Review 581: On the Rocks

 

On the Rocks is a hilarious, touching and beautifully shot comedy drama by Sofia Coppola which shows that she and Bill Murray bring out the best in each other.

New York author and married mother-of-two Laura Keane (Rashida Jones) has become suspicious that her career-driven husband Dean (Marlon Waynes) may be having an affair with a co-worker, a speculation encouraged by her ecentric, caddish, bon vivant father, Felix (Bill Murray).

At On the Rocks core is a very simple story about a classic father/daughter relationship.

The film is also about the generational gaps: Felix can't quite believe that his daughter Laura has grown up and now has her own life, husband and kids.

There is an underlying sadness to the film as, Laura's marrige is, as the title suggests "On the Rocks" because Dean is a workaholic who neglects his duties as a husband and father. At the same time, Laura's own father Felix, fears that he's loosing Laura to an adult life.   

Sofia Coppola's direction is sensitive, the cinematography is beautiful and captures the vibrant atmospheric New York setting, it's almost Woody Allen-esque. The production design is terrific, with its focus on jazz-filled bars and clubs and suburban New York life. The scenery is fabulous, showcasing the views of a New York we don't get to see these days.  It's also extremely funny. I was cracking up several times throughout the film's 96 minute runtime. In one particular scene midway through the film, Laura and Felix secretly follow Dean through lower Manhattan in an antique Italian sports car and it's a hoot as they frantically try to keep up with him without being spotted.

Bill Murray is excellent in this film playing Felix Keane. He wants Laura to be happy in her marriage, yet he's afraid of losing her. He also doesn't want her to be unhappy.

Rashida Jones is positively charming playing Laura Keane, outwardly a woman who appears to have everything. She's a writer, she's married and has two adorable children. Yet, she feels unfulfilled as many young women do when their children are young and demand a lot of attention and energy. 

The only down point in this film perhaps is (Unfortunately), Marlon Waynes who feels out of place playing Dean, Laura's husband. If he wants to prove that he has serious acting chops, he has a long way to go. The problem also stems from Dean being mearly a throwaway character. Not helping matters was his lack of chemistry with Rashida Jones.

Jessica Henwick and Jenny Slate round out the films small cast with witty and charming performances as Laura's associate, Fiona Saunders and friend Vanessa.

4/5.

The Anonymous Critic.