In spite of most negative comments submitted to IMDb, Ben Younger's "Prime" is an interesting look at a mismatched pair in this story. It also raises ethical questions about when does a therapist has to decide what is best for a patient. Ben Younger whose film debut was "The Boiler Room", has a keen eye for the situation he is presenting in this film that seems to be perceived as a "chick flick", but that otherwise is a funny take on how love can make a person blind to reality.
Rafi, the lovely woman at the center of the action, has gone through a painful divorce. Is she ready for another deception? No, she is much stronger now, and with the help of Lisa, her therapist, she will know better how to deal with anyone that might try to play with her feelings.
Enter David, the young hunk of a guy, who likes what he sees when he meets Rafi, casually, one night while waiting to go in to see a film at Cinema Village. Indeed, Rafi is all what any young man could wish for. Not only is she gorgeous, but as it turns out, she is a bit older. But does that matter at all? No way!
Lisa is Rafi's therapist. In fact, she is a bit surprised to find that Rafi has fallen for a younger man. She advises her to take a chance and see where it goes, but be careful not to be hurt again. The only thing is she has no clue it's her own son who is involved in the romance.
The question of ethics come into play as Liza agonizes she is not doing the right thing with her patient, something that has to be worked with her own therapist. Not only that, but Lisa, as well as her Jewish family expects David to stay within his own when he picks the girl he will marry.
"Prime" is light and works well because of the work of the three principals. Uma Thurman is the ideal actress for playing Rafi. Not only is she a gorgeous woman, but she is an actress who never gives a false note in the character she is portraying. Meryl Streep is also at her best in playing the therapist. Bryan Greenberg plays David with ease and makes him comes alive.
In spite to have gone to see the film without any expectation, we found the film light and entertaining thanks to Ben Younger's direction.
