Doug's days consist of working at his father-in-law’s pharmacy, and filling the prescriptions of local residents. Then one day a meeting with the wealthy and married Elizabeth (Olivia Wilde) changes everything or so you’d think.
For one
who has ever wondered about the familiar neighborhood pharmacist and what their
life outside of hearing about people’s latest health crisis or advising them on
drug interaction might pertain, this is a disappointment.
The ripe for the taking mirth of uncomfortable human questions shared between a customer and pharmacist would seemingly be the set-up to some hilariously awkward high jinks. Well, not so much. “Better Living...” manages to skip that boat for the most part.
The ripe for the taking mirth of uncomfortable human questions shared between a customer and pharmacist would seemingly be the set-up to some hilariously awkward high jinks. Well, not so much. “Better Living...” manages to skip that boat for the most part.
That is just the beginning of several missed opportunities
and disjointed plot points. For example,
an unnecessary narration by Jane Fonda continually hampers the action. There
are not enough plot intricacies to require a third party to explain the mundane
details of the script.
At one point, the narration provides color commentary for a sexual encounter that is being visually demonstrated, something that is beyond repetitive. Why the director(s) felt viewers would benefit from an omnipotent voice spelling out what can clearly be seen is downright insulting to audience member’s intelligence.
At one point, the narration provides color commentary for a sexual encounter that is being visually demonstrated, something that is beyond repetitive. Why the director(s) felt viewers would benefit from an omnipotent voice spelling out what can clearly be seen is downright insulting to audience member’s intelligence.
Sam Rockwell, as always, proves to be the saving grace of a
faltering script and this is no exception. His charming patter and Varney’s disillusionment with the
world is an easily sympathetic plight that Rockwell plays to perfection.
If only he were given more to do. It’s like watching a genius retake kindergarten as the sublime Rockwell sifts through a role, he can do in his sleep. Olivia Wilde’s performance as the “femme fatale” is simply odd as she plays the drug-fueled, daze of her character to the point of bland confusion.
If only he were given more to do. It’s like watching a genius retake kindergarten as the sublime Rockwell sifts through a role, he can do in his sleep. Olivia Wilde’s performance as the “femme fatale” is simply odd as she plays the drug-fueled, daze of her character to the point of bland confusion.
Michelle Monaghan commendably steps outside of her
repertoire to deliver a humorously overwrought turn as the Type-A wife of
Rockwell’s Varney. It’s a performance that she restrains from cartoonish camp
by employing sharp, line delivery and an astute use of facial expressions. Ray Liotta also turns in a memorable, albeit brief performance.
There are some funny moments that propel "Better Living..." forward. Though it is vastly undermined by an indistinct narrative that seems confused as to its own purpose, both in what it is trying to say and how it wants to say it, it is ultimately rendered speechless. Rating: 6.1/10
There are some funny moments that propel "Better Living..." forward. Though it is vastly undermined by an indistinct narrative that seems confused as to its own purpose, both in what it is trying to say and how it wants to say it, it is ultimately rendered speechless. Rating: 6.1/10
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