"On The Rocks": Movie Review
Written By Alex Greenbaum
It is to no surprise that Bill Murray's shrewd improvisation and dramatically off the wall performance is what ultimately saves "On The Rocks" from being additionally modest. Director/ writer Sofia Coppola ("Lost In Translation") immerses herself in her gorgeous cinematography (Phillipe Le Sourd) and wonderfully vibrant locations, giving a grand purity to every frame that presents itself. While we are left to wonder if the story could've been fleshed out further, there's a relaxing contentedness to its own frequent shallowness.
A bigger than life father (Murray) tries to console his worried daughter (Rasheeda Jones) through the suspicion that her loving husband (Marlon Wayans) is having an affair.
"On The Rocks" is supremely entertaining although facile in its execution, resulting in a film brimming with talent, but lacking in profundity. Thankfully, the dynamic between Jones and Murray, while contrived, is dynamite and lifts the film beyond its formal setting. Coppola's take on Woody Allen is a refreshing pivot from her regular filmmaking style, including Allen's typical snappy jazz, love of New York City, and quick banter.
Its ending doesn't land, there are a plethora of irritating sequences, yet I couldn't wait to see where the next story thread lead next. Murray and Jones carry a film about family and relationships, that unfortunately leaves a bit more to be desired.
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