely not her main knack.
To say I was disappointed is understating the hours of sheer wasted time!Set in New York, the principle figures, Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan are suave and sophisticated, kind of young and intelligent looking opposing- lawyers.
Pierce Brosnan plays Daniel Rafferty, an opposing attorney who is masculine and good-looking, yet sensitive and caring toward Audrey, who starts out with a negative outlook on love.
Audrey (Julianne Moore) and Daniel (Pierce Brosnan) see the worst part of failed marriages.
I'd also like to meet the casting director who thought that Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore would make a great match.
Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore have excellent on screen chemistry.
I have been a fan of Pierce Brosnan since "Remington Steele" and I really liked Julianne Moore in "Forgotten" so I thought I would give this movie a try.
Laws of Attraction could have been a really good romantic comedy--it's well-directed and has an excellent cast, plus fabulous outfits and sets and a gorgeously filmed sequence set in Ireland (the NYC scenes also look good).
While not a total washout, thanks to the winning performances of the leads, "Laws of Attraction" is full of too many tired, worn out ideas that have worked better in a half dozen other films.Watching this movie will bring to mind, right off the top of your head, "Broadcast News"(opposites attract), "Adam's Rib" (courtroom comedy) and "Intolerable Cruelty" (divorce attorneys).
All of which are funnier, have more interesting characters, and better stories."Laws of Attraction" has good performances from Julianne Moore as an uptight, by the book, divorce attorney who believes that love marriage = divorce = pain.
Pierce Brosnan is her unorthodox opponent in the courtroom, who for some unexplained reason pursues her.Frances Fisher steals the film as Moore's hip, beautiful, swinging, oft-married mother.The movie has a few moments of laughs, but because of it has been done and seen so many times before, the film just limps along through all of its predictable scenes.
Laws of attraction is just the kind of movie one has to see when there is nothing else to do or watch on a lazy Sunday afternoon.It's definitely not a masterpiece like Lost in Translation or As good as it gets,but it can be a good way of entertainment.this film once again makes me think that there should be more in a movie than just good actors.Though Julian Moore and Brosnan were brilliant and convincing,the story was far from original.So,when you walk out of the movie thetre or when you press the stop button on your remote control,you feel a bit disappointed,maybe even tricked,because you had such high ezpectations...But still,when you have nothing else to watch or do on a lazy Sunday afternoon,you may well just see it again and laugh heartily at Pierce Brosnan reading from Moore's panties.:).
THE LAWS OF ATTRACTION (2004) ** Julianne Moore, Pierce Brosnan, Frances Fisher, Parker Posey, Michael Sheen, Nora Dunn.
This should have been great: nice couple of actors, a fun premise: two divorce lawyers falling for each others.While not a bad movie per se, Laws of Attraction is not a good one.The word that springs to mind is insipid - it is all just borderline OK - nothing sparkles, all the clichés don't work, and most noticeably its charm is too manufactured.It is hard to pinpoint why the film falls so flat: script, chemistry take your pick....It's all rather well just not very rom-com more hum-drum...You can watch but you won't love it.....
I think the reason this movie just doesn't quite make it is the LACK of chemistry between Brosnan and Moore.
If only there were better chemistry between Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore.
Brosnan - well, he's a terrific Bond and was an alluring Thomas Crown, but he doesn't pull off romantic comedy all that well.When the story gets into a rut, the characters are shipped off to Ireland, where we get to see the customary Irish moments that are fast losing their novelty in movies.Moore deserves much better material than this.
Good film, well done for it's type.If you don't like Romantic Comedy, don't go here -- this one is perfectly what it is!.
Is it because they don't have confidence in the script and are floundering around trying to get a cheap laugh or two?Well, I can see why Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore might have felt desperate in "Laws Of Attraction".
I don't know what really came over me other than the fact that I found the romance of the film to have wit and a real sense of tenderness to it.Pierce Brosnan and Juliane Moore play opposing divorce attorneys who bicker over every case.
SPOILERS THROUGHOUT: Laws of Attraction is a romantic comedy about two lawyers who fall in love.
While there was nothing wrong with the supporting cast, the movie seems to lose it's focus there and then becomes really hard to watch.The one good thing it had going for it was the power of Moore and Broznan, two tremendously charismatic people who truly seem like their having fun and getting into the roles.
Two rival divorce attorneys (Piercw Brosnan and Julianne Moore) start off their love/hate professional relationship on a Tracy/Hepburn like "Woman of the Year" style comedy.
Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan play rival lawyers in a divorce case who fly to Ireland to gather evidence against each others' clients.
After a wild night at an Irish festival, they wake up married and with a distinct conflict of interest in this film entitled,Laws Of Attraction.This was based on a story by Aline Brosh McKenna and it was directed by Peter Howitt.The movie was simply a standard opposites-attract romantic comedy.Too bad that aside from being formulaic and clichéd,it was painfully predictable, full of implausibilities, and crowded with supporting characters that are underdeveloped and overplayed.The only thing good about it is that Julianne Moore and Pierce Brosnan create just enough chemistry to carry the movie.It adds nothing to its type of movie genre and it rather forgettable..
Parker Posey actually steals some major money scenes as the designer wife of a philandering rock star in this quick witted comedy that pits two of Newyork's high profile divorce lawyers (Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore) at each other wits.