I was pretty excited when I heard Bill Murray and Sofia Coppola were reuniting after their superb work together in 2003’s “Lost In Translation”. That film is my go to when people ask me what it’s like to travel internationally for business alone. Coppola and Murray captured the strange combination of lonely and exciting (mostly lonely after a while) better than I thought possible.
17 years later, they’ve come back together to tell another quiet story, ON THE ROCKS, but this one is far more predictable than the last.
Bill Murray is wealthy, global traversing playboy Felix. He lives every moment to the fullest, with little regard for deep relationships or any pleasures that aren’t almost immediately disposable.
He reunites with his daughter Laura (Rashida Jones) just as Laura begins to suspect that her husband Dean (Marlon Wayans) is having an affair with his business partner Fiona (Jessica Hardwick).
All the signs are there. Late nights, jewelry purchases that never appear for her birthday, Dean’s either completely absorbed by the launch of his new company or he’s straying.
Felix knows a thing or two about affairs and convinces Laura to spy on Dean together.
Of course, Felix’s idea of a stakeout involves a flashy car and caviar versus any real subterfuge.
Murray is hilarious and sad, managing to carve out a flesh and blood character while tinging him with just enough of his SNL lounge singer to inspire real nostalgia.
I normally really like Rashida Jones in almost everything I’ve seen her in, but she feels a bit miscast throughout. Maybe it’s hard to not appear flat next to Murray being Murray, but she’s disappointing in the role.
Jenny Slate (SNL) is pretty funny as a fellow Mom who unloads a daily dose of neurosis while dropping off her kids. Her self-centered monologues are a nice companion piece to Felix’s personality.
Coppola guides with a sure hand without being in a rush to go anywhere. It’s the closest thing to a smart Woody Allen movie you’ll see being made these days and it’s a love letter to all things New York from start to finish. It made me miss the city.
I saw the ending coming a little more than halfway through the 90 minute running time, so I was left just enjoying these characters versus being caught up in any “is he or isn’t he?” mystery.
When Murray was on screen, I was never less than entertained and thankfully he’s usually front and center.
It’s lightweight and enjoyable until its predictable ending that feels more suited to a lesser cast and crew. That being said Coppola and Murray’s b-reel is better than most, earning their latest effort a B-.
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