Jan Wahl Movie Review: 'Darling Companion' & 'The Perfect Family'
You can hear KCBS Entertainment Editor Jan Wahl's movie reviews on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM Fridays at 8:53am & 4:53pm.
(CBS SF) – KCBS Entertainment Reporter, Jan Wahl reviews two films, 'Darling Companion,' staring Kevin Kline and Diane Keaton & 'The Perfect Family' with Kathleen Turner, Jason Ritter, Emily Deschanel and Richard Chamberlain.
DARLING COMPANION (PG-13)
This is a story of connections and disconnection, then finding one's way back to caring and hope. Diane Keaton stars as a woman facing changes in her life - empty nest with kids gone, and a distracted and obsessed husband. She finds a dog on the side of the highway one wintry Denver day who seems as lost as she feels. She forms a special bond with the dog, over the objections of her self-involved husband, perfectly played by Kevin Kline. When that bond is shattered, everyone and everything changes.
Costarring Diane Weist and Richard Jenkins, written and directed by the husband wife team of Lawrence and Meg Kasden, directed by Lawrence Kasden, who gave us Body Heat and The Big Chill. Sweet but too simple, two and a half hats.
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THE PERFECT FAMILY (PG-13)
Kathleen Turner stars as a suburban supermom, completely devoted to her Catholic parish. She is excited and deeply honored when she is nominated for the Catholic Woman of the Year Award. But, she needs to pass the test before perhaps winning. She has to introduce her family to the Church Board for their seal of approval. This is where director/writer Ann Renton's movie becomes a comedy with dramatic themes, fitting some fun into dysfunctional. Her gay daughter is about to marry and have a child, her son is having an extramarital affair with the town manicurist no less, and her own marriage is challenged. There's a lot to hide to get this award.
Costarring Richard Chamberlain and Michael McGrady, there's some messages here about tolerance and compassion. Three hats.
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See Right Now: The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Bully, The Hunger Games, The Avengers
Home Viewing/DVD: Joyful Noise, W.E., New Year's Eve
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