Over the last couple of days, my husband and I had time to see two of our new DVDs. Although they were different in tone, they could be categorized as romantic stories/comedies. No drugs or violence interesting stories well acted. Definitely, two winners.
“Friends With Kids” was written, produced, directed and starred Jennifer Westfeldt. Basic plot: young, successful, affluent, married 30 somethings have children and their lives change forever. One pair in this circle of friends is not married, but they are each other’s best friends. Each wants children, and the clock is ticking. So, the two unmarried friends decide that they will have a child together but not be together. Some light-hearted scenes result. But some serious stuff as well.
“Salmon Fishing in Yemen” based on a book by Paul Torday is a different film altogether, but still it is light and romantic. Lasse Hallstrom, “Cider House Rules,” Chocolat,” etc. is the director. Nothing heavy handed here. What carries the film, I think, is the acting. Ewan McGregor plays an uptight Scot, Emily Blunt a hyphenated-named London mover and shaker, and Kristin Scott Thomas a very funny PR person to the English government. Add these good actors to a plot really about salmon fishing in Yemen and you get a funny, well-directed, well-played movie.