Le Divorce

Whatever the story, however it is presented, set it in Paris and you have magic. Just the look of a film shot in Paris is entertaining, especially in the hands of a pair of old pros like Merchant and Ivory. Ah, but what about that story? The complicated lives of two American sisters (Naomi Watts and Kate Hudson) living among the Frogs hold the interest for the whole running time, and the cast is strong from top to bottom (especially the two leads). Still, the denouement is a bit unseemly, and the viewer is left feeling not quite sure what to make of all this. Overall, a quintessential MEOW review.

Tadpole

So what ruined this movie for me? The fact that the object of the young protagonist's affection (obsession, even) is Sigourney Weaver. Sorry, but ol' Sig is not hot stuff in my book. This ostensible comedy, about a 15-year-old's crush on his stepmother, is at its best when events are spinning out of the young lover's control--almost screwball in tone. But then it gets a little heavy, and then it's not as interesting. A tough call--probably leaning more toward no than yes.