No. 60 (2020) ON THE ROCKS. October 3rd.

 

Film No. 60 (2020)  October 3rd.  10:00 AM  PALACE  Raine Square,  Perth City. 

"It's nature, males are forced to fight, dominate and impregnate all females." (Felix gives his one dimensional view on the role of the male in life itself).

Sofia Coppola turns her hand to light, off beat film making here. Who better to continue in partnership with Coppola than Bill Murray for the light, but never the less pleasant, On The Rocks? And Murray is good, he's the heartbeat of Rocks. For those wanting to see Coppola take us deep into the beating heart of human emotion, commitment, and what it takes to be happy, On The Rocks is more Lost In Translation than Virgin Suicides. 

Rashida Jones is Laura, a successful wife, mother and writer who is bound by the walls of a spacious, well appointed apartment. What's not to like about life? Well, the fact husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) is away a lot as he builds his tech business gets her fertile mind ticking. Is she married to an adulterer? Enter dad, Felix (Murray) and he definitely has a take on Laura's suspicions. He's highly experienced in these matters. His life has revolved around rascally behaviour. He also has the advantages of wealth and boredom to coax Laura into a touch of 'on the road' detective work to ratify their suspicions!

Jones has the right look to have us rooting for her. Murray we know is a rascal but we're keen to see where he takes us. More importantly they make for a good on-screen team. Wayans works the loving father and husband role to a tee, and well, as I've mentioned, it's all very pleasant. I enjoyed my 90 mins with Coppala's easy script and direction but I walked from Cinema 5 feeling that there was something missing. Like that lovely, tender chicken with a delicate almond drizzle you ate but it came without vegetables, the vegies with a crunch. Full satisfaction is never quite there.  8GUMS.