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By CityPrime
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PrimeThurman and Streep Steal the Show
2005-11-01
Article Written by: Sami Jo
Prime, the film that took writer/director Ben Younger (Boiler Room) eight years to complete, finally hit theaters last Friday. It is the story of a May-December romance that takes place in modern-day Manhattan, but the lovers involved must face conflicts of religion, age and, of course, a very concerned and protective mother. Uma Thurman (Kill Bill) plays Rafi, a recent divorcee who meets and falls for a much younger David (Bryan Greenberg, The WB’s “One Tree Hill”). What the couple doesn’t know is that David is the son of Rafi’s therapist, Lisa, played by Meryl Streep (Adaptation).
It’s clear that Younger has a knack for the romantic comedy genre, but he incorporates so much detail into each of the couple’s obstacles that he could have easily made two or three movies with the content crammed into this one. Instead of having one central conflict throughout the film, each character must deal with a series of personal issues and challenges. Rafi fights with the difficulties that come with the age difference, including her desire for a child and his lack of maturity (the hottie can’t clean up after himself or stop playing video games long enough for sex). David wants to become an artist, but he struggles with his family’s acceptance of that dream—not to mention their disapproval of his non-Jewish girlfriend. Lisa juggles her personal beliefs with the ethical dilemma concerning her patient and her son’s involvement in the relationship. It seriously borderlines being realistic and over-the-edge due to the overwhelming amount of conflict.
The mental state of casting director Ellen Lewis also concerns me. Her casting abilities in 13 going on 30 and Gangs of New York shine, but she tanks this time around. While the on-screen chemistry between Thurman and Streep is extraordinary, the supporting cast is dryer than a martini with absolutely no vermouth. Greenberg bothered me, too, because while he played the part of the sensitive hottie well, his character shares so many traits with Jess from The WB’s “Gilmore Girls” that I found myself having Milo Ventimiglia flashbacks. The two actors even have somewhat similar features! I do, however, look forward to seeing Greenberg again in a role that will allow the audience to get better acquainted with his acting abilities.
Final Thought: I am glad Sandra Bullock ducked out of this film at the last minute. While I am a fan of Bullock, I can’t imagine anyone but Uma Thurman playing Rafi.
