Cousins

I had forgotten how much I loved this film. I enjoyed the original Cousin Cousine which I saw when it came out. This one has the glamor of major stars. The Danson Rossellini pairing is superb. I'm only sorry there was never a sequel. I don't think any of the leads - Danson, Rossellini, Peterson, Young, have ever been better. I know the grandmother was there for comic relief. I could have done with less of her. Altogether it is superb.

Having no expectations, this movie completely got to me back in 1989. But then, seeing it again around 2000 and now in 2010, it still moves me. The atmosphere, the chemistry between the main characters, the sad eyes of Ted Danson (when he's sad, not all the time of course), the shy but still uninhibited smile Isabella Rosselini can't hold back when in love, the seriousness blended with great humor (like when Marias husband after an upsetting and sad scene with Maria, calls Larry leaving a message to stay away from his wife), the music, the side stories and supporting cast - it's just a witty and intelligent (I rarely find both in American movies) story about true love. A feel good movie that make me think of it for days after I've seen it.

Okay, that last one, not true, but it's all in the family. It's also the one thing I really took from this: this truly felt like a family. It wasn't a perfect drama about infidelity, but sweet at spots and harmless. Well, except for everyone always talking about killing people. Like a lot of talk about murder.

I can't imagine why this movie has only received a rating of 6 in this database. If you read the comments, everyone liked it. There were so many neat little things going on it in I decided to look up both the director and screenwriter. I want to make sure I see more of their stuff.

I can't put my finger on it, but this is one of my favorite movies. Could be the music, could be the story, but most likely it is the wonderful character development. You know these people by the end of the movie. It is also much funnier than I expected. This movie really snuck up on me, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much. I had never heard of it when I first saw it and was therefore expecting nothing. So, I guess this commentary just doomed the movie to mediocrity for all those who see it for the first time after reading my opinion.

COUSINS (1989) *** Ted Danson, Isabella Rossellini, Sean Young, William Petersen, Lloyd Bridges, Keith Coogan, Norma Aleandro. Entertaining tale of adultery among married relatives and really about true love appearing in the least likely of places. Warm and romantic with some sly observations of marriage and infidelity. Danson is charming and Rossellini radiantly beguiling. Beautiful music score by Angelo Badalamenti. Bridges and Coogan together are a riot. American remake of French flick "Cousine, Cousine".

You will laugh, cry and cheer. I thought this was cute and not bad at all. Filled with charm, innocence, drama and romance. I thought it was a nice mix. The casting is great and Danson gives a performance of a lifetime. It is an emotionally uplifting movie that will raise your morale. Unfairly dismissed by some as confusing, this kind of sentimental character piece needs a tight focus so all of the nuances of the characters shine through. I found it entertaining and it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. I thought that there was really good chemistry between the two main characters. My rating for this one is 7/10.