As I sift through the negative reviews on this board, I'm curious as to the ages and experiences of the reviewers. Not to mention their so-called credibility when it comes to evaluating a film illustrating the challenges that exist within a marriage. As a married mother of two, I found this movie extremely poignant and relatable. I did not see the original in which it was based, nor did I expect a comedy simply because of the two leads. It's evident that both Will Ferrell and Julia Louis-Dreyfus have deviated solely from comedic performances and are interested in extending their dramatic ranges. The outcome, to me, was very impressive.
The film contained a few witty moments, but if you're expecting slapstick, then this isn't the film for you. This is a film that focuses on a single, traumatic event that has clearly shaken this family to the core, and the painful residual of one parent's foolish decision to abandon the family during that crisis. Essentially, the family must now cope with the insensitivity of that decision, and the palpable awkwardness and discomfort that has now plagued the once happy vacation.
"Downhill", within itself, is very simple, yet it is profound. It also offers several opportunities for viewers to reflect on the solidity of their own familial relationships as we observe the two leads. Julia Louis-Dreyfus played her character to perfection as Billie, and her overwhelming, somber disposition in response to her husband's error was genuine and heart-wrenching. I truly felt for this woman and her struggle to accept his mistake. In addition, the cavalier way in which her husband trivialized that error mirrors the many frustrations that wives have dealt with for centuries. Nonetheless, it became interesting how Billie, the simple, loving suburban housewife, would have to learn ways to cope.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie immensely, as it was highly realistic- and an accurate depiction of the challenges of an everyday, imperfect couple.
My advice to all inexperienced youngsters who are neither married, divorced or parents? Again...this is not the film for you. Stay off this board.
The film contained a few witty moments, but if you're expecting slapstick, then this isn't the film for you. This is a film that focuses on a single, traumatic event that has clearly shaken this family to the core, and the painful residual of one parent's foolish decision to abandon the family during that crisis. Essentially, the family must now cope with the insensitivity of that decision, and the palpable awkwardness and discomfort that has now plagued the once happy vacation.
"Downhill", within itself, is very simple, yet it is profound. It also offers several opportunities for viewers to reflect on the solidity of their own familial relationships as we observe the two leads. Julia Louis-Dreyfus played her character to perfection as Billie, and her overwhelming, somber disposition in response to her husband's error was genuine and heart-wrenching. I truly felt for this woman and her struggle to accept his mistake. In addition, the cavalier way in which her husband trivialized that error mirrors the many frustrations that wives have dealt with for centuries. Nonetheless, it became interesting how Billie, the simple, loving suburban housewife, would have to learn ways to cope.
Overall, I enjoyed the movie immensely, as it was highly realistic- and an accurate depiction of the challenges of an everyday, imperfect couple.
My advice to all inexperienced youngsters who are neither married, divorced or parents? Again...this is not the film for you. Stay off this board.