STORYLINE: Life seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Colman) and Theo (Cumberbatch): successful careers, great kids, an enviable sex life. But underneath the façade of the perfect family is a tinderbox of competition and resentments that’s ignited when Theo’s professional dreams come crashing down.  (IMDb)

   I went to see 2018’s A Star is Born with the hope I would take something out of it.  I did not find enjoyment in the original material.  The streak continued. That same year the Suspuria remake was released in theaters. With the different skepticism, I purchased my ticket to the film. My skepticism this time was from a deep love for the original material.  After viewing the film I really enjoyed the remake. Now it’s time for The Roses, a remake of The War of The Roses (1989).  The War of the Roses falls under the same umbrella as A Star is Born.

   The Roses has features that were intriguing for me.  A director who  has made comedies I have enjoyed (Jay Roach – Austin Powers, Meet the Parents) and and a cast of stars who I enjoy watching (Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Coleman, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney) and a trailer that featured an odd since of humor all seemed like a winning combination.  None of this meddled for me.

    I like to think I am unbiased, because I don’t care for the original material.  In the end I found all the best bits of humor to be in the trailer.  Allison Janney, who is my favorite of the ensemble, was barely in the film.  Her role was also my least favorite. 

I can’t say it surprised me that I walked out not having enjoyed The Roses.  As I. Lose there has been original material I have not enjoyed and latter adaptations I have.  Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and the 2025 Bollywood style adaptation Juliet and Romeo, is an example of that. 

    Until next time I will see you at the movies