LE WEEK-END – The Review

Review by Kathleen Kaiser

Director Roger Michell, who brought us such films as Notting Hill, Changing Lanes and Morning Glory, takes us along for a “joy ride” of sorts with his new film – LE WEEK-END.

As we meet Meg (Lindsay Duncan) and Nick (Jim Broadbent), they are attempting to rekindle their relationship and save their marriage by returning to the ambiance and breathtaking beauty of gay Paris’.  Having honeymooned there, they are both consumed by the notion that once back in Paris’, they can reconnect and their lives will return to the way they used to be…..

It seems that while incredibly excited about their travels, the idiosyncrasies that each have over-looked for many years, seem to be exacerbated in their new surroundings.  Meg’s love of the “good life” is being tested, as Nick tries to stay on budget with their accommodations, sending her over the edge.  As Meg is already questioning her continued commitment to Nick and their marriage, not being able to enjoy the types of things she is accustomed to in Paris, sends her off the deep end.

Nick tries to appease her, and regroups to try to make her happy, in hopes of getting a little “somethin – somethin” like in days gone by.  Meg toys with Nick’s emotions, and lets him believe that there is hope for their relationship, all while still questioning her next move.   Nick thinks that everything is going splendidly, when they meet up with an old friend of Nick’s from College, Morgan (Jeff Goldblum).  Morgan extends an invitation for the “two love birds” to attend a party at his home, so they can meet his new young wife and a few of his friends while they are visiting.  Meg is intrigued not only by Morgan, but one of his friends that she meets at the party, as she once again begins to question the purpose of her relationship with Nick, if there is one, and what her next move will be ….

Will Meg and Nick’s relationship make it through their “second honeymoon”?  Will Nick reveal secrets to Meg that will change their lives forever?  And will their chance meeting with Morgan produce the inevitable circumstances that bring everything in Meg and Nick’s relationship to crumble?

The storyline seemed endearing when it started – older couple trying to find passion and rebuild their relationship in the most romantic city on earth – but the emotional rollercoaster that Meg apparently enjoyed keeping Nick on, along with Nick’s puppy-dog existence hoping for glimpse of the beautiful woman he once knew, became down right depressing as this film inched along.  One of the few positives for me was to see Jeff Goldblum back on the BIG SCREEN, as I usually enjoy the characters he plays, but sadly, even his role was unsubstantial in bringing anything positive to the story line.  Suffice to say, even the fact that this movie has some breathtaking scenes in beautiful Paris’, it still wasn’t enough to persuade me to like this film.

1 of 5 Stars

LE WEEKEND opens in St. Louis Friday, March 28th at Landmark’s Plaza Frontenac Theater