Search - Married to It on DVD

Hiller And A Great Cast Deliver

Reviewer | 09/04/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"A common thread provides the bond that draws three diverse couples together, ultimately leading to a friendship through which they explore the foibles of life and love in "Married To It," an engaging look at contemporary relationships and perspectives, directed by Arthur Hiller. There's John and Iris (Beau Bridges and Stockard Channing), a jaded social worker and the wife of many years who sees him through it all, has given him two children (now preteens) and only of late has come to realize that he's given up on her and on life in general; Chuck and Nina (Robert Sean Leonard and Mary Stuart Masterson), an ambitious investment broker and his wife, a school psychologist; and Leo and Claire (Ron Silver and Cybill Shepherd), a toy manufacturer and his second wife, a sophisticated woman of society who is unable to make a connection with his daughter, Lucy (Donna Vivino). A school function and commitment to a committee bring them together, and they soon find that although they each compete in different arenas of life, they are in the end not so different from one another after all. In fact, they soon come to depend and rely upon their newly founded friendships more than any of them could ever have imagined possible. Hiller has crafted an emotionally stirring study of want, need and expectation that will be readily identifiable to just about anyone who has taken part in the game of life. And it's skillfully delivered through an outstanding ensemble cast, highlighted by the exceptional work of Stockard Channing, a gifted actress who seems to thrive in a project like this. She brings Iris to life from the inside out and creates that necessary connection with the audience that spills over onto the rest of the cast, all of whom deliver dynamic performances as well, most notably Cybill Shepherd as the aloof sophisticate who finally realizes what is really important in life. But what really makes this movie work is the depth of character that each of the actors involved brings to the core of the story. It's as if the derive energy and incentive from one another; and when actors can give as much as they receive, as they do here, it shows in the polish of the finished product. That they all worked so well together also reflects the skill of the director, and Hiller obviously did a fantastic job of creating an atmosphere in which his actors could excel. Rounding out the supporting cast are Don Francks (Sol), Jimmy Shea (Marty), Nathaniel Moreau (Kenny) and Diane D'Aquila (Madeleine). One of the great things about the video revolution is that terrific movies like this one, that for whatever reason go largely unnoticed in theatrical release, get a second life and with any luck the attention they so justly deserve. "Married To It" is a sleeper you should shout about from the rooftops; it's a well made movie with exemplary performances, a great story and a terrific ending. A film as good as this simply cannot be ignored, because this, my friends, is what movies are all about. This is one you have to see and tell your friends about."

A funny movie for intellectuals

Kari Ana Smith | Modesto, CA United States | 06/20/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"When I read the other reviews I was stunned. Having just seen this movie and looking it up to buy it I cruised the reviews. What a shock. Clearly having lived through the sixties and hearing the truth about Woodstock was considered nothing to even be mentioned in their reviews. This Movie is funny, and it shows how easy it is for people to forget the importance of making a life with another person. How imperative it is to trust while still laughing outloud. In no way do I disrespect the opinions of others. I just don't see how this movie can be considered bland. You have trickery, twists and turns. It takes a bit of caring for the characters to like this movie. With this cast that was not difficult. It takes some intelligence to understand the plotline but not so much that one must be in MENSA. It is a rainy day laugh out loud movie for people who understand the jokes from the sixties. For people who lived through the horrible loss of our leaders in the sixties finally someone has found a way to express it. Bravo."

Watch it for Stockard Channing...

K. J. McGarghan | Manassas, VA USA | 09/27/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Sweet but awkward movie about three couples weathering their marital differences and building friendships. The acting was good, but there was something about the writing that left one somewhat unconvinced that these people could grow to care about each other. Cybil Shepard does a creditable job making us care about an essentially unsympathetic character (part of the writing problem). Mary Stuart Masterson turns in her usual natural and thoughtful work. But watch for yet another outstanding performance by Stockard Channing as Iris -- her scene with Beau Bridges on the balcony of the mayoral party displays an emotional intensity and honesty about many-years-married couples.The movie itself rates a 3, but the performances rate a 5; I therefore give this a 4."

A good time waster

L. M. Meade | Chicago, IL USA | 11/20/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This is quite a good cast in service of a so-so story. These three couples have little in common beside the school where they meet at a PTA conference. The acting of Mary Stuart Masterson is first class. In fact the acting of the three female leads keeps the whole thing from descending into a treacly mess. The final scenes with the children performing a school skit to Joni Mitchell's "Circle Game" was amazing. I'm a sucker for happy endings and this movie left me with a a big smile on my face"