The Roses Movie Review

“The Roses,” a Jay Roach (Meet the Parents) is not a remake of the previous “The War of the Roses” directed by Danny Devito but they are based off the same book. ​

This is a “reimagining” of the Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas film “War of the Roses.” But it has the same idea as the original. However, whatever you do, don’t go in looking for the same film. They are nothing alike. In case you aren’t aware of what a reimagining is exactly, think back on your high school years. Now, imagine them going differently. There! You have it!

The Roses can be stuffy. It needed to calm down. That’s to say, if it wanted to be more comedic, it should have backed off the drama. Roach, who’s known for some of the silliest movies ever made (with “Austin Powers 4” In Development, by the way), was clearly going for a stark difference between the two movies and achieved that goal by going darker, but was that for the better?

We meet Theo Rose, played by Benedict Cumberbatch, (Doctor Strange) and Ivy, Olivia Colman (The Favourite), in couples therapy where they try, but don’t quite hide their displeasure for one another. Their relationship seems to be based on throwing slings and arrows and not minding it. It could be that it was once their way of flirting, but that’s not quite hitting the mark anymore. The aim was to have these characters verbally spar the entire film, in a manner that’s based on indignation rather than sexual or emotional frustration. They’re irritated at the fact that they can’t get what they want. And! Pulling the wool over the eyes that best know you isn’t going to be easy, but it’s attempted, nonetheless.

The acting made the film. Both Coleman and Cumberbatch were brilliant, showing their expertise by pulling the curious audience into looking around every corner they’ve created. They have the perfect life, so it seems. They don’t get into literal mudslinging, but instead they fight more savagely… with a cruel tongue. He has a “dizzying hatred” for her. She says she’d rather spend time with Charles Manson than with him. There’s bitterness when the other does well with no effort to hide their envy. Things are going well for them both, but they’re unable to support one another anymore.

This supporting cast, however, is better than what Roach could have hoped for with this script. What they give with, sadly, very little screen time, makes the movie more manageable. A scene where they’re all having dinner is the best thing about going out to see this, and makes it worth the watch. The banter at the table is very entertaining but nasty. Kate McKinnon’s character, Amy, is an empath, and she’s having quite a difficult time getting through the evening.

As the lives of the Roses decay, together and apart, you’re not exactly sure how to feel. Again, moments can be amusing, but I think they’re more tense than anything, which doesn’t help it be something to laugh at. You can’t root for the epic destruction of their livelihood or their lives. That’s what is being asked of you. “The War of the Roses” had a very clever ending. I expected something similar, but was disappointed when it didn’t happen. But, for the performances and some of the cinematography alone, I give this a see on streaming rating.

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