A Scientist at the Movies Reviews by Greg Paris

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Title: Laws of Attraction

Date of original theatrical release: 2004

Details:

Pierce Brosnan

Julianne Moore

Michael Sheen

Parker Posey

Frances Fisher

Director: Peter Howitt

Score: +

The Review: Onscreen chemistry between Pierce Brosnan and Julianne Moore drives this romantic comedy about (usually) antagonist divorce lawyers. A bit predictable, but the ride is fun.

Fresh from the west coast, Dan Rafferty (Brosnan) has never lost a case; long-time Big Apple resident Audrey Woods (Moore) has never lost a case; unfortunately, they begin as opposing counsel in a potentially lucrative divorce settlement with (surprise, surprise) incomplete disclosure. This sets the stage for a series of high-profile cases that continue to bring the two into contact, with all the requisite friction and subsequent sparks. The roles are not quite symmetric, with Brosnan somewhat more laid-back and open to possibilities, and Moore more tightly controlled and unwilling to admit the obvious attraction.

Amusing supporting role by Francis Fisher as Audrey's youthful (and getting younger) mother. Somewhat more substantial are the ultimate feuding couple Michael Sheen (philandering heavy metal lead singer Thorne Jamison, a favorite of elder Woods) and Parker Posey (fashion designer Serena, whose clothes Audrey wears). And in a sense, Ireland also plays a supporting role as the two attorneys, transformed into investigative court reporters, try to track down conflicting testimony. The typography of the opening titles is quite interesting.

It works.

(23-Jan-05)

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