This adaptation of the 1978 Susan Isaacs novel, adapted by the novelist herself, is a solidly enjoyable, often witty, and amusing comedy-mystery centering around the murder of a lecherous dentist (Joe Mantegna, appearing VERY briefly in the opening shots) who has, it seems, "entertained" most of the housewives in an upscale neighborhood. Susan Sarandon plays Judith, a former journalist turned mostly-happy housewife (with a yen for excitement, of course), who was a one-time patient of the deceased and takes it upon herself to begin investigating the murder, with the help of her best friend, a clever, worldly-wise, bitchy-witty, dry-humoured artist played to perfection by the splendid Judith Ivey, and a handsome homicide detective (Raul Julia). Sarandon is nicely cast in the lead, and makes her character seem positively real; her line readings are just right, in just the same way most people would say them. Her chemistry with Ivey is sheer delight, and Ivey easily steals every scene she's in; Sarandon also has a very nice on-screen rapport with Raul Julia, with whom there is a tangible romantic tension. However...
***SPOILER ALERT*** ...unlike the novel, the romantic tension between Sarandon & Julia's characters remains just that: tension, and it is a major disappointment, particularly since Sarandon's Judith is married to the singularly unspectacular, even annoying, Edward Hermann, a likable enough actor but here playing one of those movie husbands whose sole job is to drive his wife into the much-more-deserving arms of another man; alas, Judith remains true to her husband, and the result is not feeling she's remained true to herself but that she's simply settled for a whole lot less and for no really good reason, at that. Perhaps this was changed because Isaacs and/or the producers felt this married woman should remain 'faithful', or perhaps it's because Sarandon is obviously pregnant, despite the attempts to conceal this fact (long, baggy shirts, jersey sweatsuits, holding things or crossing her arms, etc.). The lack of resolution between Sarandon & Julia, and the irritating character of her husband, are probably the major faults of Isaacs' screenplay. (Still, no matter its faults, it remains LIGHT YEARS better than Isaacs' other book-to-screen transfer, "Shining Through", which had its guts ripped out.) This movie could never win any awards - I just don't think it was designed to be, and it is, as usual, not nearly as entertaining as the book, but it was certainly enjoyable enough to warrant 5 viewings back when it was in theatres, and it is still a good time. Give it a try, if only for Judith Ivey. If only the movie were even a tenth as all-out terrific as she is...
***SPOILER ALERT*** ...unlike the novel, the romantic tension between Sarandon & Julia's characters remains just that: tension, and it is a major disappointment, particularly since Sarandon's Judith is married to the singularly unspectacular, even annoying, Edward Hermann, a likable enough actor but here playing one of those movie husbands whose sole job is to drive his wife into the much-more-deserving arms of another man; alas, Judith remains true to her husband, and the result is not feeling she's remained true to herself but that she's simply settled for a whole lot less and for no really good reason, at that. Perhaps this was changed because Isaacs and/or the producers felt this married woman should remain 'faithful', or perhaps it's because Sarandon is obviously pregnant, despite the attempts to conceal this fact (long, baggy shirts, jersey sweatsuits, holding things or crossing her arms, etc.). The lack of resolution between Sarandon & Julia, and the irritating character of her husband, are probably the major faults of Isaacs' screenplay. (Still, no matter its faults, it remains LIGHT YEARS better than Isaacs' other book-to-screen transfer, "Shining Through", which had its guts ripped out.) This movie could never win any awards - I just don't think it was designed to be, and it is, as usual, not nearly as entertaining as the book, but it was certainly enjoyable enough to warrant 5 viewings back when it was in theatres, and it is still a good time. Give it a try, if only for Judith Ivey. If only the movie were even a tenth as all-out terrific as she is...