Enough Said MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +1 Content: -3

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, James Gandolfini, Catherine Keener. Written & directed by Nicole Holofcener.

FILM SYNOPSIS: Eva (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) is a divorced soon-to-be empty-nester wondering about her next act.  Then she meets Marianne (Catherine Keener), the embodiment of her perfect self.  Armed with a restored outlook on being middle-aged and single, Eva decides to take a chance on her new love interest Albert (James Gandolfini) - a sweet, funny and like-minded man.  Things get complicated when Eva discovers that Albert is in fact the dreaded ex–husband of Marianne.  This sharp insightful comedy follows Eva as she humorously tries to secretly juggle both relationships and wonders whether her new favorite friend's disastrous ex can be her cue for happiness.

PREVIEW REVIEW: This film has received generous praise from many of my colleagues in criticism. But its strengths got past me. First, I felt the storyline and much of the dialogue were very sit-com orientated. At least 15 times, I heard the expression “Oh my God,” mostly by the female lead, who has delivered that frustration relief on her TV shows with abandon. Next, there’s the premise; Eva has befriended the ex-wife of the man she is dating. And she maintains the relationship without either of the exs knowing about it. Does she really think they won’t find out? We know it’s going to happen, but we have to sit through several other implausibilities before the fateful moment. What’s it say about this character, that she would continue with the ruse? Doesn’t she see this as a betrayal to both her man-friend and his one-time wife, who believes Eva to be her new BFF? Then her teenage daughter’s clingy best friend confides that she is considered having sex with her boyfriend. To which Old Christine, I mean, Eva counsels her. Giving sex advice to an underage girl without consulting her parents? Well, nothing can go wrong with that (more sit-com, with a tinge of cable TV). Oh, and let’s not forget that Eva and Albert go to bed on their second date, and we see several scenes with them in a semi-afterglow, playing out scene after scene while in bed. Yes, I know that’s the way of the world, but aren’t there any people who develop a relationship before having sex? And once again, Hollywood has managed to tell a tale about non-religious people. Eva profanes God’s name and Christ’s on several occasions and, as I mentioned, utters “Oh my God” with ease, but there doesn’t seem to be any other recognition of the Almighty. It’s amazing how many rom/drams the entertainment community can compose without finding one couple who struggle with or live by faith practices.

My point; when the film doesn’t feel like a familiar episode of Seinfeld or Friends, it merely comes across as a vehicle for secularists who never consider biblical teaching when relating to others. Yes, the three leads give effective performances, but then they’ve been acting for thirty years a piece. They ought to give good performances. Enough said.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Fox Searchlight Pictures