Film: Barney’s Version
Cast includes: Paul Giametti (Sideways), Minnie Driver (The Phantom of the Opera), Dustin Hoffman (Rain Man), Rosamund Pike (An Education), Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek 2009)
Director: Richard J. Lewis (K-9: P.I.)
Genre: Comedy/Romance/Drama (2010) Based on the novel by Mordecai Richler
In brief: It’s 3:30AM and it’s painfully… and comically… obvious that Barney is still head-over-heals in love with his ex-wife, Miriam. The early morning phone conversation with Blair, Miriam’s new husband, is very likely the cause of Blair’s heart attack. “Are you not at all concerned?” his daughter asks. Barney’s not having a very good day either. That exasperating Detective O’Hearne has just published his tell-all book about Barney, With Friends Like These. “Now the whole world’s going to know what a cock sucker you really are.” The only thing O’Hearne has never been able to work out is what Barney did with the body. As Barney attempts to drown his sorrows in alcohol, we travel with Barney back to the beginning, 1974.
It was obvious that marriage #1 wasn’t going to work out. “She’s a conversation piece, not a wife,” Boogie tells him. But Barney got her pregnant… or so he thinks… and he has to do the right thing. Wife #2 has more promise… “one sweet little casserole,” Barney’s dad tells him. The wedding was memorable, but not for the usual reasons. That’s where Barney finally meets the love of his life… Miriam. (Miriam isn’t wife #2.) Since Miriam won’t run away with Barney to Rome… or any place else, for that matter, pursuing Miriam has some logistical challenges. Luckily, Barney’s friends are there for him, despite what Detective O’Hearne thinks. Boogie, who said he’d “never miss one of Barney’s weddings,” owes Barney a big favor.
When I first saw the trailer for this one, I had the feeling it gave away the whole story. It does give away quite a bit, but the film is by no means wrapped up when Barney marries wife #3. The problem is that the flavor of the movie changes significantly after Barney and Miriam say, “I do.” The first half is funny and energetic with great dialog. The second half is more serious… not to say it isn’t entertaining (although it’s a bit slow in parts)… it just wasn’t the movie I signed on for. It seems that Barney can do no wrong in his professional life as head of Totally Unnecessary Productions. But in real life, some totally unnecessary detours leave Barney (and us) stranded… wishing we could go back to the part about the 3 weddings.
2 popped kernels
A great start; a so-so finish
Popcorn Profile
Rated: R
Primary Audience: Grown-ups
Gender Appeal: Any audience
Distribution: Mainstream limited release
Mood: Both upbeat and somber
Tempo: Zips right along
Visual Style: Nicely varnished realism
Character Development: Engaging
Language: Irreverent
Social Significance: Pure entertainment
