Die Rosenschlacht

I think it's really amazing to have a romantic comedy featuring two of the UK's national treasures Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Coleman in the theatres now, especially with all the nastiness going on the world.

This reimagining of the 1989 dark comedy featuring Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas, shows what happens when a couple favour work-like ambitions rather than working on communicating with one another. It is genuinely hilarious, sweet and tragic all at the same time.

I won't give away the ending, but while it makes some changes to how the 1989 version ended, it also doesn't take away its cautionary tale aspect. It is also hugely critical of the material wealth that people accumulate when they become successful with their jobs.

The two leads have great chemistry and work excellently together. The film also has an early 2000s vibe, which reminded me of Roach's earlier films such as Meet The Parents or Analyse This. Definitely worth a rewatch!

The Roses was an engaging and enjoyable watch. While the story did give me pause, making me wonder whether my partner and I might one day mirror the couple on screen, it was delivered with remarkable performances. Olivia Colman in particular stands out as always, bringing depth and nuance to her role.

On the technical side, aside from a few weak CGI shots, the visuals were impressive. The color grading was especially striking and added richness to the overall tone of the film.

Although the ending felt somewhat overdone, the film as a whole was satisfying and well worth the watch.

I don't know that I've ever seen a genuinely funny, adult movie with comedy that felt equally British and American.

I laughed. Out loud. In the theater.

It was a little raunchy at times but it didn't rely on raunchiness, which was refreshing. There were real heartbreaking, award-caliber moments between a couple that had lost their way, but it was still CLEARLY a comedy.

I was expecting more of a climax after all the buildup but I appreciate the ending.

I also wish Allison Janney had a bigger part, just because I really like her.

Kate McKinnon did everything right and she needs to be in more movies like this that can accommodate her style of comedy.

But the drivers were 2 brilliant actors, Colman and Cumberbatch, whose supporting cast members had just the right amount of screen time so that we had other interests, but the story remained on them. Both did a very good job of portraying how 2 deeply flawed people over 40 navigate a rocky marriage...actually "rocky" may be underselling it a bit based solely on the last 20ish minutes. You decide.

Imagine this movie as the next step for Olivia Colman's character after The Bear and it becomes even more entertaining.

Less a scabrous 'my parents in the eighties' affair like the original "War of The Roses" than a continuous mild volley of P. G. Wodehouse-level insults and backhands, Coleman and Cumberbatch are a delight as marrieds (though looking more like elder sister and flummoxed younger brother) whose equanimity topples when Benedict's architectural career goes the way of Gotham Hospital in "The Dark Knight." Andy Samberg, Alison Janney and Kate McKinnon sit back and provide relaxed support when necessary but mostly let these old pros stretch out and do their stuff. What a great throwback pairing and bouquet of talent! Hope they work together again!

This movie was really funny. I loved seeing Olivia Colman become a fierce girlboss and reversing the gender norms with Benedict Cumberbatch having to be the stay at home dad. The kid actors (Ollie Robinson and Delaney Quin) did an incredible job playing American kids who grew up in the US but had the caustic wit of a Brit.

Kate McKinnon and Alison Janey are hilarious in their roles. I was just sad Alison Janey wasn't in the film more.

Overall it was fun, hilarious and a really good movie. Highly recommend you go see it.