sme3

This version of WAR OF THE ROSES differs significantly from the novel on which it is based, but it retains the general concept. One scene at a gun range plays like what it is - a British view of U. S. culture - and that scene strains credibility, especially for a supposed California setting. Unlike the novel and the previous film version, this film never goes so dark and extreme as to require undue suspension of disbelief. While the characters are not as mean as they are in the novel, their relationship feels more complicated and interesting as they plausibly are nice people who at one time did love each other. This is a funny film with interesting characters and social commentary.

The situation of the walk creates a natural suspense to learn who will win this sadistic contest, which places the audience for the film in similar circumstances to the audience supposedly watching this walk on television in the story. The characters and their interactions with each other are the beating heart of the film, and every actor delivers a natural, thoroughly-believable performance. Playing the ruler of a cruel government, Mark Hamill is every bit as evil as his onetime nemesis, Emperor Palpatine. The strengths of these performances allow audiences to accept the preposterous concept of the walk. Some may find unappealing and/or political meaning in this exceptionally well-told story.

Like its predecessor, this is a watchable but immediately forgettable film. The cast is talented, but they are given little in the way of characters to portray. The plot beats feel like they were lifted from an episode of THE A-TEAM, but given a much bigger budget. The action scenes work, which probably is all that matters. It would have been nice to see the family dynamics better defined so that the vacation premise might feel more relevant to the story.