Director: Sofia Coppola
Starring: Bill Murray, Rashida Jones and Marlon Wayans
I have a weakness for Bill Murray and Rashida Jones, which I why when I heard they were in a movie together, On The Rocks, I couldn’t wait to see it.
Rashida Jones for her role as Celeste in Celeste & Jesse Forever which she wrote & starred in back in 2012.
A realistic portrayal of a relationship ending, the trauma & poignant way it tears at the heart is delivered in a fantastic dramatic comedy.
Murray, of course, needs no introduction either, Groundhog Day is a personal favourite.
Yet it’s his humility, in Sofia Coppola’s Lost In Translation in 2003 as Actor Bob Harris that sticks in my mind.
The bond created with lost soul Scarlett Johansson against the Tokyo backdrop is beautiful to witness.
With those past performances and the promise of a reunion between Lost In Translation director Sofia Coppola, this film had a lot of potential.
This is also the first Apple TV release this writer has seen in a cinema.
Greyhound, originally I felt missed a trick not having a theatrical release, but then after watching I think it was the right decision.
Although it had Tom Hanks, a WW2 backdrop it failed to really ignite or capture anything special at least to an audience sitting at home.
So how does On The Rocks release fair?
Credit: A24
Read more: Chris Rock’s Saw Movie Has Been Delayed Due To Coronavirus
The film follows the New York writer and a married mum of two (Jones) has she suspects her husband (Waylans) is embarking upon an affair.
With their relationship on uncertain grounds, her womanizing father Felix (Murray) teams up with her as they attempt to catch him out.
Whist the actors demonstrate good chemistry and bounce seemingly off one another with great adeptness, the script really lacks that extra wit and charm one would expect from this style of movie.
Murray, a naturally gifted comic with impeccable timing is left a bit subdued in this performance, and not really given much to work with.
Of course, he’s entertaining as always, and evidently watching the film you can see his own nuances, scripting that’s made to his favour.
However strong his natural impact is aside; with a better script and comedic principles he could shine much more than he does here.
The same could apply to Rashida Jones who never really seems to change gear in her performance.
On The Rocks is how it looks on paper or viewing the poster.
It’s a lovely film you can watch, there’s no real offensive moments, no dramatic sequences that require close attention, just a nice easy watch.
If you are a fan of Murray or Jones, you’ll enjoy the film for what is, as well as any Coppola fan.
It just could have been something much greater, with a script that provokes greater challenges.
On The Rocks is currently showing in a limited theatrical release across the UK at most Curzon cinemas, and is released on Apple TV, on October 23rd.
What do you make of this review of On The Rocks?
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