Ex-Husbands

In gently terrific family drama "Ex-Husbands" (aka "Men Of Divorce") after reluctantly accepting the end of his marriage to Rosanna Arquette (in minor support only, sadly) New York dentist Griffin Dunne quietly crashes the Mexico stag weekend of son James Norton (with romantic troubles of his own) that's been arranged by his other son Miles Heizer (who has HIS own issues). As relations between the three bend & strain, second-time writer / director Noah Pritzker doesn't over-cook the melodrama, but keeps things real, poignant, light, & likeable - helped by strong performances from his cast (including support from the likes of Eisa Davis & John Ventimiglia). It's a fine movie.

Peter Pearce (Griffin Dunne) is getting divorced from his wife Maria (Rosanna Arquette). His father is divorced from his mother despite their long marriage. His son Nick is getting married and is having a bachelor party in Mexico. His other son Mickey has recently come out. For some reason, Peter is booked in a nearby resort.

I never got that involved with these guys. I'm a little intrigued with Griffin Dunne because he's Griffin Dunne. I'm never intrigued with the boys. There is something interesting in the father-sons story. It's too fleeting to fill the whole movie. I get the attempt at man-love stories. I'm just not in love with the love.

EX-HUSBANDS I I Talky, likeable and effortless, Ex-Husbands is a great character dramedy using the staples of filmmaking - a good script and great performances. Noah Pritzker keeps the pacing tight, the narrative even tighter and an effective balance between genres. Griffin Dunne gets a chance to take leading status and does so with commanding gusto - the rest of the cast are terrific. Great little find.